Miller Beer steps in it again: The Folsom Street Fair fiasco
When last I wrote about Miller Beer, the company was cluelessly sponsoring illegal alien protests and spinning furiously. Doesn’t look like they learned to stay away from radical politics. Miller went ahead and sponsored the “Folsom Street Fair” in San Francisco…billed as the “world’s largest leather event.”
Here’s the Catholic-denigrating promotional poster for the Miller-backed fair via CNSNews.com, depicting the Last Supper as a gathering of S&M enthusiasts:
Take a closer look. The bread and wine at the supper table are replaced with sex toys. Swell.
In response to complaints from Christian groups, Miller has asked for its logo to be removed. And the Folsom organizers are now disingenuously arguing that they neeeever meant to offend:
There was no intention to be particularly pro-religion or anti-religion with this poster; the image is intended only to be reminiscent of the ‘Last Supper’ painting. We hope that people will enjoy the artistry for what it is – nothing more or less. Many people choose to speculate on deeper meanings.
The NYSun reports that while Miller requested that the poster be changed, it’s still sponsoring the event:
As of yesterday, the Miller Light and Miller Genuine Draft logos, are still on the poster on the fair’s Web site. It also lists the beers as “presenting sponsors” of the event, along with two “hardcore” pornography sites, Nakedsword.com and TitanMen.com.
Take a gander at the NSFW website for the Folsom Street Fair. Here are a few of the runner-up promotional posters…
The question isn’t whether the Folsom organizers should be allowed to promote their bacchanalia however they want. Go right ahead with your bullwhips, dildos, and chains. Knock yourselves out. Really.
The question is one of corporate responsibility. The question is whether a mainstream retailer ought to be lending its name year after year to a fringe group bent on alienating a majority of Americans who happen to be people of faith.
“We are and will continue to be supportive [of Folsom Street Fair and the LGBT community],” said Julian Green, director of media relations of Miller Brewing Company, Wednesday afternoon.
Miller has not requested a refund of any sponsorship money, Green said.
Miller: The beer of open borders and leather-bound Christian-bashers.
Spread the word.
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Categories: Folsom Street Fair
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eeewwww…
Hey, this miller tastes like…. oh never mind…
um, may they all burn in hell? Is that offensive? not meant to be.
I’d like to see these ‘brave artists’ put up a poster of ole’ Mo gettin it up the butt.
Is there a website that keeps track of corporate responsibility?
Next you’ll see a drag queen muhammed……oh wait, It’s only art if you ridicule Christians.
Now I know why I never liked Miller beer…
Let’s see how brave they are trying it with an Islamic scene with Mohammed in it.
I dunno if they are christian BASHERS…
Mockers certainly, but there’s no proof they are actively bashing them…
But yeah, those posters are just a might bit lacking in taste.
Miller’s sponsorship of this event leaves me a little perplexed, but I don’t think that advertisement is anti-Christian. It’s a reference to a popular and well-known piece of art. A piece of art that is especially popular since everyone and their mom read The DaVinci Code. And, let’s not forget, a piece of art created by a gay man.
I’m sure Folsom Street Fair organizers aren’t looking to cater to the Christian community and therefore didn’t really consider how offended people would be. But to call this ad anti-Christian is a few steps too far. I think most Christians wouldn’t have a problem with this.
I’ll run it by my mom and see what she thinks.
corporate responsibility website
http://www.stopcorporateabuse.org/cms/page1096.cfm
Rusty…
I have a problem with them, only because I find them tacky on their face, not because of my Christianity…
And honestly, the idea of anyone showing these to their mother and going “Mom, what do you think of these” is just plain funny to me.
What are you gonna do if the says “Oh, that flog looks nice… I wonder where I can order it from…”?
I mean, besides curl into a ball and cry.
Oh, well, yeah. Can’t argue with that.
And if Miller supports things like gay parades and immigration rallies, it’s more than fair for MM or any other like-minded person to boycott them. Lots of my liberal friends avoid Domino’s Pizza for that very reason.
In regards to Miller, my hands are tied. A local bar offers 25-cent Miller High Life pints every Saturday. At my age and salary, cost-efficiency is much more important than hypothetical moral outrage.
These freaks need their own island somewhere. ew factor off charts. If I chose to have a brew it wont be a Miller product.
It was the last supper before the crucifixion of our LORD not the destruction of Sodom. (or do they think we do not know the difference?).
When I was a drunk, I never touched Miller. Maybe that was prophetic?
