Saturday, January 18, 2014

CC 3.1

 In a recent article by the New York Times entitled, "The Pepsi Septuagenarian," by Benjamin Hoffman describes the details and behind the scenes of the Pepsi commercial, while raising the awareness of elderly folk. Also showing that one of the three commercials do not favor one gender more than the other. One of the three commercials has a WNBA star featured. 

Despite the fact that Kyrie Irving, rookie NBA star, Point Guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, shows a split personality in the commercial. Kyrie says, “I’m not even Kyrie Irving anymore, I’m Uncle Drew." "Uncle Drew" is the name of the character in the commercial.  He feels like a different person in the film. Additionally, he is dressed as a old man, with a little make up he looks the part. Although the first commercial favors males, there is women in the background of the film. Women are not hidden from the scenes. 

Background on the commercial, Sam Duboff, member of Pepsi Max brand team says, "Local players were gathered and told that Pepsi Max was filming a documentary on a character named Kevin who they claimed was a youth basketball coach. Other than Irving, Kevin and the player whose injury leads to Uncle Drew entering the game, no one on the court knew that it was actually Irving under the makeup." The basketball star under the makeup was dressed as a elderly man, during the pickup game at the local basketball court. Throughout all the commercials, all the stars/athletes are dress as elder people, showing that you're never too old to play.  

Based on Pepsi Team member, Sam Duboff told the media, "Pepsi signed Irving to a two-year partnership after working with him earlier this year on what was intended to be a one-time video. It was Irving’s youth that inspired the elderly character." Proving once again that one is never too old for the love of the game.Additionally, the commercial was supposedly a one time deal, but saw more potential by later adding a woman to the mix. In doing this, shows both genders and not favoring one gender only. 

Personally, I think that in adding a girl to one of the commercials shows equal gender roles. The main role players are professional basketball players, but in one commercial has a professional girl's basketball player. Proving that one gender is not more important the the other. None of the other men that were playing a pickup game didn't want to let the girl play because they thought she couldn't handle them. And more than likely get pushed around, but the girl not only embarrassed them, but also proved that she could play with the guys. 

Overall, the commercials not only raised the awareness of old folks still being active, but also proved equal gender roles. By allowing a girl to also be starred in the commercial, shows that one gender is better than the other. 

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