Also, as to the Pepsi fund: the Pepsi fund monies are a complete joke. It is actually very little money to begin with and it cannot be used for anything practical. For instance, the fund’s rules stipulate all kinds of things that impede it from being used for anything that would be purchased normally. In other words, the Pepsi fund monies can only be “wasted” on something that wouldn’t otherwise be purchased by the students or Student Affairs. It’s kinda like the flex money spent at the C-Store at the end of senior year–you just buy things because you have the money to spend whether you need it or not.

I make two nitpicks about this thread, one trivial, and one critically important. First, James Heaney, what are you doing by writing “@Brett” ? This isn’t a twitter-logue; all of our first and last names are listed in full, instead of “interweb pseudonyms”.

Secondly, and of actual importance, I completely disagree with Corrine Carvalho’s statement, “I don’t think men have the right to tell women what is offensive to them as women.” I think her point about those men on this thread that are trying to persuade everyone else is that it is upsetting that they are essentially extending the very same sexism perpetrated by the Apple iPhone app. However, the actual wording of her statement is what troubles me. It makes it seem as if she is saying that men are actually different from women in some manner such that men and women cannot participate in the same fundamental way in shared human dignity. In other words, it is the same sexism present in the app, just reversed at men. That I cannot agree with in any way, and I don’t think she meant, in that statement, that men and women aren’t of equal dignity and in fact DO make decisions together (and specifically about men or women or both) about what is right and just treatment of all humanity.

With respect to there being better ways of bringing about change, I presume (and correct me if I’m wrong) you’re referring to the fact that there are larger instances of sexism out there I (and all the other people on campus who are upset about this) could protest. Are there bigger things I could be worrying about? Sure. But if someone breaks their arm, would you suggest they not put a cast on it, because after all there are people out there dying of cancer? That said, while this may be a “stupid iphone app,” I think the fact that an international corporation like Pepsi, sees something like this is as acceptable marketing says something serious about the value we culturally place on women. If we choose to simply ignore it, then we’re tacitly condoning it.

And while you may have a brain and a conscience, that doesn’t necessitate that you’re above social or cultural influence. In fact, studies would indicate otherwise.

And I agree, I wasn’t surprised that Pepsi’s apology (or lack thereof, noting the operative IF) wasn’t genuine- but the only reason not to expect more is if we as consumers just let it slide. If we decry this as sexism (and that’s what this is all about), then we can send Pepsi the message that their status quo isn’t good enough.

I realize lots of people think the app is a joke, and I should just get over it. Here’s the deal: 20-25% of college women will be sexually assaulted during their college career. Do you think this would still be the case if it wasn’t so socially acceptable to objectify women? The fact is that this mentality is a big deal, with real and serious sociological consequences. Yes Pepsi said this meant as a joke, but no that doesn’t make it ok. That’s like saying “I’m not racist but…[insert racist joke here].”

And yes Tony, that’s how society is. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t try to change it.