There are several staples that are always at my desk at work: My stress ball squishy toys, a plethora of pencils and pens in all different colors, and Dr. Pepper.
However, after seeing a new commercial on TV, I have been rethinking that last item on principle. I recently was appalled to see an overtly macho Dr. Pepper commercial that ended with a man saying, "... this is our soda... Dr. Pepper 10. It's not for women."
Excuse me?
Who the hell are you to tell me a new soda drink is not for me?
I understand the premise behind it - that men shy away from diet drinks that aren't perceived as "manly" enough, and this new gunmetal gray can is an attempt to reach that market. But you're not going to reach that target market by blatantly insulting and shunning other potential markets.
Other companies have marketed diet soda to men - Coke Zero and Pepsi Max - without insulting women. The Dr. Pepper marketing department has said that they tested the campaign in several different markets across the country, and women weren't offended.
Well they didn't test it on me, because I am offended. If they were going for the whole reverse psychology thing ("you can't tell me what to drink - see? I, a woman, am drinking Dr. Pepper 10!") it's an epic fail. In fact, it's enough for me to consider not buying Dr. Pepper products at all, which sucks because Dr. Pepper is so awesomely delicious (I even buy the Dr. Pepper jelly beans).
I will tell you for sure, however, that I will not be drinking or will ever buy Dr. Pepper 10. Screw you and what you think is "for me."
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