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Email a FriendI think it definitely is sending that message, shame on pepsi! Can’t say I’m surprised though.
The Skinny on Diet Pepsi's Controversial Can
Does a tall thin can send a dangerous message?
Posted by Danielle Bean in News on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 2:00 PM
image from Pepsi.com
Have you heard any of the uproar about Diet Pepsi’s re-designed tall and skinny can?
PepsiCo’s Jill Beraud said in a press release: ‘Diet Pepsi has a long history of celebrating women through iconic fashion imagery seen in our infamous and historical campaigns, and we’re proud to continue that tradition as an official sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. ‘Our slim, attractive new can is the perfect complement to today’s most stylish looks, and we’re excited to throw its coming-out party during the biggest celebration of innovative design in the world.’
But some groups are outraged at the suggestion that we associate “tall and skinny” with beauty, success, and style.
From the National Eating Disorders association:
“PepsiCo’s comments are both thoughtless and irresponsible,” said Lynn Grefe, the association’s president. “Their shameful misdirection is further exemplified by tying the launch of this offensive marketing campaign to Fashion Week, where women’s body types are atypical at best … and unhealthy as to be fatal at worst.”
I recognize the power of advertising images to influence women’s mental health for better or for worse, but when I read this story I had to wonder: Aren’t most women who drink Diet Pepsi already trying to get or stay thin? Is a can designed to appeal to that desire likely to push them over the edge toward an eating disorder?
If we’re really worried about our culture’s acceptance of the idea that tall and thin women are the most beautiful, shouldn’t we be taking aim at the fashion industry that parades emaciated models down runways as examples of ideal feminine beauty? Shouldn’t we concern ourselves with companies that produce questionable fad “diet” products that make billions of dollars a year by encouraging and preying upon women who despise their own bodies?
Because that’s where it comes from. Not soda cans.
And finally, just because I am feeling contrary today, what about those women whose natural, healthy body types are tall and thin? What about their emotional well-being? What are we telling naturally tall and thin women about their own bodies if we reject Diet Pepsi’s new look as “unhealthy”?
The uproar might be silly, but some good could come from it. The tall and skinny Diet Pepsi can might remind us to pause and consider how we think about and take care of our bodies. What kinds of images and ideas do we allow to influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions toward our own bodies? What kind of examples do we set for our daughters?
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