Pepsi's Controversial Ad Backlash- Abbey Winiger

SUMMARY- Over the weekend Pepsi released a commercial including Kendall Jenner as the star. In the commercial it shows a riot occurring against the police recreating ideas from the "Black Lives Matter" movement. She steps away from the crows and hands the officer a pepsi, after which the crowd goes wild and begin dancing. Many people have spoken about this controversial commercial including social activist Deray McKesson.  In a tweet he expresses his concern by saying " If I had carried Pepsi I guess I would've never gotten arrested. Who knew?" After many other similar responses were released Pepsi came out saying "Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace and understanding. Clearly we missed the mark, and we apologize," the company said in a statement. "We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are removing the content and halting any further rollout."

ANALYSIS/SYNTHESIS- Before reading this article I had seen many upset viewers on Twitter and other social media. This issue if very difficult to speak about, and for Pepsi to use it as a way to advertise is uncalled for. Many people I have spoken to about this issue are mainly upset about the actress choice of Kendall Jenner, a white, rich, young woman. This article was written by Frank Pallotta for CNN on April 5th. This article disagrees with Pepsi's campaign, but however forgives them after Pepsi released their apologetic statement. 

http://money.cnn.com/2017/04/05/media/pepsi-pulls-kendall-jenner-ad/index.html?iid=ob_USSF_singleLink_pool