Letter to the Editor
Outrage over ‘Fan Cans’ misguided
After reading an article in The Daily Iowan and the Des Moines Register on the UI’s condemnation of the Anheuser-Busch decision to make “Fan Cans,” I felt inclined to stand up and speak out.
To begin with, I would like to mention that I do not encourage underage drinking. But at the same time, Lord and liver know that I do not object, either.
UI officials claim that the black-and-gold cans send mixed messages about underage drinking during a time of the university’s proactive programming to stop binge drinking.
First, we need to remember that many students enrolled at UI are at least 21 years of age and that the cans are not sold to persons under the legal age.
Second, we must get off our egotistical head-trip and realize that these cans are not just being marketed to students. This clever marketing ploy is also targeting older fans, parents, and alumni. It is conceited for the university to think that its students are the only ones the Fan Cans appeal to.
Last, the mere color of a can is not going to sell more beer. It will simply take sales away from others. I am not enticed to go get hammered because of the new color combination of Bud Light; more realistically I would probably make the switch from Coors Light, as hard as that may sound. Either way, I am going to drink.
My final note is directed toward the university. Instead of trying to change the color of a can of (in my opinion, not that good) beer, look closer to home to fix the problem. If you are so concerned with binge drinking, go after the greek system, with its house parties, bar crawls, and keg races and leave the nice Dutch company alone.
Slade Kemmet
UI sophomore
comments powered by Disqus
