Start writing a post

The real issue with the Mr. Potato Head drama

When it comes to inclusivity for all, a gendered potato might not necessarily help eradicate discrimination against people for who are they are.

The real issue with the Mr. Potato Head drama

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - JULY 27: Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head attend Variety's Power of Youth presented by Hasbro, Inc. and generationOn at Universal Studios Backlot on July 27, 2013 in Universal City, California.

(Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Variety)

Although this character hadn't crossed my mind since Toy Story, the classic Mr. Potato Head is making headlines. Why?

The toy will adopt a gender-inclusive identity by dropping the "Mr."

As of Thursday, Hasbro announced that they are ensuring "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."


Some people thought this recent statement meant this would change the entire Mr. Potato Head character. Then, Hasbro made a whimsical yet clarifying statement to say that Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head will keep their customary titles.

"Hold that Tot — your main spud, MR. POTATO HEAD isn't going anywhere!" said the company. "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."

Despite this, I've always wondered why an inanimate object like a potato would ever really need to be gendered in the first place.

Mr. Potato Head was created in the early 1940s by George Lerner, an inventor. Lerner created the "funny face man," aka Mr. Potato Head, for his litter sister out of fruits and vegetables from their mother's garden. He thought that adding some character and personality to vegetables would make it more fun for kids to eat.

However, when Lerner wanted to sell the idea to companies, he faced controversy.

READ: Marjorie Taylor Greene's despicable transphobic display proves she has no understanding of the Equality Act

Marjorie Taylor Greene's despicable transphobic display proves she has no understanding of the Equality Actconversations.indy100.com

Just because someone may be different from what you believe doesn't mean that they aren't human beings that deserve to be treated with fairness and integrity.

Some companies thought that using potatoes as toys seemed problematic given World War II and food rations. His invention In 1952, Hasbro, Inc. (formerly known as the Hassenfeld brothers) bought the creation's rights.

Eventually, Mr. Potato Head went on to become the first toy to have a commercial advertisement. In 1964, a plastic potato head body was created to accompany the 28 plastic facial features.

Now decades later, this toy, among others, is being rebranded to not leave anyone out of the equation.

As great as this is when it comes to inclusivity for all, a gendered potato might not necessarily help eradicate discrimination against people for who are they are. Regardless, companies' strides to become more inclusive for others irrespective of race, gender, and sexual orientation is an amazing start.

What are your thoughts about Mr. Potato Head becoming more inclusive for all?

Have you got something to say about this subject? Submit a post here and start the conversation.

Can tech help female entrepreneurs break the bias?

Women founders continue to come up against common challenges and biases - solving this problem is bigger than supporting women, it’s about supporting the national economy.

Can tech help female entrepreneurs break the bias?

Women founders continue to come up against common challenges and biases

Written by Kelly Devine, Division President UK & Ireland, Mastercard

Starting a business may have historically been perceived as a man’s game, but this couldn’t be further from reality. Research shows women are actually more likely than men to actively choose to start their own business – often motivated by the desire to be their own boss or to have a better work-life balance and spend more time with their family.

Keep reading...Show less

How am I doing as a parent?

Evaluating yourself is hard. It's even harder when attempting to assess your parenting because there's no set guide and nothing to count, measure, or quantify.

How am I doing as a parent?
Mum of two, bar manager, and lover of wine. And tequila.
https://twitter.com/Moonfacemum

Some time ago, I met my lovely friend for a drink, straight off the train from London. She told me about a very intense performance review she had at work recently, which, although scary, was incredibly useful; it gave her a general sense of how she was doing and areas to work on.

And it struck me we don't get this feedback as parents. Am I doing a good job? I have no idea.

Keep reading...Show less
#StartTheConversation by joining us on
x

Join our new platform for free and your post can reach a huge audience on Indy100 and The Independent join