Racism and Alcohol Regulation
Oklahoma is considering allowing “strong beer” and wine to be sold in grocery stores. Lobbying against the change is a contradictory but familiar coalition of neo-prohibitionists and liquor store owners.
Down in the poll data, there is this: when asked, in the abstract, whether grocery store sales should be allowed, 54% of Oklahomans polled say no. Then, when the question is re-phrased to include a reference to Snoop Dogg’s Blast malt liquor, the percentage against goes up to 66 percent.
In Illinois, Attorney General Lisa Madigan is going after Blast, saying the sweetened, fruit-flavored swill is nothing but “binge in a can” aimed at minors.
The 12-percent alcohol concentration means a single 23.5-ounce can is equivalent to drinking a six-pack of typical American beer, her office said.
Which is not, strictly speaking, true. Assuming that Budweiser at 6% alcohol is a “typical American beer,” a six pack of 12 ounce cans contains 4.32 ounce of alcohol. A 23.5 ounce can of Blast contains only 2.82 ounces. So Madigan’s office is distributing a scary factoid that is inflated by 65%.
Seventeen states attorneys general have banded together to protest Blast. Interestingly, none have joined to protest the recent release of Bacardi Classic Cocktail Piña Colada, which, like Snoop Dogg’s Blast, contains fruit flavors and sugar, but clocks in at a whopping 15% alcohol. The Piña Colada mix is marketed primarily to white suburbanites.
It’s probably just an oversight. I’m sure the attorneys general are going to line up against Bacardi soon.
To look at all the white people in Bacardi’s completely non-controversial advertising, click here.
September 15th, 2011 at 9:59 AM
That is the main occupation of the culture police. Gin martini: ok. Marijuana: evil. Vintage port: ok. MD 20/20:evil. High proof German Doppel/Tripel Bock:ok. Malt liquor:evil. It’s not what’s consumed but who consumes it.
September 16th, 2011 at 8:41 AM
Agree with you Wally except for the marijuana part, which seems to be consumed at one point or another by everyone in society, yet is still illegal. Racism isn’t the issue, but having said that, I’m not sure what is. Fear of a Cheeto’s shortage perhaps?
September 16th, 2011 at 11:48 AM
First of all, there is no one who takes a shortage of snack foods more seriously than I do, but I’m not sure that’s the issue.
Marijuana was first illegalized as a result of racial fear — that terrible black people would get innocent white kids hooked and the next thing you know everyone’s listening to race music and staying out late in dingy clubs and getting laid. Which is, if you think about it, pretty much what happened.
September 16th, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Well ya, but now that that has happened, it ain’t racism that keeps it illegal, which was my point. Perhaps it’s fear that the legendary geniuses at Taco Bell will come up with another out of this world concoction, leading to greater obesity, and further strain on the healthcare system?
September 16th, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Tom,
Is Ventura Highway race music??? Enquiring mind here…
Pursuit,
The issue that keeps any particular drug illegal is this: entrepreneurs against corporate industrials.