Soup Really IS Good Food!

There’s a tempest in a soup pot brewing up all over the internet.  It seems that Campbell’s Soup has taken out advertising in the Advocate.  The ad – for Swanson’s broth - highlights a lesbian married couple raising a kid, eating soup.   The ad associates Campbell’s soup (via Swanson broth) with family and wholesomeness and traditional American values, despite whatever surface level changes these values manifest themselves in these days.

And that’s got the American Family Association’s (AFA) pot boiling!  On it’s website, the American Family Association,

“has urged consumers to e-mail Campbell and demand they stop ‘pushing the gay agenda’ and then call the Swanson division directly to ask that it ‘remain neutral in the culture war.’”

Campbell’s, for its part, has shown no signs of retracting or otherwise distancing itself from this ad in any way.  Indeed, Campbell’s has stated, in response to the AFA’s attacks, that its Swanson division plans to continue to advertise in the Advocate.

It’s cold as hell here in Chicago, and I think that soup would make a great lunch.  Today, however, soup will not only warm my body, but it will add a little warmth to my soul.   I would invite others to join me in a soup-in over the holidays.   Post a comment of support below, and Gay.com will send all comments to Campbell’s.

But sorry, American Family Association:  NO SOUP FOR YOU!

Images courtesy Getty

Comments

[Roger]

I've used Campbell's Soup for years and those 1920's bigoted ideas of the busybody American Family Assoc. isn't going to change that. Why don't those people use their time and energy to help all of us fill the shelves at food pantries--with lots of Campbells, by the way!!!

[Joe WAllingford]

I am glad to here this. Ive been a definite user of Campbell's products. Glad to know I can continue and there is no quilt.... Thanks Campbell's

[Rick]

Hooray for Campbell's!!! I was raised on Campbell's soups and everytime I have some I always remember my mother in the kitchen heating some up on those cold winter days (granted we don't have very many of those anymore here in Texas...hehe). I give them props for showing a lesbian couple with a kid.....it's about time the world opens it's eyes to see we are just people too!!! The more our kids are exposed to gay culture or gay people in general, the more likely they will grow up open minded.....that's why the world is the way it is!! Thank you Campbell's!!

[Marcus]

I love how the AFA wants Campbell to remain neutral in the culture war yet did not mention anything about pulling images of hetero family to keep all fairness. Neutral=hetero? I think not.

I hate tomatoes but will eat it in protest. Andy Warhol should have been alive to do a follow-up painting.

[zack]

Soup is good food for everybody and every body. Keep up the good work Campbell's

[muzyqman]

I think we should form a new group called the "Real American Family Association," showing ALL types of families -- M/F couple, two dads, two moms, single dad, single mom, nuclear and otherwise -- and give Campbell's Soup our first award for supporting American families, no matter what they look like. It's 40 degrees in Austin today. I think I'll stop at the market and buy some Campbell's chicken noodle soup and tomato soup. Happy Holidays to all of the "real" American families, and coal in the stocking to all AFA members.

[Charles]

While I do not see it as a huge social triumph for the so-called "gay agenda" to have a gay family seen in advertising, I do appreciate that the Campbell's hasn't issued some kind of formal statement to distance themselves from the campaign or to otherwise show an understanding for the hate that constantly comes from the AFA. When did it become proper to push hatred and discrimination? These organizations that claim to be religion-based need to really open their eyes and their minds and realize that they will be the first ones scorned on judgement day for the judgements they have passed on others.

[Hazen]

Bravo Campbell's. I especially like the last line of the advertisement, "This holiday season, serve a special meal no matter the size and structure of your family."

They were quite aware of the ire this would draw from conservative groups, and I applaud them - both for their willingness to display LBGT families, along with their marketing savvy.

[Balin]

I've got appox 20 cans of Campbells, 1 box of Swanson in my kitchen right now, and will purchase Hundreds more cans of Campbells !!
It's been 10 to 15 yrs since I've listened to a AFA / AFR radio station.. hmmm
I think I need a can of Cream of Chicken Soup tonight !

[sirald66]

Budweiser has been in our gay mags for decades. Maybe bigots should remember that while they suck on that bottle.

[Chriscctx]

Campbells - keep up the good work. We buy your product all the time. Dont give in to bigots and haters.

[Outstanding13]

Thank you Campbells.

