Today’s Rant—Have We Lost our Sense of Humor?

Have you seen Dr. Pepper’s latest 30-second commercial for their new soda, Dr. Pepper10? It’s absolutely hilarious. I’ve seen a lot of bad commercials (for example, Geico) on television these days, but finally we have one that is totally entertaining and funny. The ad plays out as an action movie with an action hero talking to a female audience about the joys of Dr. Pepper 10. It ends with the tag line—“Dr. Pepper 10 it's not for women.” It’s all in fun and not to be taken seriously.

But as unbelievable as this sounds, there are actually women’s groups who are complaining. Some are calling the ad stupid and sexist. Have we lost our sense of humor? Of course, this ad is not to be taken seriously. That’s the whole point. Dr. Pepper 10 has only 10 calories so the inside joke is men would like this drink because it’s more of a manly soda than a soda with 0 calories. Obviously, Dr. Pepper wants everybody to buy this soda.

It’s good advertising, and it’s designed to get everyone’s attention. There’s nothing sexist about this ad; however, in today’s society, the politically correct police will undoubtedly be out in full force. I realize there are plenty of important issues to write about, but I think this Dr. Pepper controversy reveals a serious flaw in the fabric of our society. Everything seems to be a point of divisiveness even if it’s not important. For once, can’t we just laugh at ourselves in how men and women view things differently and enjoy a good advertising campaign?