In a move that’s been applauded by some and considered unneeded by others, Hasbro has announced that they’ve removed the “Mr.” from their Potato Head brand. The move was made to make the popular toy line more inclusive for children so that they could use their toys any way they see fit. That being said, Hasbro also clarified that the individual toys themselves will not be changed – and that there are still going to be the original “Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head” that everyone remembers.
As stated by Hasbro on their Twitter account:
“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,” the company tweeted.
It’s an interesting change, considering that the toys themselves will remain unaltered. Apparently only the top branding seen on the packaging will be altered to make the products more inclusive.
Here’s what Robert Passikoff, founder of marketing consultancy Brand Keys, stated on the subject via AP News:
“They are looking to broaden the franchise,” said Passikoff. “You take the focus of what is essentially one character and now allow it to be a platform for many characters.”
Rich Ferraro, chief communications officer of a LGBTQ advocacy group named GLAAD, said the following in a statement:
“Hasbro is helping kids to simply see toys as toys, which encourages them to be their authentic selves outside of the pressures of traditional gender norms,” he noted.
Many toy companies have been making similar moves in recent history, aiming to make toys more inclusive and adaptable for modern children and families. While it might be difficult for some to accept these changes, it looks like they’re here to stay. But considering how the Potato Head toy brand has changed in the past, it only goes to show how timeless a concept the product really is.