Kendall Jenner Straight-Up Exploits A Black Lives Matter Moment For Pepsi Ad
If I told you Kendall Jenner were "woke," would you believe me?
The 21-year-old supermodel recently appeared in an ad for Pepsi, and a vast majority of those who've seen the commercial wouldn't believe me for a second.
No, Kim, you stop. People are NOT happy!
It's probably due to the fact the ad basically glamorizes the ongoing struggle the black community has with law enforcement.
Throughout the clip, other social groups are represented, but most people are hung up on the notion that Pepsi might've tried to recreate an iconic Black Lives Matter moment with Kendall Jenner of all people.
Pepsi describes the ad on YouTube, writing,
A short film about the moments when we decide to let go, choose to act, follow our passion and nothing holds us back. Capturing the spirit and actions of those people that jump in to every moment and featuring multiple lives, stories and emotional connections that show passion, joy, unbound and uninhibited moments. No matter the occasion, big or small, these are the moments that make us feel alive.
Based on that statement, the company seems well-intentioned, but people are still PISSED.
The end of the ad is believed to reenvision the moment Ieshia Evans was protesting police brutality in Baton Rouge, Louisiana following the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling in July of last year.
The two-minute ad spot, titled "Live For Now Moments Anthem," begins with someone cracking open a fresh can of Pepsi, of course.
A cello player is then shown performing on a rooftop as Skip Marley's smooth track "Lions" plays in the background.
The camera begins panning down on the streets below, showing (smiling) protesters marching with signs.
About 25 seconds into the commercial, a blonde Kendall Jenner is pictured being prepped for a photo shoot.
Kendall suddenly notices the massive crowd of protesters flooding the city streets nearby.
She ditches the blonde wig...
Then she wipes her lipstick off and decides to join the march.
Eventually, the 21-year-old model spots a line of police officers standing in the distance before the crowd.
Kendall grabs a can of Pepsi.
Next, she walks over to the officer and confidently hands it over to him as protesters look on.
Doesn't this look awfully familiar?
He takes a sip...
Kendall is crowned a hero as the crowd of protesters cheer her on...
The Pepsi-loving police officer smiles and that's it -- it's all over.
World peace and social justice for all, I guess.
Here's the full video.
While the overall message of the ad was to inspire people to "live bolder" and "live louder," people aren't happy with it.
Some believe it's a slap in the face to the struggle many real people are fighting against every day.
What was the thought process behind this?
The internet isn't buying whatever Kendall and Pepsi are selling.
The backlash is real.
The sarcasm is real, too.
There are so many questions!
Anyway, your move, Coca-Cola.
In all seriousness, it's likely Kris Jenner simply scrolled through her inbox one day and stumbled across an opportunity she knew Kendall couldn't refuse.
Kris is the "momager" here... Go easy on Kendall!
As for the person who pitched the creative concept behind this piece of controversial marketing material, it looks like you've got some explaining to do.
Citations: Kendall Jenner Evokes Iconic Protest Imagery to Sell Pepsi (NY Mag)