As usual, Rusty is wrong and I am guessing you do not know JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR. I cannot think of a single Christian that would NOT be offended by this unless it was submerged in urine where it belongs (preferably at the bottom of a septic tank).
There was an apologist for the Folsom St. poster on the “Factor” Tuesday.
The question Bill should have posed???
If exposure and impact of the poster were important, why not have a mocked likeness of Mohammed dressed in “Leather Drag” holding a fisting toy in one hand and a “Miller Lite” in the other. I would love to see the the cheering publics response and CAIR’s Hooper cry Islamophobia!!!! and…Hey!, it would put Miller Lite in the “spotlight”!!!
Rusty, at the risk of getting verbally pelted by other posters for feeding the troll…
One, lets hope that everyone didn’t just find out about the Last Supper masterpiece by reading the Da Vinci Code…lets hope our public schools have not denigrated that much.
Two, Do you really think good ol’ Leo, gay or not, would find this take on his painting art? Or absolute smut? If it does not offend you as blasphemy, fine. (I find it offensive, and just imagine if this was a famous Islamic piece of art….whhhhhoooooaaaa).
I mean, come on, leather and sex toys?? Does this really belong in public?
On a side bar – The taxi’s here have pamphlets full of these types of pictures and articles of clothing and “toys”. Right there in plain view of tourists and their children to see. One was showing cute little puppy dogs on one page, and sex toys on another. The pamphlet was directing riders where the best place is to go see live sex shows, and places to go to have one night stands.
This may not be new smut for SF, but it certainly is an all new low for a corporate sponsor to be partaking in this nonsense.
Rusty:
Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” depicts one of the most sacred events in Christian history – Christ’s institution of both the Eucharist (Communion) and his institution of the priesthood.
Da Vinci’s artwork was designed to honor that moment with beauty.
Both this ad and The Da Vinci Code are clearly designed to mock Christians and specifically Catholics, for whom the Eucharist and the priesthood are Sacraments.
I am Catholic and I have a MAJOR problem with both The Da Vinci Code and this ad.
To ignore this as “art” and to say that the organizers of the Folsom Street Fair are absolved of any obligation not to offend Christians is both laughable and naive.
Perhaps I’d change my tone if they depicted a scene from the Koran in the same fashion – but wait, that’s right, Muhammed is SACRED! He cannot be depicted in art, cartoons, or any visual media whatsoever. To do so is not only blasphemous and politically incorrect, it’s deadly and dangerous.
I’m sick and tired of people thinking it’s okay to bash Christians in “art” whilst simultaneously tripping over themselves as they claim to be champions of tolerance, compassion, and diversity who selectively choose which groups they will and will not mock.
Soap Box, I’m a Christian who isn’t offended. Granted, I’m an Episcopalian, so take that with a grain of salt.
Think of it this way. It’s not mocking the subject matter, it’s mocking the painting. It’s maybe the most famous painting in the world. It’s something that people will immediately get.
Is it guilty of tackiness? Oh my goodness yes. But that’s par for the course for these sorts of things.
Rusty:
How can you rationally disconnect the subject of DaVinci’s Last Supper with the painting?
This isn’t some still-life or random self-portrait.
DaVinci clearly painted the Last Supper in the detailed, beautiful manner he did because he thought it significant and worthy of artistic expression. In other words, it’s not a random painting.
Does any artist paint anything without a subject in mind? Even abstract artists have motive and muses that inspire their paintings.
So don’t give me that whole “it’s just tacky, not offensive blather.”
I think it’s offensive. So do thousands upon thousands of other Christians.
Why do you completely ignore our objections? Why do you act as if we have no right to be angered and hurt by this?
Is it because we’re not diverse or politically correct enough for you?
Also, I’m right there with you regarding the double-standard between the way Christianity and Islam are handled. If the most famous painting in the world was an interpretation of a sacred event in the history of Islam and Folsom organizers tried riffing on that, the outrage would be tremendous. That’s ridiculous and unfortunate.
It’s ridiculous and unfortunate because this ad is harmless (to adults, anyways).
Where was PETA?
Good Grief!
Life was so much better when these freaks were under-ground, under-rocks or in the closet. excuse me while I barf. sickos!
Too many 25-cent beers have pickled your brain.
What is the subject matter of the painting?
Think of it this way. It is CHRIST before HIS gruesome death. Not CHRIST before HIS S&M orgy.
Yep, it is not mocking the subject matter. You probably think guns kill people too.
Good LORD, come soon. I am so sorry, GOD, your SON is treated this way. Have mercy on these people.
