North County Times (CA)

Stop using movies to sell beer

I thought beer companies weren't supposed to target minors with their advertising.

Coors has been helping to advertise for "Scary Movie 3," as well as having some product placement in the movie. These advertisements are just as much advertisements for beer as they are for the movie.

This shows teenagers that drinking is socially acceptable and done frequently. Also, the movie sends subtle messages to the viewers to buy Coors beer.

Sending these messages would be OK if the viewers of the movie were definitely going to be drinking age. "Scary Movie 3" is rated PG-13, unlike the previous "Scary Movies" that were rated R, and is directed at teenagers. Teenagers cannot drink, therefore you see the problem. It isn't even remotely OK for teenagers to be drinking, yet these messages are being sent to them telling them to buy beer, especially Coors beer.

Underage drinking is a massive problem for society today. Earlier and earlier, today's young people start drinking. Underage drinking causes six times more deaths than all other illicit drugs combined. Sending messages of pro-drinking will only increase these numbers. So, instead of adding to the tragedy, try to help it instead. Stop using movies to sell beer to teenagers.

MARLA SCHEVKER

Rancho Penasquitos