[Kevin]

This country needs to know that we are human beings too & we should be allowed to have or adopt children just like anyone else . More companies & groups need to stand up and help this fight , we deserve the same rights as any other human on this planet does. Thank you Cambell Soup & Swanson !!

[Frankly]

See, this is a good protest move. Pick a day that we all agree to buy whatever number someone chooses of Campbell's soup or Swanson's broth. We all do it. And we donate it to some charity. Think of the millions of dollars of food we could raise in one day. And the publicity we could garner.

We need to have the GAY DAY OF SOUP.

[Brandon]

Bravo! Campbell's has a place on my grocery list from now on. Thank you!

[Dave n Kenny]

Just pick the day, and we'll go pick up a case of Campbells soup and Swansons broth to donate to the local homeless shelter. Yay for the Gay Day of Soup!!!!!! Now this is the way to be active, supportive,feed some homeless folks, and still piss off the homophobes, I like it. We should include a self addressed stamped envelope with the cans, so they can forward all the labels to UTAH..... here is what you get for your $35 million on prop 8... MMMM, MMMMM, GOOD.....

[bearby]

I have had Campbell soup's for the bigest part of my life now at the age of 48 years it sure is nice to see them standing up for my legal rights !
( by the way to Campbell Soups my cabinet is well stocked with tomato & chicken noodle which are the 2 biggest soups that I remember from my childhood and I still love them and am currently using them in dishes that I used to use tomato puree in ( ok because it's cheaper tha the puree ) and a lot tastier as well .

[Sean Melin]

My Thanks to Campbell Soup Company for their recognition of the Gay community and I for one will continue to buy your soups
Thank You
Sean

[dingle]

Hooray. Finally and American company with some guts to stand up to these religious nuts.! I'm going to eat a can of tomato soup right now.

[JD]

I'll keep buying store brand.

[Your_Fear]

As a consumer of Campbell’s products let me tell you did the right thing. Way to go, embrace diversity!

[James Lucas Foutz]

I have been using Campbell's products for years and now will increase my my use. Its about time an American company had some guts to show America that "families" can be made up of anyone, as long as their is LOVE and Campbell's at your dinner table!

Good for Campbell's...I say MMM MMM GOOD!

[Idalad]

Stay tough, Campbell's. I'll reach for your brand, not Progresso, as long as you stand up to the AFA bullies.

[Steven]

Thank goodness for integrity and not cow-towing to the right. Thank you, Campbell's corporate.

[Josh]

Not stooping to the level of bigots and haters... that's mmm... mmm... good.

Plus, soup is good food.

-->a lover of Campbells from way back

p.s. enjoy your next bowl of Tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich with pride!

[Brian]

Campbell's is mmm mmm good!

[Joe Cooper]

Anyone have a link to this ad? I can not find it. Lets see the damage, lol!

[Tom Behnke]

Way to go Campbell's for recognizing that even lesbian families need to eat. If it wasn't for Campbell's how would gays and lesbians know about the wholesome goodness of Swanson broth. I mean Campbell Soups is as American as baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet.

Campbell Soups and Swanson broth . . . keeping families at the dinner table since 1869. Now that’s Mmmm, Mmmm Good.

[Jim]

I applaud Campbells for standing up behind thier business ethics, and doing the right thing!

"At Campbell, we define diversity as the vast array of human differences and similarities, inclusive of everyone."

Campbells boasts sales in excess of 7 billion dollars a year, The AFA is just a little yappy dog, nipping at the pant leg. Doesnt the AFA have something better to do this holiday season, like actually promote family in America, anyone that has ever watched "my big redneck wedding" would have to admit there is plenty of work for the AFA to do on the homefront.

[Drew]

Good going Campbell's!! I'm 55 and have been eating your soup all my life and will continue to do so. I also use Swanson's products. Keep up the good work. A "Gay Day of Soup" to donate to the needy...I'm all for it.

[Chris peterson]

Good for you Campbells....Its long overdue that corporate america no longer falls to the bully... we will continue to buy your products, trust me you dont need racist dollars.