Rusty the Episcopalian isn’t offended – they are the ones having trouble taking the Bible seriously, anyway, right?
It’s ok that Christians are supposed to take this as a “SALUTE”, but if we “SALUTE” them right back IN KIND, they think we should be EXECUTED?
So, maybe Rusty isn’t offended, he is just suicidal? Lacking in ordinary levels of survival instincts?
Just so you all know:
Not all gays are like this. There are rational intelligent gays . It’s these clowns, however that some people use to illustrate why gay equality should never happen.
You know life is too easy when people have the time and energy to engage in this type of hedonistic behavior. No wonder we’re going to hell in a handbasket.
Folsom Street Fest – proving Robert Bork’s Slouching Toward Gomorrah couldn’t be more accurate.
Rusty, they had all those other covers to chose from and they chose that one? Think about it.
Your misguided, but not necessarily stupid. Come on, it was meant to assault the Christian community. Come live out here…you’ll see how this type of stuff works.
It is in your face, everyday, all the time. SF can insult the military, religions (Christian based, not Islamics) or straight people they do it with a gleam in their eye and a smerk on their face. They are very smug.
I ask you, what if the tides were turned? What if it was the Christian Coalition down here taking some sacred gay artwork and minipulating it to put a straight or christian “moral” spin on it???
They would go APE-they would be falling out of the trees! It is pretty much a given here, you can attack certian groups with little to know NO ramifications or outrage from this community. It does not however, apply the other way around.
Englishqueen, you’re suggesting that any parody or satire of Christian art and culture is taboo? Or does that standard only apply to the gay community? Or just the fringe elements of the gay community?
If you find it personally offensive, that’s fine. I honestly respect that. I, as a Christian, do not.
Still waiting on word from my mom (a Catholic) on what she thinks.
“Taste Gay”and is less filling.
Yeah…
I’ll pass, thanks…
I hope there is a strong enough gay community to support Miller. I am done with that company. Maybe their new campaign should have transvestites waving Mexican flags and chanting ‘La RazA’. Bye bye Miller forever.
On September 27th, 2007 at 11:48 am,
Just for the record, I completely agree. But they would suffer a severe public lashing for saying anything to the contrary. It is a sad state of affairs when the sane gay community is silenced so these degenerates can hold wet towel snapping contests, naked in the streets.
Problem is, living out here…this is the ONLY stuff you see, and ONLY stuff you hear about. I guess being in the throws of it makes me generalize it a bit more. But for the record, I do believe there is a sane gay base out here an elsewhere that finds this garbage offensive,,,religion or not.
I guess Miller Co. can’t move their business to Tehran….that’s too bad. Alcohol and gays will get you killed there.
Nothing that comes out of that city shocks me any more.
I’m just waiting for Mayor Newsome to change the name from San Francisco to Sodom.
Miller what? Miller who?
I hope they rot.
Rusty – Yes. And I’m pointing out here the specific and calculated selection of certain religious faiths (Christians) whose beliefs can be mocked, criticized, or demeaned while other groups (Muslims) are protected at all costs.
I believe the Church’s teaching that the Eucharist is not bread and wine. It is the Body and Blood of Christ. The Last Supper was the event in which Christ instituted this sacred sacrifice. It’s VERY significant.
You are entitled to be un-offended by it. But I am.
This standard not only applies to the gay community, but anyone. The artist who created the “Piss Christ” piece, or the dung-splattered Virgin Mary, or any time the MSM runs a story rife with errors and out-of-context quotes and information – they are being insulting and insensitve.
Do you fail to see the double standard here?
A few cartoons printed in a European paper caused RIOTS in Europe. Here, I’m calling for corporate responsibility on the part of Miller, and you’re waving off this offensive ad as something that shouldn’t bother me because it doesn’t bother you.
I agree with this. One of my friends, who is gay, was heartily disgusted after an encounter with a group of what he called “flaming” gay men who he classified as “damaging” by being “stupidly stereotypical”.
This ad – no matter if it’s a “fringe” group or not – shows that the beliefs of those who disagree with this behavior will never be tolerated or respected. And yet we’re supposed to sit idly by and be okay with that?
I don’t think so.
Of course people of faith are going to find this offensive. It isn’t just that it’s modelled after the famous DaVinci painting (his alleged homosexuality has never been proven and even if he was, he was still a devout Catholic), it’s sexual deviants mocking the beliefs of those they know wouldn’t like their lifestyle. Yes, it is a mockery when you replace the Body and Blood of Christ with devices that are illegal in Alabama. THEY KNOW IT. It’s not they don’t mean to offend; they don’t CARE. This is after all a group of people who plan to exhibit their fondness for chains, whips, and objects into various orifices in full view of the public.
