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Just yesterday I was talking to an online ad company exec about the fact that there are still companies who refuse to put advertisements on sites with too many “political” keywords. The example she gave was predictable, Land ‘O Lakes (boycott that company), and she cited the fact that Nike took a stand as a powerful example for other brands. She said that it would be ridiculous if brand decisions led to online censorship, that we may lose a little advertising by taking a definitive stand, but that it should not influence how or what we write. My position, as always, is that there is no other choice when it comes to good vs. evil. It’s not politics anymore it’s basic human decency. We block all ads from Republicans and we’re not tiptoeing around anything. So it’s notable when brands celebrate diversity and inclusivity at a time when the President is demonizing and imprisoning immigrants and children.

Skyy Vodka’s new “proudly American” commercials starring John Cena are frankly wonderful. No one paid me to say this, although if Skyy wants to send some samples over to Hecate’s house they’re welcome. (Kaiser and I don’t drink anymore. Corey is retired now after switching day jobs but she would probably appreciate some vodka too.) I’m sorry I missed their earlier commercials featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner Trixie Mattel. She was their brand rep before John Cena and is still featured. Cena’s new commercials are awesome and cute. I don’t underestimate the nerve required to create these type of ads, but it’s also smart business sense. Skyy’s new commercials are especially smart and subversive because they shut down criticism by showing that embracing and standing up for gay rights and immigrants’ rights is inherently American. *raises fist* Plus there’s a lot of patriotism, and who can argue with that?

Here’s the first commercial, a celebration of freedom and the Statue of Liberty, 90s boy band style. I really enjoyed this.

Another one in which Cena says he pledges allegiance to the American dream, women argue in Spanish over pineapple on pizza, Cena runs in a “fun run” that’s diverse and colorful, reminiscent of a pride march, and Trixie Mattel gets her makeup on.

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve had Skyy, but that used to be my vodka of choice along with flavored Pinnacle. It’s highly filtered so it may prevent hangovers. (At least I’ve heard anecdotal evidence claiming that, I can’t remember too much about my own experiences with it.) I would definitely be buying it if I still drank. Take note ad agencies and companies. We will give you free advertising, your commercials will go viral and more people will buy your products if you come out clearly on the good side. If you don’t, if you support this administration, we will talk about it and we will boycott you.

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