By Audrey Reed
Opinions Editor
College is full of meeting new people. People at Pepperdine hail from many areas of the nation.
The montage of people at Pepperdine brings together different regions each with their own unique culture. America has many different cultural facets, yet everyone believes in and follows the same fundamental standards.
Hearing about other local cultures in this country is interesting. The attractions, food dishes and popular clothing indigenous to certain areas is fun to talk about.
However, every time a new group of people gather, inevitably the conversation turns to a terrible topic. They ask me, “Audrey, in Texas do you guys say Coke or soda?”
Does this really matter? Will all of the world’s mysteries be solved if everyone answers this question? And in all actuality who cares about the answer to this question?
As if we are reciting a script, I usually give the obligatory answer. Then they say, “In Vermont, we say pop.” Then there is a long awkward pause because this topic can’t possibly go any further.
If you have asked me this trite question, don’t worry, I don’t blame you. Just please, I beg you not to bring up it again.
Actually, I don’t even drink Coke, or pop, or soda, or whatever you want to call it, which probably makes the entire situation worse.
While I realize that meeting new people can often be difficult and sometimes strained, there is no need for the conversation to turn ugly. Ask me about my family, my favorite book or movie or my favorite place to go on the weekend. Even talking about school and classes is better than asking about soda.
Also, who gives people the right to say that everyone in their state says pop? I think this a bit presumptuous. Can a young and foolish college student really make such an important decision?
The only way to put an end to this very lame dispute is to have each state governor declare a statewide name for soda. Along with the state song and flower, there needs to be an official state decision made as to what residents will call carbonated beverages. Write your representative today.
However, changing the statewide name for soda takes time. So what can you do in the meantime? Restrain yourself from asking The Question. If you just cannot help it, at least refrain around me. Not only would this end the controversy, but also it would put a stop to these meaningless exchanges that often occur.
In case anyone is genuinely interested about what people call drinks in College Station, Texas, we say coke.
January 23, 2003