Miller’s “we support the LGBT community” spiel is as flat as its beer. While I’m sure this festival will draw lots of gays, it doesn’t seem to be exclusively for them either. There are straight people into this sort of thing too (and there are gays who are not). I don’t care if Miller wants to sponsor a lesbian golf tournament or an AIDS fundraiser. But there’s some corporate lunacy going on there. What’s next? Sponsoring a NAMBLA convention?
I feel you’re pain in Palm Springs, and Duh, redrub but they sure accept it as okidokie in the gay pride parades down here and it’s sickening. gag and puke.
Rusty:
Other than being offended, I think the real issue here is that Christianity is fair game because it’s not one of the “protected groups” that can be offended and expect apologies (gays, muslims, illegals etc).
Whether or not you find it offensive is beside the point. Free speech means freedom to say and/or print what you want without being expected to apologize. But now days, if you say something that offends a protected group you get public backlash/demonstrations/murderous riots until an apology of adequate proportion is offered. If you say something that offends an unprotected group (whites, christians, people with jobs) the offended group is supposed to “lighten up”.
That is the problem.
I think we should go on a riotous rampage and destroy a couple of gay night clubs. Oh wait, Jesus taught me to love my neighbors and turn the other cheek. Problem is, I’m running out of cheeks.
On September 27th, 2007 at 11:24 am, Rusty said:
In regards to Miller, my hands are tied. A local bar offers 25-cent Miller High Life pints every Saturday. At my age and salary, cost-efficiency is much more important than hypothetical moral outrage.
Can’t get your mom to loan you enough money to buy good beer?
And just what is it about this piece of junk attack on Christ and his followers that you like?
You have “closet issues” Troll-boy?
The problem is a lot of folks do not believe in sin. Those secular humanists who do not believe in sin state Christian statements are hate speech.
If you believe in Buddha,or the Twelfth Imam, that is OK with the New Agers since they are part of false religions.
Leatherneck sins, but repents in Christ’s name. Those who do not, and believe in false gods, I wish you good luck.
I guess, that was hate speech to the New World Order.
This painting has been parodied countless times over the years. Other than “Dogs Playing Poker”, I can think of few paintings that have been copied more.
Did you call for a boycott of Fox Corp. for allowing The Simpsons to parody “The Last Supper” in – *gasp* – a bar? Double standard, indeed.
Rusty Said; Englishqueen, you’re suggesting that any parody or satire of Christian art and culture is taboo? Or does that standard only apply to the gay community? Or just the fringe elements of the gay community? It’s very spiteful and hurtful not to mention very disrespectful to many people in the christian community,as I am a Roman Catholic… Gay Community Tolerant I don’t think so.
As mentioned earlier, I hate that double-standard too. The cartoon riots were absolutely ridiculous. But I’d prefer everyone taking a chill pill rather than everyone getting up in arms over little things like this.
I think that’s probably the best way to sum it up. They’re not going after the Christian demographic so they didn’t really concern themselves with any of the potential “outrage.” At the same time, the ad isn’t meant to take jabs at Christianity either. If they were, they could have made this way, way worse.
That looks more like a WWE poster that depiction of the last supper.
Huggybear, I’m loving that link to all the Last Supper parodies. Excellent work.
Do you have a cognotive clog or WHAT? (up with my arms)
Its a funny thing, just this morning I was removing all the lint out of my dryer filter and Rusty, I thought of you!
Not A Religious Issue, Just One of True Class
Folsom Street Fair or Spike TV ads, point is how on earth can people demand manners and class and mutual respect from others — and our children — when we don’t call bad taste and contemptuous expression as the armpits of culture and immaturity they are?
James Greenidge
Queens NY
Anyone but Hillary… and any beer but Miller.
Walterc, and englishqueen01-thanks for some of the best examples of religious double standards to show a liberal (or a troll).
By taking against a stand against this offensive content, Christians are being riduculed for their beliefs on this board and they are to be commended.
A practical solution is politely correcting a person when the say g-damn, and quickly reply-no, krishnadammit! If they say g-damn again, respond quickly with-no, mohammeddammit!
At this point they will look confused and you tell them if they are going to insult a person’s religious beliefs to insult another one rather than the Christian belief this country was founded on. (Please no comments on that point-it is discussed in the Federalist Papers in great detail)
If this stuff constitutes art, then I plan on creating some “art” with a koran, a toliet and some bodily fluids.
