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A mister no more: Mr Potato Head goes gender neutral

92 Comments
By JOSEPH PISANI

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92 Comments

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Always have been and always will be, as I have said, there are only two sexes, male and female.

This isn't true. Intersex people exist.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

But I am quite sure that you are fully aware that by refusing to respect someone's gender identity, you are in fact mistreating them;

No, I don’t believe that for one moment. Me believing in evolution and science and the fact that we need to procreate and no transgender can do that and in acknowledging that doesn’t make me trans-phobic or whatever you want to call it. I call it: hard facts and dealing with reality. I respect them, but I know there are only 2 sexes. You don’t have transgender penguins or cows or birds.

and that transgender people experience purposeful misgendering as bigotry and abuse.

You keep falling back on that, I don’t discriminate against anyone, but that doesn’t mean I have to agree with you.

Again, the science is really super-duper clear on this. There is broad agreement across biology and psychology that a) sex is not a simple binary and is not really that easy to define; and b) transgender people who transition are much more mentally healthy and happy.

They can be happy, but they’re still the sex of gender they were born with. Transgenders can’t change their DNA and anatomical physical traits.

And since there is no "ick" factor at play for you here, your stance really is puzzling. What exactly is the big deal about accepting what really is established science?

Why you can’t accept that I don’t and won’t accept the woke cultures rule book of forced indoctrination when it comes to this issue.

You keep mentioning "woke culture." You remind me of a friend of mine with whom I've this kind of discussion often. He says he is not prejudiced, but in his words, "people are trying to tell tell me what to think" - this makes him mad, so in response, he just stubbornly outright refuses to acquiesce. I get the feeling that is the case with a lot of people.

My friend has never actually met a transperson, and I think if he did meet one, that he would be quite polite to their face and not say anything to them about their gender at all. But I have no doubt that he would later talk shite about them behind their back along the same lines as what you're saying here. 

I find that cowardly, frankly.

That’s perfectly ok, your prerogative-we all have our different feelings and viewpoints concerning this topic.

I think if you're going to make a stance on this, that you should have the cojones to be honest to peoples' faces.

Always have been and always will be, as I have said, there are only two sexes, male and female.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@girl_in_tokyo

Science. And what exactly do you think is science, exactly?(Don't need to answer this question, its juts rhetoric). You are giving it such a high regard as if it is the voice of god. But it is far from so. Science first and foremost is a human effort. And as such is subject to all of humans errors and biases. Yes, just as religion is. There is corruption (lots of money involved in research) , there are agendas, there are politics involved, and lots of money in businesses and markets affected by it.

Second as a human effort science has a strict set of rules and methods that strive to make it reliable and repeatable. Which are the two basics of scientific proof: can some hypothesis be proofed, and such proof be found reliable and repeatable over time and even place? That is the utmost science. The pinnacle. But of course this entails many things. Social science and psychology are NOT hard sciences.

I remember when I was a young researcher at my Psychology lab and used to get assignments to read scientific magazines and papers, do you know that there were several well documented scientific tests proving how womb interactions of hormones could alter the fetus brain to respond differently and thus perhaps create the effect of a gender trapped inside another genders body?? and yet suddenly, because of politics, this type of researched became impolitically correct(a memo from the government agency was distributed stopping all these researches). So politics influenced science to further some agenda.

Transgender is not another gender, is a state between two genders. It is a difficult situation, and surely they need to have their own identity, not as transgender, but as they seem happy to identify with either gender. And they should be helped, encouraged and blessed to do that.

That doesn't mean gender for the rest of us is a petty thing that is fluctuant and free flowing. Certainly as 2 genders of the species, characteristics are shared (there's the science you are talking about) and some may have more of the other. So deep understanding of this is what needed, some men may have a little more dominant feminine traits, and vice versa, and they should be understood as such and valued as such. There is a full spectrum. However, it does not prevent or negate the fact that there a only 2 clearly opposite genders.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Here, let us help!: 

@8:22a “Your, perhaps, presumptive implication the MR. Potato Head ‘has been decloseted” might imply he had already expressed ‘his’ sexual preferences.  As an socially-aware society, we shouldn’t ‘out’ others: instead striving to become more sensitive and aware that ‘pronouns & preferences’ are an individual’s choice.

Furthermore, hermaphroditic potatoes choosing to use their male sexual organs may be perceived, by some, as ‘non-consensual’ sexual aggressions toward other potatoes.  Don’t condone it!

