1. The allure of the foreign / He's not from around here (Japan): My co-worker Kellie at first doubted my veracity that Pepsi Man was an Asian ad campaign. Why? Because there is nary a single Asian availing himself (or herself) to the refreshment that is Pepsi. Instead it appears that America (or any other large, primarily Caucasian nation with room to spare) is full of dehydrated groups of people, too stupid or lazy to drink something liquid, in need of saving. There is one exception. Pepsi Man appears as a mirage to a bedraggled, dessert-entrenched, stereotypical sombrero-wearing Hispanic. I don't know what it says that the Latino is the only man who Pepsi Man doesn't save. Damn Pepsi Man.
2.People and small animals are atracted to shiny objects: Pepsi Man is very shiny.
3. Pepsi Man, the emergence of the flawed hero?:American comic book readers were taken by storm when Stan Lee began writing super heroes who were not immune to the perils of every day living. Perhaps Pepsi Man taps a similar vein. He's a super hero clearly able to bring soda to those in need. However, when his heroics are over he becomes as physically vulnerable to injury as the common man.
4.Pepsi Man, the triumph of the underdog: Pepsi Man has a proven track record of severe injuries. And frankly, his injuries are never gained in a very stately manner. He is comical, perhaps even pathetic in his lack of grace. However that being said, he comes through in the clutch. Those people? They get their Pepsi God damn it!
5.Sadistic tendencies:People like to see other people getting hurt. Pepsi Man always gets hurt.
6.Pepsi Man as Everyman:It is compelling to note that Pepsi Man has no discernible facial features. His face is a blank canvas (and a shiny one!) that we can project our own identities and dreams onto. In is not Pepsi Man saving the day, but you, me,everyone. We are all Pepsi Man.
Do you have any Pepsi Man theories? E-mail me!