Any one willing to place a wager which photograph would constitute a hate crime and which one won’t?
Dhimitude or Freedom?-Your Choice!
GSP
On September 27th, 2007 at 12:46 pm, Rusty said:
As mentioned earlier, I hate that double-standard too. The cartoon riots were absolutely ridiculous. But I’d prefer everyone taking a chill pill rather than everyone getting up in arms over little things like this.
It’s not they don’t mean to offend; they don’t CARE
I think that’s probably the best way to sum it up. They’re not going after the Christian demographic so they didn’t really concern themselves with any of the potential “outrage.” At the same time, the ad isn’t meant to take jabs at Christianity either. If they were, they could have made this way, way worse.
You got to be kidding me, not taking jabs at christians. Do you have rust on the brain Rusty.
Marines allowed to shoot a commercial? No.
Public sex acts and deviant behavior allowed? Yes.
SF is off the map.
Actually I think Miller beer should be a sponsor of this disgusting event. Their beer tastes like piss and this event will feature freaks who enjoy urinating on their partners. They deserve each other.
Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on THEM. Jesus will show mercy:)
I don’t watch The Simpsons anymore. I used to, but after they pulled a few punches insulting our troops a season or two ago, I stopped.
This ad was a DIRECT attack on a teaching that Catholics and Christians hold most sacred – Communion and the institution of the Apostles’ ministry (a/k/a the priesthood). While the bar parody is tasteless and offensive, it – and the Simpsons – do not directly use something taught as immoral and offensive to Christians (most Christians, there are some that don’t drink) as an in-your-face mockery.
There IS a difference.
Mayors Message from Program:
“Greetings From The Mayor
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the City and County of San Francisco, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 24th Annual Folsom Street Fair on Sunday, September 30, 2007.
I am proud to be Mayor of a city that has a long-standing history of being on the forefront of extending civil rights for all citizens. San Francisco is a city that takes pride in its diverse communities and neighborhoods.
This commitment to inclusion and ensuring diversity makes this a thriving city and a popular destination for many visitors from around the world. My office is committed to supporting and
recognizing the exceptional contributions of all of our diverse communities.
San Francisco is a city of scenic vistas and natural beauty. With a reputation for charming ambience,
top rated restaurants, a dynamic arts scene, diverse shopping and friendly people, it’s no wonder that
San Francisco is “Everybody’s Favorite City.” Our unrivaled attractions ensure that San Francisco has
something for everyone.
To all organizers and attendees of the Folsom Street Fair, their families, friends, colleagues, and visitors from home and around the world, have a great day and enjoy this wonderful and exciting event.
With warmest regards,
Gavin Newsom
Mayor”
What about the Sopranos Last Supper parody?
The Sopranos is about murder and adultery. There’s something, unlike homosexuality which many Protestant denominations find morally neutral, that all Christians are united on. Where was the outrage then?
The issue here isn’t the Last Supper parody. The issue is the Folsom Street Fair. Which is fair enough, most Christians don’t support leather daddies. But if the ad were from any group other than one that made people uncomfortable, there would be no outrage.
How very clever.
And I don’t even like the ad. Frankly, a Last Supper parody is a little too easy. As huggybear pointed out, it’s hardly original.
LOL…
That’s right, hypothetical moral outrage to you, but very real to others. If Miller was sponsoring something that pushed your buttons (euthanizing mom to save the planet?) you’d give up the 25 cent beer.
I find it odd that corporations sometimes court the fringe, but if you were to dig deeper at Miller (in Milwaukee, home to the famous airport bathroom stalls) the reasons for their sponsorship of this event would probably be as easy to spot as leather at a PETA convention.
This one’s pretty easy, don’t buy their products and send them a polite letter explaining why.
I don’t think anyone’s mentioned this yet, so…
Palomino!
SO…. Will you be running into the fair wrapped in plastic explosives?
I’m not really sure what the point of all this is, other than an opportunity for people to wag their fingers in an air of self-righteous contempt [you:Folsom Street Fair, as Al Gore:global warming].
You should be proud that:
1] You belong to a religion whose followers are not so insecure about their beliefs they must threaten/kill those who disagree with them. Shouldn’t the fact that these vile, hedonistic sinners will fry in hell for this be consolation enough for you?
2] You live in a country where people are free to say whatever they please without fear of imprisonment or death.