In contrast, asexual propagation may be viewed as the most ‘consensual’ form of reproduction.  Seeds and tubers ‘have the choice’ to seek out their own nutrients, moisture and sunlight.

ALL other non-elective, ‘artificial’ propagation, is mutilation. The archaic concepts of ‘cutting’ & ‘grafting’ into another plant, are horrific, barbaric and not choices at all.  

So, there! - We set them right!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I have and I respect everyone, really and would never mistreat anyone and I wouldn't allow anyone to be mistreated if I am present, but I will always acknowledge that there are only 2 genders.

But I am quite sure that you are fully aware that by refusing to respect someone's gender identity, you are in fact mistreating them; and that transgender people experience purposeful misgendering as bigotry and abuse.

Again, the science is really super-duper clear on this. There is broad agreement across biology and psychology that a) sex is not a simple binary and is not really that easy to define; and b) transgender people who transition are much more mentally healthy and happy.

And since there is no "ick" factor at play for you here, your stance really is puzzling. What exactly is the big deal about accepting what really is established science?

You keep mentioning "woke culture." You remind me of a friend of mine with whom I've this kind of discussion often. He says he is not prejudiced, but in his words, "people are trying to tell me what to think" - this makes him mad, so in response, he just stubbornly outright refuses to acquiesce. I get the feeling that is the case with a lot of people.

My friend has never actually met a transperson, and I think if he did meet one, that he would be quite polite to their face and not say anything to them about their gender at all. But I have no doubt that he would later talk shite about them behind their back along the same lines as what you're saying here.

I find that cowardly, frankly. I think if you're going to make a stance on this, that you should have the cojones to be honest to peoples' faces. Have the courage of your convictions, in other words.

I wonder how many of the people here spouting off about "there are only two genders" would actually have the ahem ...fortitude ... to say this to a transgender person's face.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

It's one thing to be polite, kind, humane, nice and decent to all sorts of people, without making distinction, that is without discriminating any particular trait, or characteristic over other. Treat everyone with the same default deference, respect and kindness. Which is what we all should strive for and what should be taught to everyone, child or not, and to be expected of all of us.

It's a very different thing to promote abnormalities, irregularities and outright sins (to some people). Specially sex lifestyles and preferences, which are private matters. It's not that we hate people with different sex lifestyles, it's that it should irrelevant to the way we treat each other. Just as different ideologies, beliefs, philosophies and ideas.

But just as well, just because some politicians some time ago decided it is not abnormal, it doesn't make it normal

Nature shows the way, and if you believe in the creator, you know there is no case for it being an acceptable practice in his eyes.

But even if not adhering to those standards, it is important to keep things apart, Make sure everyone is treated fairly includes treating fairly those who do not accept or agree with such practices, which in the world is still the majority. And not actively promote things to confuse young minds. This is preposterous.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Welcome to “Absurdity: Day 4”. Here’s what you missed: “*Why does your species insist of labels? WE are not trying to “dictate to You what biology is”. We ARE trying to educate people about botany. - Try reading some books on it!”*

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Um ... that's the point. It doesn't have or need a gender; thus, "Mr" is unnecessary. 

Then ignore it, who cares?

And IMO, the toy company isn't kowtowing to the woke crowd.

They sure are, if they weren't they wouldn't be doing this.

It's quite ironic that in one breath you say transgender people shouldn't be ridiculed or abused, but in the next you ridicule and abuse them by denying them their identity.

No, I don't deny anyone, it's quite simple, we have 2 sexes: male and female and what and how you feel about yourself is your personal business, but anatomically you are either a man or a woman....going by the science and biological DNA

You need to figure out what your stance actually is. If you respect transgender identities, then you must accept them.

I do, but I will not let woke culture dictate to me what biology is.

I get that a lot of straight cisgender men have an instant, knee-jerk reaction of "eeeewww gross" when it comes to transgender people (and often the rest of LGBTQIA, too) but you need to get over that. It's 2021.

I never said that or thought that.

I suggest reading articles on the topic

I have and I respect everyone, really and would never mistreat anyone and I wouldn't allow anyone to be mistreated if I am present, but I will always acknowledge that there are only 2 genders.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Day 4 and some people are still ‘arriving late to the party’.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

bass4funkFeb. 28 10:26 pm JST

It's a potato for Christ's sake! it has NO gender! It's a vegetable! Absolutely amazing that these companies and people cow-tow to the woke crowd, just unbelievable.

Um ... that's the point. It doesn't have or need a gender; thus, "Mr" is unnecessary.

