As a Mother I Just Can't Boycott PepsiCo

Last week people went crazy because of a Pepsi commercial which they felt disrespected and downplayed the seriousness of protesting and social injustice issues. The commercial featured the famous and wealthy Kendall Jenner, that in itself created problems for people, but the commercial in it's entirety offended so many with the exception of me. Watch the commercial clip first, and I'll explain just why it didn't offend me:

 



I Get It

 

As a black woman, as a young adult, as a college student, as a single mother, as a citizen that is below the poverty level for a 2 person household in the US I understand the importance of protesting and I value and consider myself a part of the fight against social injustices for all people and groups of people, not just the ones I am a part of. I get it. Social injustices are a daily struggle for many different groups and races of people across the globe. Protesting is something that should not be taken lightly. I.Get. It.

 

What I Don't Get It

 

Questions and complaints I read these past several days which included, but are not limited to: "Really, a privileged white girl had to take the lead role", "Mocking protest is distasteful", "Why not fight against a specific social injustice", "There are not enough black people", "So a can of Pepsi is supposed to bring forth world peace and end all social injustices", and lastly "Pepsi just lost my business; total disrespect".

 

The Intent

 

I highly doubt that Pepsi intentions were malice. I doubt that the idea was not thoroughly thought through; I actually believe that they were confident and hopeful in their support of protesting, encouraging viewers to be heard, and not be remaining victims of social injustices. I honestly, truly saw the commercial and smiled. Because what I saw and still see is Pepsi promoting peaceful protest and unity among all people. However, most people even celebrities saw different.

 

Tweet from R& B Artist Trey Songz:

 

 Tweet from Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:

 

 Again, I do believe Pepsi's intentions were good. They are not illustrating that a can of Pepsi will somehow end social injustices or stop police brutality or bring about peaceful protest. No. They just wanted to display their support as it pertains to the social injustices taking place in the world. I felt this way prior to the statement they gave in regards to the backlash.

 

My responses to The Shade Room's post on Instagram where people across the world expressed themselves in the comment section (TessForShort is me):

 

 

Meanwhile, consumers were so upset that they planned to boycott PepsiCo:

 

Pepsi's Statement:

 

 

 

Why I Refuse to Boycott Pepsi

 

It's simple. The message I got from the commercial was the exact positive message Pepsi was trying to convey. I feel no ways offended or disrespected. Besides, my daughter and I love Mountain Dew, Quakers Oatmeal, and Doritos too much to boycott PepsiCo. I am all for peace and unity and making a difference and promoting change in love & light. That is what I saw in the Pepsi commercial. So guess what, ISSA supporter. And as long as my daughter is living under my roof and eating the food I provide, she will remain a consumer also. As a working, college mom I stand firm in my perspective and beliefs.