As we know, there have been many social problems with gender neutrality recently. On February 25, 2021, Hasbros’ Mr. Potato Head toys became more gender neutral by claiming that they were dropping the “Mr”. Hasbro claims that they are making all feel welcomed in the world by changing the name. They did follow up and say that they weren’t officially taking the “Mr.” out but instead making a family pack where kids could create their own Potato Heads.
Personally, I don’t agree with the actions that they were looking at taking. There is also a Mrs. Potato Head toy as well as the Mr. Potato Head. I understand that there might be non-binary individuals and people that think the word “Mr.” in a toys’ name could be “unfair”. The name was not meant to offend anyone and the toy was first named in 1952. Mr Potato Head was also the first toy to be broadcasted on television. When the toy came out it was simply something to keep kids entertained. I don’t think that companies should have to be changing their products names just because of “equality”. I agree that humans should have equal rights and equality towards each other; however, a brand name should not be seen as “unfair”. I think that they should stick to the plan of making a “Family Pack” of potato heads where kids can create their own “family” consisting of whatever or whoever they want. I disagree with changing a name that has been around for this long just because of people's views today.
Do you think that they should change the name? Why/why not?
Do you think the "Family Pack" is a better idea? Why/why not?
http://https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/25/business/mr-potato-head-gender-neutral.html
Replies
Great topic choice Dalaney! Your summaryis good but a tad brief. Also, all of your comments were done on March 1. Reply back on three different days next time.
I think that that Hasbro shouldn't of changed the names because there is already a Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head. This toy is also super old and the name was not meant to offend anyone, but just to give it a name Mr. Potato Head. I do think that the family pack is a good idea though because kids can then build their own Potato Head family.
I do not think that they should take out the name because all our childhood that's who we knew the potato by. If they were going to take the Mr. out of it then how will we know the difference between the male and female because there are 2 genders. I don't think so because the people will know what they want to buy.
I do not agree with the name being changed, I do not see why we have to accommodate to people who are a very small percentage of the market. I think that the "Family Pack" idea is fine, that way if the kid wants a Mr. Potato Head or a Mrs. Potato Head they can make one from the same set.
I think that the family pack is a good idea. This makes it so people can choose what they want there patao head to be. I do not think they should change Mr. Potato Head's name into just Potato Head. Like you said it has been around for a long time. I think they can make new toys gender neutral without getting rid of the old, classic toys.
I dont think they should change the name I think that the people that dont like the name should move on and get over it is not all about them and there should be two genders of potato heads because that is how it is.
nothing was unfair nor offensive? I can completely understand why you would choose something gender-neutral, society pushes gender norms and they should never be forced on kids. having a nonbinary option for kids is amazing cause they can choose how to personally identify.
I think that this is a really dumb thing to even have to contemplate about. Why would we change the name of a toy that's a boy? It's a boy so it's called Mr. It's not that difficult to understand nor should it offend anyone. This is another example of people being way too sensitive.
I don't think that changing the name matters at all. The potato is a boy so it is Mr. We shouldn't have to change that. You can come out with other products that are gender neutral if you want but saying the potato in question is a boy shouldn't bother anyone. I also think that even if it wasn't a gender neutral equality thing that having a family pack of them would be fun for any kid because they get to design what they want.
I don't think they should change the name of their toy because it says right on it "Mr". I personally also wouldn't care because I dont use the toy but I also don't see why other would care because its simply just a toy. Like you said there is a Mrs.Patato Head so I dont really see the big issue about all of this. Chaning the name tho would be a stupid action because a lot of kids have grown up with the prefrence "Mr" condoning that toy so to change it just because some transformers got mad would be stupid.
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