And IMO, the toy company isn't kowtowing to the woke crowd. They merely saw a business opportunity and are taking advantage of it. The LGBTQIA community aren't so naive as to think the companies flying rainbow flags really care about us and aren't just looking to increase their profit by following trends. You shouldn't be so naive - never forget that it's always about the money.

Well, not everyone will follow these new oppressive rules. No one is disputing what a person wants to be, but like Ray Parker Jr. once said, "you can't change that." Doesn't mean transgender people should be ridiculed or abused, but to go along with this trying to deny who and what we biologically are is just insane.

It's quite ironic that in one breath you say transgender people shouldn't be ridiculed or abused, but in the next you ridicule and abuse them by denying them their identity. Then you deny the evidence from science that says sex and gender are not as simple as male/female, whilst going on to claim to be using science as the basis of your opinion.

You need to figure out what your stance actually is. If you respect transgender identities, then you must accept them. If you do not accept transgender identities, you are going against established science and allowing your personal biases to overcome reason.

I get that a lot of straight cisgender men have an instant, knee-jerk reaction of "eeeewww gross" when it comes to transgender people (and often the rest of LGBTQIA, too) but you need to get over that. It's 2021.

I suggest reading articles on the topic that have been written by biologists and psychologists instead of those written by people who have no expertise and are catering to their own personal biases. You could also try to (respectfully) talk to transgender people. There are transgender bloggers that are open to answering respectful questions. All you have to do is Google. It's not that hard.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

I can't believe there are people who are so upset that a toy won't be called "Mr." any longer, that they are spending their day arguing about it online. You guys really, really need a hobby.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Lots of confused middle aged men getting triggered by toys, with this news, I'd wager.

It's a potato for Christ's sake! it has NO gender! It's a vegetable! Absolutely amazing that these companies and people cow-tow to the woke crowd, just unbelievable.

*It's really quite simple, when you were young, you could play with your Stretch Armstrong andBarbie. *

*You could wear blue and pink.*

My mom hated both, not every parent followed those rules and I had a G.I. Joe....with the Kung Fu grip.

Rigidly defining the male/female stereotypes was already on its way out, decades ago.

Why? You only have two sexes other than, what you FEEL that you are, which is different from what you were anatomically born as.

Some of that generation must still hold a grudge against those parents and/or guardians who insisted on enforcing the stereotypes and that's why they are in meltdown mode.

Well, not everyone will follow these new oppressive rules. No one is disputing what a person wants to be, but like Ray Parker Jr. once said, "you can't change that." Doesn't mean transgender people should be ridiculed or abused, but to go along with this trying to deny who and what we biologically are is just insane.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I really don't understand this, seems like an obsession by some for whatever reason, to just make a name for themselves to fight a meaningless battle that ultimately does not help Human kind.

There are far-more important things worthy of our attention than this. Perhaps if those persons focused their energies upon those, then the World WOULD be a better place for all....

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

The big change came MANY years ago. Back then you had to supply your own potato. Russets, Reds, ... Heck, you could use a yam or go ultra trans and use an apple.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Stop with all the ‘sexual education’ and biology talk! We’re trying to raise our children in Japan. (The Old Guard thinks it’s best to leave it to their ‘friends’ and ‘online predators’ to ‘educate’ them)

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Has anyone pointed out yet that potatoes are Hermaphrodites and grow both male and female parts? I suppose that, if one wanted to avoid the profound idiocy of discussing the 'gender' of a toy, one could say that the 'potato' formerly known as "Mr. Potato Head", has been decloseted in favor not of Political Correctness but for Biological Correctness. Of course, there are not just a few Humans who may be jealous that someone might be able to have offspring without needing that 'other', that 'mate', who so often proves to be the fly pooing in the pudding...but until CRISPR-Cas can render a Human self-fertilizing, we'll just have to do with hermaphroditic toys to teach our children real biology. Do most adults think children, because they are children, are complete morons? Maybe that's why we have so many who become that...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It has nothing to do with gender equality. It is a PR stun. Its aim is to get attention both positive and negative. It is all over the news now. If you respond to it then you are doing exactly what they want. Just ignore it.

Agreed. It is easy to create a media storm by winding up the conservatives and the "gammons". Very good free advertising for a very old toy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yup, we’re going to see a whole new generation of confused teens / young adults

Everyone knows that potatoes are born male and female and it should be obvious to anyone looking at potato what sex they are.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

“But kids like to see themselves in the toys they are playing with.”

