It only took a little over 24 hours for Kendall Jenner’s new commercial to hit the fan. Pepsi has admitted that they “missed the mark” on their latest move. This may feel like an understatement, considering the themes of the advertisement. While those on social media felt that Kendall Jenner downplayed the gravity of the Black Lives Matter movement, the company stated that they attempted to “…project a global message of unity, peace and understanding.”
The collaboration uses diversity and protests as cheap tools to sell the soft drink to millennials. But this came at a bigger price than Pepsi anticipated. Kendall Jenner did not appear as inclusive or trendy as the brand had hoped.
The commercial shows Jenner modeling, until she sees a march going on outside. In other early frames, a woman in a hijab is seen crumpling up photos. Later, Jenner becomes her muse. What the crowd is rallying for is unclear, but Jenner seems moved. She tosses her blonde wig at her black hairstylist, wipes away her dark lipstick, and joins the “movement” by request of an Asian man. The march encompasses a concert, dancing, and laughing. Jenner walks up to stern looking policemen, who are blocking the crowd. She hands them a Pepsi, and everyone rejoices. Systematic turmoil is CANCELLED by Jenner, in one brave offering of soda and a smile.
The internet did not feel the same way. Among those on Twitter who threw shade at Pepsi was Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.
If only Daddy would have known about the power of #Pepsi. pic.twitter.com/FA6JPrY72V
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) April 5, 2017
While Pepsi has apologized to the public and to Jenner herself, she has yet to make her own statement.
What do you think about the Pepsi ad? Did Pepsi take it a little too far?
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