By Louis Chan, AsAmNews National Correspondent
A British beer company confirmed to AsAmNews Monday that it has recalled its latest offering after complaints the product minimized the traumatic experience of the Vietnam War.
The Trinity Brew Company recently released Good Morning Bir-Ming-Nam, an apparent play on words from the movie, Good Morning Vietnam starring Robin Williams.
The beer can featured images of helicopters reminiscent of those in the movie, Apocalypse Now and images of a bright sunrise which AsAmNews originally thought was a bomb blast. The company says it is actually supposed to depict a sunrise over Birmingham.
Helen El called the design “tasteless and offensive” in her Facebook post hoping to get the company’s attention. She says her Trinity Brew immediately deleted her comments along with any others critical of the brewers marketing efforts.
“Bir-Ming-Ham is our latest can release,” the company wrote on Facebook. “The label gives a nod to two of our favorite films, Good Morning, Vietnam and Apocalypse Now with a Brummie twist.”
Customers weren’t impressed. El sent us screen shots of some of the comments before they were deleted.
“Would you make a beer that makes a light of the holocaust?” one asks who only identified him or herself as Vetnamese Blood Beer.
Another said “I don’t know what you guys know about the Vietnam War, but this label is distasteful and inappropriate even though its meant to pay tribute to your favorite films.”
Trinity Brew announced its decision to withdrawal the beer to AsAmNews.
“It was never our intent to cause offense and are deeply sorry if it has. It was made in reference to the anti-war film Good Morning Vietnam and not intended to make light of the war in Vietnam,” the company said to AsAmNews via email.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story or making a contribution.
