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Bars, bowling alleys, and movie theaters cost too much to run and visit. Americans have run out of places to hang out and we're paying with our health

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The labor market could become so backward that the economy will have to shed jobs to keep unemployment steady

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As Trump balks again at escalating war, Iran smells 'blood in the water' and looks to exploit its newfound strategic advantage, experts say
MPWKendall Jenner

Pepsi Is Defending Its Controversial Kendall Jenner Ad

By
Madeline Farber
Madeline Farber
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By
Madeline Farber
Madeline Farber
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April 5, 2017, 10:13 AM ET
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Despite the backlash, Pepsi is defending its latest ad that features its newest spokesperson, Kendall Jenner.

“This is a global ad that reflects people from different walks of life coming together in a spirit of harmony, and we think that’s an important message to convey,” Pepsi said in a statement.

The ad, which is titled “Live For Now Moments Anthem,” shows the 21-year-old supermodel leaving a photo shoot to join a protest. Toward the end, she hands a police officer a can of soda, and he takes a drink. Her fellow protestors then erupt in cheers.

Critics have faulted the ad for exploiting Black Lives Matter and anti-Donald Trump messages. Both Jenner and Pepsi drew backlash on social media, and some Twitter users have compared the ad — albeit unfavorably—to the viral “Taking a Stand in Baton Rouge” photo.

https://youtu.be/PCEm21aTh5Q

Here are some of the reactions:

Shame on you @pepsi for such a tasteless ad. #Jointheconversation #livebolder #livefornow

— Erin Schlissel (@ESchliss) April 4, 2017

https://twitter.com/eveewing/status/849392843399540736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Finternet-slams-pepsi-kendall-jenner-after-ad-features-protest%2F

J. Edgar Hoover takes aim from the grassy knoll. The motorcade approaches. He fires. JFK raises a #Pepsi to his lips, blocks the bullet.

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 5, 2017

But isn't this Pepsi ad exactly what you'd imagine the Kardashians think a political protest looks like?

— Samantha Weiner (@SamanthaWeiner1) April 5, 2017

“The creative showcases a moment of unity, and a point where multiple storylines converge in the final advert,” Pepsi said in an earlier statement to Teen Vogue. “It depicts various groups of people embracing a spontaneous moment, and showcasing Pepsi’s brand rallying cry to ‘Live For Now,’ in an exploration of what that truly means to live life unbounded, unfiltered and uninhibited.”

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