Here’s what I find so twisted – if this image is so vulgar and offensive, why is it even being reproduced here? Even more twisted – what the hey was Matt Barber [of Concerned Women for America fame, who brought this blasphemy to your light] doing trolling around the Folsom Street Fair website in the first place? No matter, I’m sure the folks who produce the event welcome all the free publicity.
I don’t have HBO, so I don’t watch the Sopranos. I find that unnecessary violence and adultery immoral and unacceptable – that parody was also inappropriate, as they are also fundamental Christian teachings.
But I don’t see James Gandolfini parading down the street dressed like a nun or a priest, either – a regular occurence at such events as the Folsom Street Fair. How is this not a direct mockery of our faith?
And the larger point is I don’t see The Simpsons or the Sapranos openly lobbying against churches and persons of faith, trying to bully them into compliance with politically correct thinking – as they did with Catholic Charities in MA and the Methodist pavillion on the New Jersey Boardwalk that lost its tax-exempt status for refusing to peform same-sex marriages there.
You cannot deny there is an open and active subset in the homosexual community that seeks to criminalize or financially punish Christians who believe homosexual behavior is immoral.
This ad is a poke in the eye and a flagrant act of insult.
As we’ve asked time and again, would you be so flippant about this if this were a scene from the Koran? The Talmud? I would find those scenes equally blasphemous, but I note Christians haven’t taken to the streets with torches and pitchforks…
Huggybear:
I am happy at both the points you bring above. But being secure in my faith does not mean I have to roll over and take this lying down. And no, that doesn’t mean I’m going to – as you so eloquently put it – “[run] into the fair wrapped in plastic explosives” because that’s wrong.
So far as I can tell, there is nothing wrong with discussing this and expressing my disgust at this ad.
Pointing to other bad behavior to justify bad behavior in this case the last supper is truley by someone who has lost the argument IMHO. Mock Christians Good, yet confront any group other then christian your deemed a bigot, racist, homophobe. Oh the best one I forgot INTOLERANT, yes we are intolerant if us christians confront other groups when they drag our religion through the mud.
It’s offensive, yeah, embarrassingly so (for them, or it should be). But am I, as a Christian, offended?
Not in the least. It doesn’t make God look bad, or Da Vinci look bad, or Christianity look bad.
It makes THEM look bad. And that I can live with.
I had my LAST miller beer with my “Last Supper”. If they were the only beer, that would hurt. But they aren’t, so it won’t.
You really think a Beer manufacturer is going to put morality above profits ?
Consider the source. No offense against Beer drinkers, but let’s face it: The Company that caters to the beer affectionados is beholden to the almighty dollar, and short of Prohibition, I’m not sure anything’s gonna stop Beer Lovers from consuming.
Offensive aspects aside … I hope everyone is taking note of the fact that we are here voicing our feelings over this and discussing the issue in a rational manner …
Unlike our counterparts in the ROP who would be rioting in the streets, calling for the beheading of those responsible for the ad, etc., ad nauseum.
Look, Huggybutt and Rusty.
Your willingness to bend over backwards to not acknowledge any attempt at one class mocking another class so divisively (which is so clearly evident) with this nonsense, at this point to me is more offensive to me than the artwork itself.
If the people behind the poster were only meaning to parody the “artwork” and not the subject of the original, how much of a coincidence can it be that this is the work of art they chose to mock?
“We didn’t mean to offend.” Please. PLEASE. How stupid do they think people are? Of course they meant to offend; that’s the whole point of mockery. What this display says is:
“We have no morals or spirituality; if we worship anything at all, it’s the pursuit of carnal pleasure for its own sake regardless of the consequences for ourselves or society. And here’s what we think of your sense of religion and morality.”
And it’s such a chickensh*t way to make a statement. They know that the “Christo-fascists” they despise so much won’t do anything back to them… But if these folks really had the courage of their convictions, they’d be mocking genuine Dark Age theocrats like Mohammed and his followers – and people would be dying violent deaths right now as a result.
What kind of debauched, debased, and morally empty life philosophy feels that it must “celebrate” itself by insulting others? How pathetic.
Something we can heartily agree on – we should all be proud! And please understand, my plastic explosives comment was pure sarcasm.
One last thing I would like to mention – despite what this image may suggest, Folsom is not a “gay” event [that would be Dore Alley Street Fair]. While there is a large gay contingent, it is predominantly heterosexual. Public sex acts are forbidden. All proceeds go to charity. It has consistently been SF’s most popular street fair since it’s inception, drawing a crowd counted in the hundreds of thousands, many of whom travel from around the world. I’m guessing the event itself is actually much more benign than anyone here would imagine.
