Sometimes you find examples of big gaps between cultures. (Don’t worry, I’m not going into any discussions about political Islam here.) I tend to have a fairly liberal outlook towards beer and beer drinking – if not I would have been blogging about something else. But I have to admit that there are regulations that I find sensible. Age limits for drinking. Regulation of aggressive advertising towards teenagers – usually more connected with alcopops than beer. The best is if the major players in the beer industry promote sensible drinking, and I feel most craft breweries appeal more to adult consumers.
But then there are countries where beer is looked upon as a staple food. It is their liquid bread, brewed in the village and sold next door to the local bakery and butcher’s shop. I assume the children are poured a small glass with meals from a rather early age.
I try to respect this view of life and beer, but I feel that the promoters of the Munich Oktoberfest have gone too far this year. Along the other more or lass tasteful souvenirs, they have a baby bottle shaped like a Bierkrug.
Now the little ones finally have their own beer mug. Looking just like a real beer mug, it comes along with teat so that Lederhosen and Dirndl stay clean, while the baby enjoys his “beer”, according to their web site.
It is just me being a grumpy old man?
I wonder if 75 years ago that would have been such an odd image in North America. Not to sell the sippy cup but to sell the safety of the beer.
I lived in Germany as a toddler (albeit in the early-mid Sixties) and was raised with drinking beer. It’s a proud part of their culture, something that is as natural as breathing in the States. What’s wrong with a baby bottle shaped like a beer mug? It’s far less harmless than some of the adult-imitative stuff Americans give their kids that promote mindless consumer culture like baby Hummers, Jack Daniels onesies, etc., etc. :)
There might be other issues to react to, but I find there are good arguments to consider beer to be an adult indulgence.
You’re being a grumpy old man.
Ha… @Ron may be right!
In Egypt, mothers used to include a large portion of beer everyday when packing their children’s lunches! And in Wisconsin any child can order beer at a restaurant with a parent present. MMM beer
I think you have been a little “brainwashed” too much by your Vinmopolet or culture. You know for sure that what is prohibited and taboo, makes those “rebellious” teenagers want it even more… Of course it is not a black and white issue, but usually the more you shout about it more it interests. specially in the Fennoscandian alcohol policy perspective from you write. I know, I used to live first 20 years of my life there. Alcopops etc ads are not good, best would be a healthy relationship with booze, with example from home while eating etc. Banning stuff etc.. don know.
By the way i would like to hear your opinion about baby t-shirt or baby bottle (tåteflaske) with a hemp logo on it? Bad for the children? Come on…