Pepsi Fail
Pepsi recently released an iPhone app to promote its energy drink Amp. The app, called “Before You Score”, is creating controversy. If you’ve read or seen any news coverage about it, you may be wondering why all the fuss. That’s because so many of the stories are incomplete.
The app is designed to help men “score” with women. It offers advice such as pick up lines, restaurant choices and conversation fodder for 24 different “types” of women. While I find it unimaginative that the app categorizes women as sorority girls, indie rockers, cougars, and yes, twins, I failed to see just why it was deemed more offensive than say, anything the NFL does. And then I read that Pepsi actually apologized for the app. But still the discussion continued. So I decided to actually download the app.
What you won’t read in many reports is that the Pepsi app does more than provide cheesy advice for men looking to attract women. No, the app actually allows men to keep lists and details of their conquests and brag about them to their friends via social media. Now that’s not only offensive, that’s irresponsible. The last thing we need is a company, especially a Fortune 500 company, encouraging men to “change your game and raise your expectations.” Women are not out there waiting to be had. They happen to be human beings with free will. The only thing men should “expect” is a consensual relationship.
But Pepsi apologized right? Not as far as I can tell. Here’s what they had to say via Twitter. “Our app tried to show the humorous lengths guys go 2 pick up women. We apologize if it’s in bad taste & appreciate your feedback.”
So, if indeed the app is in bad taste, well, then they apologize. But since Pepsi takes no stand on whether or not the app is in bad taste, there is no need to apologize. And by the way, the app is still available for free download. Actions speak louder than tweets.
Hello Pepsi, women represent 85-95 percent of consumer buying power. So there’s a damn good chance that it will be a woman, not a man, choosing between Pepsi and Coke tomorrow at the grocery store. You of all companies, should understand the value of women. Funny, I didn’t see “head of household” in the list of 24 types.
I did however, see career woman. I wonder how the career woman who heads Pepsi feels about the app? Pepsi CEO Indra Nooya has been ranked by Forbes and Fortune magazine as one of the world’s most powerful women. Wouldn’t it be nice to see her use her power for good, not evil?
Drink. Diet. Coke.
