There is a lot of room in the market for the concept of
'Believe what you believe. We believe in brewing beer.'
That's true - but that ain't Bud. They strut around in patriotism. In American nostalgia. In the things of blue collar. With respect. It's what made em what they are. It has made them a piece of Americana, right up there with baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet... Along with being blue collar themselves, noting their own hard work and craft. They have played hard to stand for America, and for the troops.
It is that image they have destroyed... And it's a damn crying shame. Who doesn't get a little wistful seeing those Clydes, pulling that beautiful red wagon?
That image is what they are, or at least, what they have successfully portrayed, and everything past it, FUN. There are values wrapped up in that... Values they have shamed.
That which put them above a mere corporation is exactly what they cannot fix, what they've sold their soul for.
That's why the 'Running Clydesdale', 'Chicken Fried', and Harley commercial won't work. And why the Memorial day 'Camo cans' won't either.
They ain't what they used to be, or never were. They've made that image a sham. They don't deserve to be 'King of Beers' anymore.
That's the very crux of their problem, I think. And I don't think it can be turned around. Not without a heartfelt apology for what they've broken, and a sincere commitment to do all they can to fix it.
That's a heavy burden, that image... A responsibility.
