The Hasbro Group said on February 25 that it wanted to change the future of the iconic Potato family. According to its press release, the manufacturer wishes to preserve the genres of Mr. and Mrs. Patate, and to change the logo and the brand name.
We all know the iconic, famous and very fun “Patate Family”. Made up of Mr. and Mrs. Patate and their children, this is one of the most famous families in America. Presented in 1952 by the famous Hasbro group, it has appeared in many forms: cartoons, a movie centered on Mr. Potato Head, and obviously as a guest in Toy Story.
This Thursday, January 25, 2021, Hasbro announced in a press release that they will now be bringing a gender-neutral Potato family to the market.
Gender issue redirected
The principle of this toy is simple: a potato base that can be customized with noses, mouths made up or not, eyebrows, headwear, mustaches, eyelashes painted with mascara … It is possible to make countless compositions. According to the manufacturer, the new toys themselves would still be gendered, but it's the logo and the brand name that would lose their “Mr.”.
The intention of the Hasbro Group was to "promote gender equality and inclusion" and of "make sure everyone feels welcome in the world of potato heads by officially dropping the 'Monsieur Tête de Patate' brand and logo ”. A step in the age of time, since children shouldn't have to choose a “genre” of toys. Remember that a girl with a truck and a boy in a mini-kitchen, that's okay.
However, in a second press release, the manufacturer clarified that Mr. and Mrs. Patate would not disappear, and that the goal is in fact to “celebrate the different faces of families ”. This press release makes no mention of gender equality and inclusion. Ultimately, we don't really know what will happen to the Patate family.