[Dakota]

First of all I think its crazy to think ONE GROUP of people think they have a right to judge what is or is not "traditional" American values. If we want to talk "traditional" that would be a mother and a father. Well guess what? That isnt found today in most straight families! I had what they would judge as a "traditional" family and there was not too much love shown in that house although to the outside world it appeared to be. I am a single parent of a 3 year old and yes... GAY! There is love in my household, as well as moral values taught. That is saying a great deal more than the "traditional" household I was raised in. It just dont fit into their narrow minded views of what they think family life is. Well this world has changed and there are MANY types of family lifes today.. single parents, gay parents, adopted families.. etc. Who is to say what is the "traditonal"? The US is not made up of Ozzy and Harriet and June and Ward Cleaver anymore by no means. There is no ONE RIGHT WAY for all and its sad that some people still believe that. If a child is raised in a home of love and understanding and nurtured, than that parent did their job, gay, straight or whatever! We will be celebrating Christmas, going to church, to ball games, the park.. we will laugh together, cry together and we will be a FAMILY. And I hate to break it to the AFA but you want to know what? Gay people eat soup too, so why shouldnt a company gear their ads to gay people as well? What? Is our money no good too now? And one last thing I would like to explain to the AFA.. gays are not just created.. they are BORN.. born from STRAIGHT parents.. "traditonal" families. And the really funny part of this whole thing is.. I ran across this story while sititing here eatting Campbell's chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches with my boy and thats NO JOKE! haha Thats why it caught my eye. lol So Campbells... stick to your guns.. people are people, gay, straight, black white or whatever. We all live and breath and we all have feelings.. It might be good if the AFA remembered that!

[Fred]

Nice job Campbell's. It is long overdue as your tomato soup color is one in the Rainbow Flag.....Red (yellow,orange,green,blue,purple)

[Jim]

Like everyone, I have lots of choices in the grocery store. These sorts of gestures by Campbell's make a difference for me. I'll reach for the Campbell's (or the Swanson's) now.

[hagenow]

Aloha! It's always Campbell Soup and Swanson stock because there is no comparison to other brands. Love yea!

[bryanparks]

This is why I love Campbell's and will continue to eat it. Thank you for your support Campbell's !!

[M. Preston Davison]

Thanks Campbells-
Believe me, there are more gays in american households than there are straight. Now that Campbell's is coming out of the pantry-"closet", maybe more men and women will too. The red white and blue needs all the help it can to combat AFA and please accept thanks from a 100% authentic human being, what real families are made of.....(the silent majority).

[LeKoug]

Soup it is tonite :)

Time for companies to start showing the world we're all not that different after all

Who's next? tyson's? :P

[ryansprivates]

I just emailed my congratulations and thanks to Campbells.
http://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/contact_form.asp

[Kevin]

Thank you Campbell, for not only showing tolerance and diversity in your ads, but for also not backing down when the AFA wanted to attack families that are different than them. With more ads like these, people will realize that LGBT families are just like any other family, so I thank you for taking a step towards social tolerance, acceptance, and equality.

[hellomoto05]

Good for you campbells!! i love the soup and its about time other people see what a real american family looks like, and show the products they like. right now im proud to say that im full of yummy chicken noodle and i will always buy campells soup!!

[hellomoto05]

BAH HUMBUG AFA!!! CAMPBELL'S SOUP IS # 1 !

[herb]

Andy would love this...I do too.

[Rob]

bravo Campbell's. Thank you for encouraging a more open and loving America.

[hellomoto05]

AND BY THE WAY AFA...WHY ARE YOU SNOOPING IN A ''GAY'' MAGAZINE??? HMMMM???

[Jon]

Way to be cambells!

[John]

Thank you Campbell's!

[Jim]

How about Campbell's placing the advertisement in Family Circle or Good Housekeeping? Now that would a statement on their part and the magazines' as well.

[Gary]

Not matter what you can't please everyone.

I like the soup and will continue buying it.

I won't support companies like Abercrombie & Fitch simply because their clothes are too expensive. And, they use too many unrealistic pretty boys to sell their clothes.

Much like Ikea, Campbells is appeazing to gays and lesbians but I doubt it will affect sales.

[Kevin]

Families are based on deep love not hate. There are lots of extended families which have a gay member or two or three. How does the AFA manage to forget the gay members of an extended family? Being gay is not a choice and being gay is not contageous. We just are. So a message to the AFA: Relax sit back and enjoy your soup! Dont worry you won't turn gay no matter how hard .....excuse the pun.