Is Craft Beer Cringe Right Now?

I have no idea what this question means

 

Oh. It's the taking a selfie, or getting a photo taken at an insert place of business here sort of customer encounter you may be aware of.

 

I can’t speak to the behavior at the breweries and bars you frequent, but it’s pretty common on a certain beer website you’ve been known to visit:

• In terms of overly-authoritative beer geek cringe, Todd himself has complained about the know-it-all-ism of certain BA users scaring off brewing professionals from the site. If beer professionals can’t handle it, what should we expect from new-to-the-scene visitors?

• In terms of racist / sexist / homophobic cringe, look no further than comments in this thread downplaying concerns about sexism and transphobia in the beer scene juxtaposed against dozens of posts implying that anyone who thinks the beer scene isn’t welcoming is an idiot.

You can lead a beer-loving white guy to an article about his lack of self awareness, but you can’t make him drink.

 

The article discusses craft beer culture and the “Serious Beer People” within it. In my view, Beer Advocate fits within that.

 

I appreciate the thoughtful response. I wish I had more time to provide as thoughtful of a response. I guess what I'll go to is the point that you assume we disagree on. You wrote, "I don't think it's a reasonable demand to say that people can't enjoy their hobbies without being "cringe" unless they incorporate some sort of deep socio political analysis of the hobby."

I, too, do not think that is a reasonable demand of everyone. I especially don't think it's a reasonable demand of those who are the most oppressed. But, I do think it is a worthy cause to pursue all the same. I fashion myself as someone who aspires to such an outlook in life. While I am a colossal failure, I have seen steady improvements and I think that makes a difference. And while I do not think it is a reasonable demand for everyone, I don't think it's much to ask of those who benefit most from various privileges to have consider it from time to time. I can't speak for the author, but, for me....I find it "cringey" if you will that the mere suggestion, not demand, that someone engage in a shallow, not deep, socio-political analysis of their hobbies is met with, "FUCK YOU, I'LL DO WHAT I WANT, I DON'T COME TO BEER TO HAVE TO THINK!" That, in my opinion, is profoundly off-putting and something I see again and again with the craft beer community. There are so many people with so many privileges who simply can't be bothered to think, even for a second, about the oppressions and privileges that exist in the world.

In summary, if a person is going to sit and relax with a beer for 30 minute, is it too much to ask that they spend one minute thinking about bigger issues and then 29 minutes chilling with the beer? If the author is demanding folks do that, then yeah, it's gonna fall flat, but I don't think think the sentiment should get tossed entirely.

 

Talking about the OP article is talking about 'craft' beer, as the 'culture' around it is having to regenerate itself a bit in certain contexts. I'm of a certain veneer and have plenty of nostalgia to go around. So, It might even be talking about the left over intentions and unfinished business to do with its micro brewing former svelte prestige for all I know. Before all the tattoos, and such. Even. But, this is beginning to remind me of the dinner scene in Rocky Horror where Rocky just isn't quite tasting the meat in the same way everyone else does, and can. So. Resume the navel gazing.

 

As I said earlier, if you’re going to insult that person in an effort to make them self-aware, it’s not going to work for the large majority of people.

And the people who it does work on are people who are probably already making a concerted effort in their lives to be more open and inclusive.

The same goes for the other way around. If you're a white male it is likely very difficult to truly understand what an underprivileged person sees, feels, or experiences. Saying, “Well I’ve never seen that” isn’t going to make that underprivileged person think you’re right.

But having an actual productive discussion with someone who makes you cringe or someone who calls you “cringy” is a difficult conversation to have.

 

All fair points. FWIW, I often respond to posts with which I strongly disagree, not to change the original poster’s heart, but as a signal to other readers that they’re not alone (as well as for my own self catharsis). That said, I should have listened to my better angel and left out that particular part of my response.

 

It's always been cringe. I embrace the cringe

 

I like craft beer.

 

The majority of the responses on this thread make me , as a half Garufina Hondruan blooded half Mexican, fuck this website and 99% of beer spaces

 

I'm sorry to hear this, and to know that I'm a participant in a culture that produces that feeling in you.

I personally value your palate and perspective. I wish that there were a simple path between inclusion and pandering

 

Had I a mouthful of beer, it would be on my wall now.

 

it's part of a longer story, but as i was reading this at a local taproom i was talking with a black woman that brews at a place i go about a lot of the issues brought up in here

this just added fuel to the fire .

 

I can’t speak for all of the whites (I haven’t been to any of the meetings lately) but on behalf of myself, if it’s any consolation I’m fully aware that a lot of us can be pretty insufferable sometimes. Sorry about that.

 

Did you tell her that I'm one of the good ones? That's pretty key for my resume!

 

This was argued about in several previous threads - but the more concerning accusation was of him trying to take advantage of a falling-down drunk woman at one of his events. There were other stories of him coming off like a misogynist jerk.

I think his tone-deaf public response didn't help some folks that might have otherwise given him the benefit of the doubt.

 

I am curious if you're willing to share any insights from her about how these issues play out in her day to day work.

 

You would be the only guy in white shirt+tie who I would open my front door for.