Hasbro
has decided to drop “Mr.” from “Mr. Potato Head”, and it’s a great initiative!

The
reason behind the sudden rebranding is to promote gender quality and inclusion.
Hasbro is going ahead and giving the honorable Mr. Potato Head toy a much
better identity – something that it more gender-inclusive! The company has come
out with not only a new brand name but also new packaging.

The
idea is to ensure that everyone feels welcome in the Potato Head world. Hasbro
dropped the Mr. from Mr. Potato Head brand name and logo to encourage an
environment that is gender inclusive and equal for everyone.

The
official statement was released on Thursday and it says: “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.”

Once
the announcement was made, the company gave a clarification on Twitter and
reassured fans that Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head characters would reserve their
individual titles.

The
Twitter handle of the company said: “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 am proud to confirm that MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD aren’t going
anywhere and will remain MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD.”

Apparently,
the company is all set to introduce a “Potato Family Pack” in fall this year.
This initiative will encourage children to create their own Potato Head family.
It is being said that the new pack will come with two large and one small
potato bodies along with 42 accessories.

Apart
from a change in the brand name, there’s also a change in the color palette to
make the message even more impactful. Rumor has it, a more whimsical color
palette is underway.

The
change in branding is being received well from the LGBTQ community. Rich
Ferraro, who is the Chief Communications Operator of Glaad, has appreciated the
effort behind this change. He says that this step will give shape to a larger
movement, that aims to achieve greater diversity and inclusion in toys.

Hasbro
is the largest toymaker to reinvent and update its age-old brand for a greater
purpose. It is honestly the first toymaker in history to change its classic
reputation and make it more inclusive and diverse.

It
seems like the toymakers are working towards the same direction – to create a
world that is more diverse and inclusive.

Last
year, Mattel had taken the initiative to roll out its new line which is more
diverse; it has more skin tones, hair types, and body shapes!

The
line is truly a gem, as one doll is bald whereas another one has a prosthetic
limb and the other has her thick dark hair brushed away from the face to show
the skin condition called vitiligo!

And
not just this – Mattel has been promoting diversity since 2016! That year, the
Barbie line expanded its Thomas the Tank Engine franchise and added more female
train characters from countries like Brazil, Mexico and India.

In
2017, the company introduced a boy doll. And in 2019, the company unveiled
customized and gender-neutral dolls known as Creatable World. This line gave
children the option to create their own characters. The accessories included
wigs and a massive wardrobe selection to express themselves and their individual
style. You could have short hair or long, wear a skirt, pants or both –
whatever you like!

Mr.
Potato Head, on the other, hand has been a signature toy for the Hasbro Company
since 1952. In fact, it was the first toy company ever to get advertised on
television! This company permits children to swap different parts like their
eyes, glasses, hats, and other parts. Hasbro is based in Rhodes Island, and has
featured in several parades and campaigns over the years!

Anyway,
what do you think about this great initiative? Let us know your thoughts on the
gender-neutral Potato in the comment section below and like our page on
Facebook!

Go
buy yourself a POTATO HEAD and create your Potato Head Family!