Bud Light’s 2023 collaboration with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney generated widespread outrage, particularly among conservative customers. This provoked boycotts and protests, resulting in a major decline in Budweiser sales.
Alissa Heinerscheid, the former VP of Marketing, stoked the fire by explaining the company’s desire to shift its image from a “fratty” beer to a more inclusive brand.
Despite CEO Brendan Whitworth’s efforts to repair the brand’s image, the controversy severely harmed its reputation.
Starbucks recently came under fire for producing an ad that some critics deemed “woke,” comparable to the outrage suffered by Bud Light.
In the commercial, a father eventually comes to terms with his transgender daughter’s transition, capturing a moment of acceptance as they sip a Starbucks drink bearing her chosen name.
The advertisement, posted by Starbucks India, underlined the theme “Your name is a reflection of your true self,” supporting originality and self-expression with the hashtag #ItStartsWithYourName. This move elicited mixed reactions: some lauded the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, while others accused it of pushing a divisive message. The topic highlights the cultural divide over corporate social responsibility.
Have a peek at the commercial below.
Your name defines who you are – whether it’s Arpit or Arpita. At Starbucks, we love and accept you for who you are. Because being yourself means everything to us. #ItStartsWithYourName. 💚 pic.twitter.com/DKNGhKZ1Hg
— Starbucks India (@StarbucksIndia) May 10, 2023
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