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[Photo via Hasbro]

Hasbro clarifies what Potato Head’s gender-neutral name change means

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Mr. Potato Head brand is officially being renamed to Potato Head. However, the name change may not be exactly what you think.

On Thursday, Hasbro clarified its decision to drop the “mister” in the toy brand name in an effort to be more inclusive. As well, the company revealed whether or not a gender-neutral Potato Head toy is actually on the way.

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The toy giant has decided to make a subtle shift with its Mr. Potato Head brand. Earlier this week, it was announced that the brand name is losing “mister” and will simply be known as Potato Head. The decision sparked mixed reactions from toy lovers. For some, they thought the push for inclusivity and a gender-neutral name was a good thing. Meanwhile, others completely disagreed with the company’s decision to change the brand name that’s been around for decades.

Now, Hasbro has clarified its decision. Although the brand will now be known as Potato Head, a gender-neutral toy isn’t actually on the way. Rather, the name change is in an effort to make the company’s family sets more inclusive going forward.

Starting this fall, kids will be able to create same-sex families or single-parent families which are more reflective of 21st-century households. The brand’s push for inclusivity allows kids to dress up and create their Potato Head toys as they choose. The newly branded Hasbro sets will no longer present a normative family structure, allowing kids to express their own ideas about gender, sexuality and family with the toys.

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As well, toys named “Mr. Potato Head” and “Mrs. Potato Head” will still widely be available to purchase. However, they will fall under the new brand name Potato Head.

“Hold that Tot – your main spud, MR. POTATO HEAD isn’t going anywhere! 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.”

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“Hasbro is making sure 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,” the company said.

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[Photo via Hasbro
The rebranded Potato Head toys hit are expected to hit shelves this fall.

What are your reactions to the Potato Head brand eliminating “mister” from its name? Let us know in the comments below.