I enjoy a nice, cold Sprite soda on a hot summer day as much as the next person, but after seeing the company's latest move, I may be switching to Sierra Mist instead. Paired with a "Brutally Refreshing" slogan, Sprite launched a set of advertisements in Ireland that sparked a wildfire of controversy from the public about the sexism laced into the phrases. The ad featured three main phrases: "She's seen more ceilings that Michelangelo," "You're not popular, you're easy," and "A 2 at 10 is a 10 at 2."
The advertisements were intended to lure in a broader male audience and was reportedly "celebrating those with guts to tell it like it is." While meant to be funny and fresh, the public seemed to think that Sprite went too far and were outright, well, brutal towards women. And I personally would wholeheartedly agree. I wouldn't even say that I see the intent behind the phrases, other than to degrade women. How are clearly sexist remarks in any way related to a lemon-lime soda? Does Coca-Cola really think so little of their male consumers to think that they would be more likely to purchase their product because of these remarks? The advertising doesn't even make sense, and then it's horribly degrading to boot. If it were up to me, I would say that someone in the Irish Coca-Cola advertisement board needs to be fired for approving this. But whatever.
Sources:
http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/04/news/world/sprite-coca-cola-sexist-advertisement/
