Hello, My Name is Vladimir

[Greg2013]

I think as satire, it works very well. But satire isn't for everyone. Of course Brewdog are doing this for themselves but they are raising the issue of Putin's homophobia. It has us talking doesn't it?

The fact that this protest parodies the I-cant-believe-he's-not-out macho/butch PR image that Putin projects is quite inspired.

Still on the fence about the whole thing, but I have to say one thing, Brewdog are doing a lot more about it than the olympic sponsors.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, well most of the time anyway, however i have to disagree with you on that one about what Brewdog are doing here, tell me exactly what Brewdog are doing for the attacks in Russia that would not be more appropriately served by a piece on the BBC or in a major UK newspaper that does not put their beer first and foremost in this fight?

[Tom]

Still on the fence about the whole thing, but I have to say one thing, Brewdog are doing a lot more about it than the olympic sponsors.

Spot on. Though where would anything be held if the Olympic committee, FIFA etc were to hold their events in only pristine countries.

Ireland? Er...

A lot of countries seem to be having serious issues with right wingers at the minute. Fascist parties, extreme religious groups, endemic serious mistreatment of women and children. Brewdog have gone with something that's the least taboo, clearly (the use of the term gay in their hashtag, as opposed to #notforrapevictims or #notforchildrenwithintactinnocence).

I don't think it's brilliant what Brewdog have done, but they are raising awareness of the problem in Russia (in addition to boosting the coffers/profile, of course - Greg2013 "that does not put their beer first and foremost in this fight"). You're right there, Greg.

Also, they made Putin look like a pantomime dame. I just don't think it will get through to his office, somehow.

[Eoin]

I think as satire, it works very well. But satire isn't for everyone. Of course Brewdog are doing this for themselves but they are raising the issue of Putin's homophobia. It has us talking doesn't it?

The fact that this protest parodies the I-cant-believe-he's-not-out macho/butch PR image that Putin projects is quite inspired.

Still on the fence about the whole thing, but I have to say one thing, Brewdog are doing a lot more about it than the olympic sponsors.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, well most of the time anyway, however i have to disagree with you on that one about what Brewdog are doing here, tell me exactly what Brewdog are doing for the attacks in Russia that would not be more appropriately served by a piece on the BBC or in a major UK newspaper that does not put their beer first and foremost in this fight?

They are making Putin and his stupid law look like the asses that they are.

Any publicity on this issue is good publicity from what I can see, they should parody it and make the Russians look backward.

I think you're taking it a little too seriously.

Anyway how could they enforce the whole "not for gays" thing, it'd never work. <--Humour

[Tom]

Actually, maybe that IS the point. Ridicule the law, get it changed. Like that stupid law the EU tried to bring in regarding olive oil in restaurants. If it wasn't for the WHOLE of the social media (probably mainly food bloggers) ridiculing the law it wouldn't have been repealed within 48hrs.
http://capreform.eu/eu-to-ban-reusable-olive-oil-bottles-in-restaurants/

[Garry]

tell me exactly what Brewdog are doing for the attacks in Russia that would not be more appropriately served by a piece on the BBC or in a major UK newspaper that does not put their beer first and foremost in this fight?

By using humour and exaggeration they are raising awareness of the homophobic violence in Russia. They have us talking, so the satire works. If enough groups like us are talking about it, then it's likely that a major news station/paper will pick it up. Brewdog make beer, they're not a media organisation, yet they have managed to highlight this issue. Sure they're going to make money out of it but some of that money is going to charity and they should be commended for that.

[Greg2013]

I am taking it too seriously ? Ffs what other way should I take it ? You can raise awareness without using satire in a situation that is as non satirical or funny as this. The world already knows what us going on, we certainly don't need the likes of Brewdog making light of the situation which presents the very real danger of people nit read into it of thinking its all a big joke.

The fact that no one here sees anything aberrant or wrong with what Brewdog is doing is very disappointing lads. What if they brewed a beer and put not for Jews and shipped it out to Palestine would thst be ok with ye as well? Because that is what ye are condoning. Think outside the box people and look at what is really going on.

[Tom]

I don't think they're banning gay people from drinking their beer...

[irish_goat]

I don't think they're banning gay people from drinking their beer...

Sure gays only drink white wine and fruity cocktails anyway. 

[Garry]

I do think you are missing the point Greg. The line "not for gays" on the label doesn't literally mean "not for gays". It's there to ridicule the current homophobic culture we are seeing in Russia. It is used to highlight the appalling violence targeted against homosexual people. The joke is on Putin, not homosexuals. There is no reason for gay people to be offended by it. It's not an attack on them. It's attacking the people that condone such violence and allow it to happen.

[Blueshed]

Charity, human rights, excellent PR... all very good, but does Putin actually like IPA?

i think it's black IPAs that he dosen't like

[Eoin]

I think they should just stop all the nonsense and make good beer primarily. But they're doing something, raising awareness and I think they quite like the gays.

Sent from my HTC One

[Eoin]

Also note that picture on the label which I have seen in a few places supporting lgbt in Russia.

Edit; I'm wrong but it's certainly a variant on this

[Hop Bomb]

I believe this is on the label:

"Drinking me gives you energy, ignorance and dogmatism required to shoot a deer (with your top off) and pass internationally denounced, discriminatory legislation (top optional) before you've even had your caviar breakfast."

[IsMise]

Just reading this thread now and it brings back memories of the time i was in the doghouse with SWMBO after i brought her home a Yorkie bar.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcjlzSod0CE

[TheSumOfAllBeers]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, well most of the time anyway, however i have to disagree with you on that one about what Brewdog are doing here, tell me exactly what Brewdog are doing for the attacks in Russia that would not be more appropriately served by a piece on the BBC or in a major UK newspaper that does not put their beer first and foremost in this fight?

It wouldn't be brewdog then. It would also get no attention. There are people going through traditional politics and media to address the issue, and is it helping? This is a different way, from a commercial source admittedly, of focusing attention on the issue in a different way.