Gerrymandering and Coca-Cola — How America’s Division Affects Us Everywhere
Do products reflect our culture? Or does culture reflect itself in our products? We’ll answer some of these questions below…
We are all familiar with the Coke vs. Pepsi debate. While some are stubborn supporters, many cannot tell the difference. This is true even when off-brand cola products, such as Walmart’s critically-acclaimed RC Cola, is added to the mix. While some can’t tell the difference, many insist that they at least drink Pepsi or Coke. Is America’s political state really all that different…
The entire Coke vs. Pepsi debate is highly indicative of America’s failing two-party system. You see, we are supposed to have two options: Coke and Pepsi (Republicans and Democrats). They both claim to have different platforms. Coca-Cola’s claims to refresh the world in mind, body and spirit.¹ Pepsi claims to deliver good products and have a positive impact.² But are either of them really saying anything of substance? No! And can any of us really tell the difference between their messaging? Of course not. Their products even come in the same sized can!
Both of them voted for the Iraq War. Both of them believe in platforms that will kill the middle-class. And both of them use high-fructose corn syrup. But even when — even when! — we are given a third option in the form of RC Cola (the Libertarian Party), nobody f*cking wants it. Who in their right mind would want RC Cola? I’ll tell you who: The Tea Party.
In Tyler Cowen’s book — The Complacent Class — he talks about how America is transitioning into a country in which we want more of the same. Gone are the days of rabid entrepreneurialism and in comes the days of increasing security and comfort. We can clearly see evidence of this with our choice of soda.
Coke and Pepsi could do so much to differentiate themselves. Instead, they just gerrymander the restaurant industry and sign exclusive contracts. If you ever go to McDonald’s, Burger King, or Wendy’s, all you can get is Coca-Cola products. And if you ever visit KFC, Taco Bell, or Pizza Hut, you can only drink Pepsi’s products. Sometimes Taco Bell gives you the option of getting Mountain Dew Baja Blast. But that’s basically the same as socialists getting to pick the lone Bernie Sanders out of the entire Democratic Party ticket.
You. Have. No. Choices.
…
But maybe there can be hope.
All crises require a breaking point. There has to be a tipping point. A moment where we all decide we just can’t take it anymore.
And I hope so…
Because I want to believe in an America with diverse opinions. I want to believe in an America where Coke and Pepsi really are different. I want to believe in an America where Coca-Cola can argue for gun control and lower taxes while Pepsi can choose to be both pro-choice and for smaller government. I also want to avoid a situation where Gary Johnson ever does this sh*t again…
So if you read this and thought: Nay, we can change. Then I thank you.
If you feel that this article can help heal the nation’s wounds, satisfy someone’s thirst, or if you just simply enjoyed it, please share it and give it some likes. Anything helps and it is always appreciated. If you would like to comment, please do — I read them all. And if you would like to contact me directly, reach out to me on my twitter and I’ll get back to you. If you are still willing to help out, I don’t have a Patreon or a Kickstarter, but you can follow me right here on Medium.
So again, keep drinking diverse sodas and keep having diverse opinions. Thank you.
