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Coke or Pepsi? Ford or Dodge? McDonald's or Burger King? Growing up in the 80's, we as a generation had the opportunity to witness some of the most pronounced advertising campaign's in history. The battle of the brands!

In the 50's America saw the emergence of Drive In Movie theaters, Rock n Roll and American Band Stand. Pepsi and Coke rivaled diligently for brand recognition. Their rivalry continued throughout the decades escalating to "The Taste Challenge." Continually, their campaigns focused on the teenage youth of America, also known today as "baby boomers" all the way to "Generation X'ers". Was their campaigns successful and which is better?

Coca Cola, red and white, classic...'the real thing' vs. Pepsi, red, white and blue, rap stars and pop icons. Are these some of the thoughts that come to mind when you think about the two products? Coke is classic. I know very few people, if any, that walk into their local bar and order a "Jack & Pepsi". It is simply, "Jack & Coke". When you go to McDonald's, a powerhouse in the fast food industry, you ask for a 'Big Mac, Fries & Coke'...not a Pepsi. As you stroll down the grocery aisles looking for a refreshing beverage, your eyes gaze upon the 'little bottles of Coke' on the shelf. Almost immediately and without conscious thought, your mind drifts momentarily back to the days of walking into any convenience store and asking your mom for a coke...they were in the little bottles. A slight smile comes upon your face as you reminisce briefly about that little pleasure as a child. Every soda machine had 'little cokes in a bottle'. Because that is how it was!

In the south, Coke is no longer just a brand name of a product. Just as Google is no longer just a 'brand' name, the word 'Coke' is used as an icon for every soft drink there is, and everyone knows what you are talking about. Is Coke better in taste than Pepsi? I suppose that is as personal as Ford or Dodge, McDonald's or Burger King. However, it is quite apparent the Coke has definitely won the publicity war. To the world...Coke is the one!

Learn more about this author, Lori Anderson.
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