The company explained the decision, saying “culture has evolved”.
Hasbro has announced that Mr Potato Head, the famous toy with the removable eyes, ears, nose, moustache, arms and feet, is now gender neutral.
The toy, which has been in existence for 70 years and gained newfound popularity after its first appearance in Toy Story, is being changed so as to not conform to traditional roles, and to give kids playing with the toys a blank slate to create whatever characters they want without the prefix of ‘Mr’ on it.
Essentially, what Hasbro is doing is stopping imposing a fixed gender on what is a potato, a move which allows children to enjoy the toys without antiquated ideas of gender involved.
Kimberly Boyd, a GM at Hasbro, said: “Culture has evolved. Kids want to be able to represent their own experiences.
“The way the brand currently exists – with the ‘Mr’ and ‘Mrs’ – is limiting when it comes to both gender identity and family structure.”
Following something of a furore in response to the news online on Thursday, Hasbro later confirmed that while the Potato Head brand name and logo will no longer feature the ‘Mr’ prefix, Mr and Mrs Potato Head aren’t going anywhere and will remain as Mr and Mrs Potato Head.
Hold that Tot – your main spud, MR. POTATO HEAD isn’t going anywhere! While it was announced today that the POTATO HEAD brand name & logo are dropping the ‘MR.’ I yam proud to confirm that MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD aren’t going anywhere and will remain MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD pic.twitter.com/6I84KrxOLQ
— Hasbro (@Hasbro) February 25, 2021
Glad that’s all cleared up then.
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