Want Women To Switch From Pepsi To Coke, There’s an App For That
Posted by knbarrett on October 15, 2009
I’m a big fan of the iPhone. From the Chipotle order application that shaves 5 minutes off of my lunch run to the red laser application that ensures I always get the best deal, I appreciate the daily appearance of new applications that make my life a little easier.
What I don’t appreciate, though, is blatantly sexist apps like the new PepsiCo app – “AMP Up Before You Score.” The goal of the new iPhone app is to help men “score” with 24 types of women. The categories of potential conquests include “cougar,” “punk girl” and “bookworm.” The app also provides a platform for men to flaunt their success through the Brag List that keeps track of names, dates and details.
The app generated such outrage online that PepsiCo responded using Twitter:
Our app tried 2 show the humorous lengths guys go 2 pick up women. We apologize if it’s bad taste & appreciate your feedback.
Bad taste, seriously? This is not simply a tacky marketing move. This is a gender exploitative marketing strategy. Gender stereotypes are manipulated in pursuit of economic outcomes – increased sales for AMP Energy Drink. As Robert Jensen, professor at the University of Texas-Austin, said:
For Pepsi to frame their apology as a matter of bad taste is to ignore the systematic objective and sexual exploitation of women in contemporary culture.
As you can tell, this really “amps” me up. I don’t even drink carbonated beverages and I’m ready to grab a coke.
gansie said
first, i need to know what this red laser app is! sounds amazing.
second, excellent call on this terribly sexist “game.” how is it still that women are only judged by their appearance. although i do wonder if they’ll create an equivalent app for rating men.
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