Miller has been a sponsor of this event for as long as I can remember, and with good reason – at $5/beer, I’m sure they make a killing.
I can understand the outrage at the blasphemy of the image, but what I do not understand is why people need to immediately take the “what if it were Muhammed” route. We live in a predominantly Christian society where – let’s not forget – people say some pretty despicable things in the name of that religion. Be outraged, but don’t be surprised when people push back.
Flash forward five years, the 13 people in this ad will all be dead from AIDS.
Time to weigh in ( busy day here )….
#1 – Miller sucks anyway… always hated it – even being a Wisconsinite… I prefer St. Louis’ own Budweiser products…. If I want to drink water, I’ll go to the kitchen tap.
#2 – The gay/lesbian community constantly harrasses and complains about Christians and their beliefs, yet expects those same Christians to be tolerant of their lifestyles.
Isn’t a person’s religious beliefs a part of their lifestyle, therefore shouldn’t it be respected as well?
If a Christian group were to put up some poster mocking homosexuals, the gay community would be in an uproar and say it was homophobic and discriminatory.
Yet they feel they can mock / denegrate / poke fun at Christianity and then pooh-pooh any response from Christians.
As stated previously in several posts – the Muslim religion is MUCH more intolerant of the homosexual lifestyle, yet there are no “gay Mohammed” posters – no protests about the Muslim treatment of gays / lesbians. The only protests by any minority group are directed at either Whites or Christians.
Why? Because in general the Whites’ and Christians’ cries of defamation / reverse racism are laughed at as a non-issue by the MSM and government.
So:
Stick with Bud or an import
Avoid San Francisco ( which I hate to say because I love that city for it’s beauty )
And keep up this outrage whenever we, the White Christians are demeaned or not taken seriously.
Oh, where to begin:
1. Everything is gay in this City, THE Gay Pride Parade, The Exotic Erotic Ball, Castro at Halloween, The Fulsome Street fair. If it is as you say, predominantly heterosexual (that is rich), then why in the name of all that is Holy would any of those posters use overtly gay overtones if their target audience was indeed straight people? It doesn’t take a marketing mastermind to figure that out, Fozzy Bear.
2. “Public Sex Acts are Forbidden”…out of curiosity, have you ever been to San Francisco. Bums fornicate daily in our parks and alleyways of the financial district. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE BUSTED FOR THIS. I also now that this type of stuff goes on at these functions with again, no police intervention (and I can’t entirely blame them). I witnessed this type of PDA’s it at the Haight Street Fair. That was not suppose to be gay…but – you would never have known it.
3. “All proceeds go to charity.” which ones? PFLAG? GAY Parent Adoptions League??? Seriously, which ones?
4. “Benin” . Again, have you ever visited the City during one of these? Have you even been to SF? I can tell you right now, being in the BAY AREA 31 YEARS OF MY SWEET LITTLE EXISTANCE YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT., Respectfully, the Babe-ster
25 cent beer?! No wonder you can’t recognize bad taste.
Come on, some of you are WAY to touchy.
I sincerely doubt the intent was to offend Christians, as much as it was to appeal to a group of people who are roundly condemned BY Christians on a daily basis as immoral. Surely you all can see the logic in that.
If you are so humorless that this sort of thing genuinely does offend you, fine. Don’t buy Miller. It certainly isn’t worth as much time as has been wasted here discussing it already.
I mean, seriously. There are already 70-some comments on this frivolous ‘issue’, while the stories about peaceful monks being shot and beaten while protesting for freedom in Burma rate what. . .7 comments?!?
Apparently, we’d rather argue about beer ads than life and death issues.
Does anyone know what products, other than beer, this company makes? I would like to avoid those products and send a message here.
Miller? I would have guessed Schmitts would have been the brewing company that sponsored this event…(I hope someone gets that)
Oh joy of all joys! Not one but two derisive permutations of my screen name [huggybutt and Fozzy Bear]! I’ve finally joined ranks with cRusty! I’m so honored!
1] Having a large gay presence does not a “gay” event make. If that were the case, it would be impossible to have a non-gay event in this city. What you seem to not understand is that not all straight people are turned off by “teh gayz”; many, many straight people are more defensive of gay causes than real live gays!
2] Have I ever been to San Francisco? Yup – I live [t]here! I’ve been to Folsom a number of times. A couple years ago I worked security for the event, and I can assure you – people can and do get busted for public sex.
3] They change the list of charities every year, but I think they’re listed on Folsom’s website. When I worked security, my time was donated to a terminal care hospice.
