Miller Cowboy Ad

[keltic63]

I just sent this message to Miller Brewing Co. I just took a look at the "Cowboy" commercial. I have the distinct feeling that this ad is homophobic. I'm not sure how it could be understood otherwise, especially in the current political climate, including the controversial nature of Brokeback Mountain. As a gay man, I am offended by this ad. I will not be purchasing any of the Miller products, and I will encourage my friends, gay and straight, to refrain from buying them as well.
https://www.millerhighlife.com/millerhighlife/default.aspx

click on "see my tv moments" then the "Cowboy" ad.

I know "Coors" had some political connections that weren't favorable to LGBT people, has anyone heard this about Miller?

[schoolboi]

I don't see anything wrong with this ad. They have always had great pro-gay advertising the past and they give a substantial amount of money to gay causes. I'll be continuing to drink my Miller Light.

[morningrob]

I must say I am in agreement with schoolboi.

[Joe Brummer]

I think the questionable line is in the begining when it says "the wrong kind of attention". It could be taken to say the Wrong kind of attention is men. I don't know if that was the intention or just a misinterpretation.

[Merlin]

I'd suggest that the gay community look more at Miller's track record of support for GLBT issues as well as their interest in courting the gay beer market and keep close watch to see if the possibly-offensive theme is repeated.

They have not only been fore-runners in advertising in gay publications and courting gay dollars for quite some while, they also received a 100% rating in the HRC Corporate Equality Index for the last 2 years. For them to make a slam on gay men in the commercial would seem to be unintentional, because their bottom line is $$.

Merlin

[keltic63]

Ok, i hear what you're saying. I do think that there is room for that interpretation to be placed on the ad, and I think that may be the case in our political climate. It may not have been their intention, but if it wasn't, what does that opening line mean?

[Merlin]

that some advertising executive at Miller is going to get demoted or fired real soon.


M

[SolInvictus]

To be honest, I haven't seen the ad in question. It would be strange for Miller to alienate potential customers as companies hate to lose profits. Good luck keltic & may you succeed.

[morningrob]

If I may answer about the opening line- did you see what he was wearing?

[keltic63]

If I may answer about the opening line- did you see what he was wearing?

focuses on the hat, and the ending line is "no matter what kind of hat you wear"

not a cowboy, not even from the west. do I need some education about cowboy hats?