Don’t call it “Mister” anymore!
Hasbro, the company that makes the iconic potato-shaped plastic toy, announced earlier today that it is giving the spud a gender-neutral new name: “Potato Head.”
Toymakers are updating their classic brands to reflect the changing world and appeal to today’s kids.
Hasbro contends that Mr. Potato Head, a toy staple for about 70 years, needed the makeover. The gender-neutral change will begin appearing on boxes this year.
Hasbro is following in the footsteps of other major toy makers like Mattel, whose iconic blonde, blue-eyed Barbie image has now transformed into a multi-skin toned and body-shaped doll for everyone. Even American Girl now offers a male doll.
Hasbro also announced the launch of a “Create Your Potato Head Family” kit with two potato parents and a potato baby. In the video, the company said the kit was for “modern families” and featured various family makeups, including those with same-sex potato parents.
On their website, the company said, “Hasbro is making sure all feel welcome in the Potato Head world by officially dropping the Mr. from the Mr. Potato Head brand name and logo to promote gender equality and inclusion.”