4] See #2. My definition of benign is probably different than yours. But after reading a number of “concerned citizens” describe their expectations of the event, all I can say is my word – these people have active imaginations!
#76 – No, but I would like to know as well.
On the Flip side, if you want to support a beer company with a little class…Buds the one.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=966_1187636093
Not to get off the subject, but this is a company that conducts itself with a lot of class. This is a commercial that only aired once, but was never aired again on account that they did not want to MAKE MONEY off of the 9/11 attacks.
Bud’s in, Miller’s out.
*hugs* to feebiebabe for her smackdowns of Huggybutt and Rust-for-brains. Nice to see someone out there still has some sense. Hang in there!
Yashmak — you just don’t get it. As a Catholic, yes, this offends me. It’s stupid, childish, degrading, and disgusting. However, I try to keep in mind the source. What it really offends is the mother in me. How do you drive down the road, or open a magazine, or turn on the TV — and have to explain this crap to your 7yo daughter? If you have the answer to that, please, please enlighten us. (We don’t watch the Simpsons, and the Sopranos came on after her bedtime. I’m talking about in-your-face crap.) Where has common decency gone? I bet there are plenty of hetero couples around who use these … umm… tools. Thankfully they are not parading through the streets celebrating how enlightened they are. And before anyone thinks otherwise, yes, I have scads of close gay friends — and gay relatives. I love them all. Sex is not discussed. What they do is none of my business. What I do is none of their business. When did we lose sight of that?? And why do corporations feel the need to subsidize such garbage?
This brings to mind Michael Savage’s crack that the pictures from Abu Ghraib aren’t as offensive as San Francisco’s Gay Pride Parade.
Time to go to the store and by another 6 pack of Leinie Red.
They are what they eat.
Miller is owned by SABMiller. Long list of products at the bottom of the page.
Not much of a coincidence considering it’s one, if not the, most famous work of art ever. And parodies of it are quite common.
What a mean-spirited and ignorant thing to say. You should be ashamed of yourself.
The poster is the work of a planning committee and ad agency directed by the values common among a specific set of homosexual adults.
Of course, as it is the groove in San Francisco, these folks see themselves as some kind of liberating and creative social force.
New age.
New versus just, say, heterosexual Christian repressive types.
But I must say, that when you cut down to it, what they are doing was prophesized.
The very Being they insult and try to desacralize foretold their deeds nearly 2000 years ago.
That must really make their butts itch.
Dead from AIDS related illness? Maybe not.
Living on the public dole in order to get their retro-virals paid for because of their “lifestyle” compulsion to engage in specific sex acts that transmit disease among their “social cohort”? More likely.
It all gets sanitized away in the language of “public health”.
The Pope has issued a Papal Bull. Pat Robertson has issued a “Fatwa”.Death to all involved in this blasphemy. Anyone stoning these blasphemers shall be considered a “defender of the Faith” and a martyr….OH WAIT!!! This scenario could only happen in a Muslim country. Here Christians can only protest.
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen..
I don’t give a hoot about the intent of the Homosexual BDSM planning committee for the Folsom Street Fair, or their homosexual “creative” team that created the posters and promo materials.
I am looking at the impact it has, the statement it makes.
Intent and impact. It is a package deal. No one gets a pass. Weigh them both together. Hold the Homosexual planning committee accountable. Ask them to account for the impact of their decision- a decision they made using money to leverage the decision into a social instrument of communication.
Ask them to articulate their intention.
They are locatable and identifiable members of the Nation’s citizenry who are acting in public settings freely as guaranteed under the Constitution.
But they are accountable to others with whom they share the public commons.
So what’s up, Buttercup?
I wish they would send a check to our charity so I could send it back.
We don’t need their “art” or their money.
REAL ART
Are you against all images and public depictions of sexuality or just homosexual ones? Because if you are trying to shield your daughter from all displays of sexuality: 1. uhhh….good luck with that and 2. There are probably about 1000 crass depictions of heterosexual sex in popular culture and media for every one homosexual depiction. So who should you really blame?
If your issue is just that its a homosexual depiction, something that you find immoral or maybe just icky, then perhaps when faced with these images, it would be a good launch pad for you to discuss with your daughter the root of your values and beliefs, and how not all people, like those in the picture, agree with those values or beliefs and what you perceive to be the consequences of their decisions or lifestyle.
But unfortunately, your apparent discomfort in having to explain something to your daughter does not trump someone or some group’s first amendment rights.