Budweiser’s emotionally charged Super Bowl commercial has ignited a wave of backlash. The Super Bowl is renowned not only for its thrilling football games but also for its imaginative ads, and this year was no exception. From Melissa Hart’s hilarious Kia spot to the surprise reveal of “Stranger Things” Season 2, the commercials captivated audiences. However, the standout ad came from Budweiser, known as the “king of beers.”
This poignant advertisement produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev chronicles the journey of the company’s founder, Adolphus Busch, who immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1857. Facing significant adversity and prejudice, Busch’s story unfolds as he arrives in America, confronting xenophobia and hostility. Despite these challenges, he perseveres, ultimately reaching St. Louis and meeting Eberhard Anheuser, setting the stage for a remarkable history.
With its cinematic flair and touching narrative, the ad encapsulates the very essence of the American Dream — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — while shedding light on the hurdles faced by countless immigrants in their quest for that dream. It’s the kind of advertisement that resonates deeply with the human experience and what it truly means to be American.
However, the climate of 2017 proved to be divisive. Although the ad was reportedly in development for nearly a year and was intended to celebrate the story of its founder, its release coincided with the President’s controversial travel ban, prompting swift reactions on social media. Critics accused the commercial of opposing Trump’s travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries.
Unbelievable, right? While some viewers expressed their frustration with the ad, others rallied to its defense. Following the emergence of the #BoycottBudweiser hashtag, social media users quickly countered the negativity with support for Budweiser’s message of inclusion and resilience.
Budweiser wasn’t the only brand sending a powerful message of love and acceptance during the Super Bowl. Coca-Cola presented a heartwarming commercial featuring a multilingual rendition of “America the Beautiful,” while Audi emphasized gender equality and equal pay. Additionally, Airbnb created an impactful ad in record time, promoting unity among diverse backgrounds with the message, “We believe no matter who you are, where you’re from, who you love, or who you worship, we all belong.” This powerful message concluded with the hashtag #WeAccept, which quickly gained traction during the game.
In light of the backlash, many found themselves supporting Budweiser and its positive message. Even those who typically don’t drink beer, like myself, felt compelled to purchase a twelve-pack of Budweiser and Bud Light.
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In summary, Budweiser’s ad about the American Dream sparked both admiration and criticism, illustrating the complexities of modern America. Despite the backlash, the ad’s message of perseverance and unity resonated with many, showcasing the spirit of inclusion that defines the nation.