Who wants to seem themselves as a potato head?

Anyway, seems they are keeping the Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads, so this whole article is retarded.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Poor Mrs Potato head.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

expatToday  12:06 pm JST

He was always a eunuch, wasn't he?

I don't remember that 'identifyer' on the toy when I was a kid. Wasn't there a 'Mrs.' toy too?

This is absolutely stupid to the max!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Terrible news. I think it should be a special order item for the small amount of people that can't figure out what gender they are. I am assuming that all kids have to have the neutered one. He can't be called Mr. anymore. Nuts.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I’m with yoshisan88 - who cares pathetic.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

“*While it was announced today that the brand name & logo are dropping the ‘MR.’ ; we’re proud to confirm that MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD will remain MR. & MRS. POTATO HEAD”- *Update: 5:37PM JST Feb 26/‘21

This was NOT a PR stunt. It’s now a major C.Y.A. from the PR ‘backlash’. - Great Job, everyone!

Point taken, @Concerned Citizen 2.26 9:04a JST and @Mocheake - Poor kids, becoming increasingly confused by companies who claim they care about them but don't. 

*- *Time to vote on these issues with our wallets.” - Don’t waste Money. Don’t buy their crap!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

My Mr. Potato Head had a styrofoam head meant to be replaced with a real potato by the purchaser. I never thought I'd still be seeing these (although in a changed form) after all these years.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Oh . . . woke is me. :(

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Sooner or later they will do a way with calling a "boy" a boy or a "girl" a girl. WE will just be called "SPUDS"

Have a friend named "Spud." Not his real name. Seems his father was unkind in giving him a name and a rebelled massively - became a marine.

I've met a few non-male people with large mustaches, but only a few were on purpose.

When I was growing up, we were taught to use Mr., Mrs., Miss as ways to show respect to people we don't know well. I'm fairly certain that Japanese have a similar idea.

Are we not supposed to teach our kids to respect their elders?

Some people see their gender as flexible from day to day. Does that apply to the Potato Heads too?

What prefix do we teach a toddler when it is unclear that won't make someone unhappy?

I'm just asking the questions, since I'm confused.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sooner or later they will do a way with calling a "boy" a boy or a "girl" a girl. WE will just be called "SPUDS"

2 ( +2 / -0 )

It has nothing to do with gender equality. It is a PR stun. Its aim is to get attention both positive and negative. It is all over the news now. If you respond to it then you are doing exactly what they want.

Very possibly. Cracking PR stunt if that’s the case. I’m impressed.

Hats off, or any other attachment, to them.

Just ignore it

To be fair, you didn’t.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I really don't think it's a big deal. I also don't think it would be a big deal keeping the "mister" and introducing a "ms." (didn't they have one before anyway?). Whatever.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Meh.

Y'all were pretty darn quiet when Marathon fell victim to US cultural hegemony.

Snickers. Ugh.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Yoshisan88, you are correct, it was just a PR stunt. Hasbro was trolling everyone, they have updated the news release to say that Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head will be sold in separate boxes. They sure got a lot of worldwide attention from this.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It has nothing to do with gender equality. It is a PR stun. Its aim is to get attention both positive and negative. It is all over the news now. If you respond to it then you are doing exactly what they want. Just ignore it.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

what about if we encourage (insert your label of choice here) "to be their authentic selves outside of the pressures of ALL traditional norms" ?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

What if the potato wants to identify as a cucumber?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

What's this gender political correctness. Centuries of genderism is now becoming a genderphobia

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Overheard at a vegetable speed dating event:

You tuber?

I'll get my coat.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Surely the big bushy mustache would at least imply that the potato was a Mister?

Mr. Kipling, women can have mustaches and sometimes even beards, too! Watch yourself there....

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Why not go species neutral as well? 

Add some tails, wings, horns, claws, etc etc.......

That would actually be pretty cool. A set of pets for the Potato Family!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Sadly nothing to grip, Toasted, maybe the first truly gender neutral toy.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Will Toy Story be re-edited? If remember correctly, Mr. Potato Head was quite a frisky character, always looking to get busy with Mrs. Potato Head.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I gathered from other news sources that it is only the brand name that is being changed. The names of the products themselves will remain 'mr potato head' and 'mrs potato head'. Watch the outraged idiots crawl out of the woodwork to complain about it though.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Why stop there?

Why not go species neutral as well?

Add some tails, wings, horns, claws, etc etc.......

