Would George Washington Try Coke?
April 23 marks the anniversary of one of the biggest business blunders in history. On this day in 1985 Coca-Cola decided to ditch its billion dollar formula that had pleased people around the world for a century. The nation’s response to that tinkering holds lessons today for an experimental government playing mad scientist over our national cauldron.
In the 1980s, Coca-Cola owned a goldmine product and a household name when the smooth operation was ground to a sharp halt. Increasing competition and sagging sales led to a drastic change. The top-secret Classic formula was scrapped and New Coke filled store shelves. Consumers responded like hornets in a hive being beaten with sticks. Company executives were called four letter words like dumb and jerk. Three months late
r the original formula was back on the shelves.
Don’t get cocky over there Pepsi. Most of us still remember Crystal Pepsi which looked like carbonated water and tasted like regurgitated mouthwash.
Why must we tinker so? I hate cliches, but the one about “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” might have spawned from some nuggets of wisdom. The Founding Fathers would probably agree. Continue reading
Life. Culture. Education.
Life as Pop Culture Professor Clay Morgan
In The Matrix, Morpheus tells Neo he can take the blue pill and go on believing whatever he wants to believe. Or he can take the red pill to stay in Wonderland and find out how deep the rabbit hole goes.
This is a red pill type site that provides information in an entertaining way. It’s about clear thinking and good writing. It’s about finding meaning amidst the absurd. It’s about humor and truth.
I’m a writer / speaker who teaches history and political courses at a couple of local colleges. Where is local, you say? Well, that would be Wonderland of course.
On topics ranging from pop culture to the meaning of life, my brain’s always poppin’. Take the red pill and unplug.
EduClaytion 