A mister no more: Mr. Potato Head goes gender neutral

By The Associated Press

Mr. Potato Head is no longer a mister.

Hasbro, the company that makes the potato-shaped plastic toy, is giving the spud a gender-neutral new name: Potato Head. The change will appear on boxes this year.

The company, which has been making the potato-shaped plastic toy for nearly 70 years, announced Thursday morning that it was dropping Mr. from the brand in an effort to make sure “all feel welcome in the Potato Head world.” That set off a social media frenzy over the beloved toy.

Later that afternoon, Hasbro clarified in a tweet that the Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head characters will still exist, names and all, but the branding on the box will say “Potato Head.”

 

Toymakers have been updating their classic brands to appeal to kids today.

Barbie has shed its blonde image and now comes in multiple skin tones and body shapes.

Seven stylish dolls including Ken in a wheelchair, Ken with afro-textured hightop hair, and a Barbie with lighter skin that has vitiligo was released for the first time.

Hasbro said Barbie’s latest rollout is reflective of the company’s mission to continue its journey of representing global diversity and inclusivity.

Thomas the Tank Engine also added more girl characters and American Girl is now selling a boy doll.

Hasbro said Mr. Potato Head, which has been around for about 70 years, needed a modern makeover.

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