0 ( +3 / -3 )

kids had to supply their own vegetable to poke eyes, a nose or mustache into.

That's the kind of Mr Potato Head I played with as a kid, but I'm not sure we called it Mr Potato Head back then. There were a variety of differently-shaped eyes, noses, lips, etc., which together with your own choice of veggie meant you could create a whole family of diverse Potato People. I don't think I ever thought of the toy being intrinsically male or female - it was what you made it.

I remember my Mum getting very upset with me for making a Banana Lady, when bananas were a luxury food. I still had to share the banana afterwards with my brother.

A plastic potato head don't sound like much fun.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Surely the big bushy mustache would at least imply that the potato was a Mister?

7 ( +8 / -1 )

lets a a minute for Action man, genderless, remaining heart broken in therapy to this day. Shameful.

Realistic gripping hands, mind.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Not all confused middle-aged men.

Of course, which is why I said "lots" as opposed to "all".

You wouldn’t accept it about any other group. Please extend the same courtesy and lack of prejudice to everyone.

Lol.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Will Mr. Potato Head have different vestibules to replace his plug in head?

Please do not deadname Potato Head.

Lots of confused middle aged men

Don’t pigeon-hole or stereotype people. Ageism isn’t pleasant either.

Far too much of this going on here.

OK boomer.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

Will Mr. Potato Head have different vestibules to replace his plug in head?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Lots of confused middle aged men

Not all confused middle-aged men.

Hashtag.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Always looking forward to @Ma-Hu 12:40p ... but, “All-caps’ are hurtful’. Can you restate without yelling? We don’t want ‘trigger’ anyone.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Lots of confused middle aged men

Don’t pigeon-hole or stereotype people. Ageism isn’t pleasant either.

Far too much of this going on here.

You wouldn’t accept it about any other group. Please extend the same courtesy and lack of prejudice to everyone.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Here's a more honest article about Mr. Potato Head...

Please do not deadname Potato Head.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Further study is needed.- In addition to the possible, physical safety-hazards of small parts, there may be other ‘subliminal’ dangers with Hasbro’s revised “Non-gender Potato Toy”.  Psychologists may agree that it may not be an appropriate learning toy for your family.  It may create confusion about so-called ‘normal’ body image, leading to body modification and unhealthy obsessions with unnecessary plastic surgery.  (Sorry,... “No! Dr Takasu!”).  In a world of increasing mental health issues, it may also ‘de-sensitize’ young troubled minds and ‘create fantasies of forceful mutilation of others’-

Further study is needed.
2 ( +3 / -1 )

In our new dawn where political correctness trumps all, it's time we did away with all gender differences in everything. Toilets must no longer be separated between men and women, we all use the same one. The Olympics should no longer be separated into mens and womens competitions, just one competition for all. Same for all sports, such as soccer, tennis and boxing etc. Mr Potato head is just the beginning of our brave new world. No longer are there man and women, just people.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Here's a more honest article about Mr. Potato Head...

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/mr-potato-head-goes-gender-neutral-drastic-change-to-toy-story-character-ruthlessly-mocked/news-story/1d1615e849666132bcab5d5c47c38736

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Everything has its day. When man gave all things a sex he thought, not that he was playing, but that he had gained a profound insight: it was only very late that he confessed to himself what an enormous error this was, and perhaps even now he has not confessed it completely. In the same way man has ascribed to all that exists a connection with morality and laid an ethical significance on the world's back. One day this will have as much value, and no more, as the belief in the masculinity or femininity of the sun has today.

There, Nietzsche nailed it!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

lets a a minute for Action man, genderless, remaining heart broken in therapy to this day. Shameful.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Liberals are the ones for free market capitalism.

I know the terms 'liberal' and 'conservative' mean different things to different people. So if liberals prefer 'free market capitalism', would 'conservatives' prefer the market Stalinism Russia and China have? I know y'all are big Russia backers.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

We ALL play into it every time.- Corporations win; the Media win! -

This is Disney’s recent business model: ‘revise a franchise to teach acceptance, tolerance & diversity’ resulting in the opposite effect and further dividing the populace.

*- ‘Sweet, childhood memories’ we want to share with our children, now poisoned by political propaganda. *

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Stop I'm screaming. "Everything that is decent and good, personified here by a mass-produced egg-shaped plaything for preschoolers that I will get extremely mad about for not having the word 'Mr.' on the box."

1 ( +9 / -8 )

This is honestly the funniest news story in a long time. A company says that plastic isn't male or female, the far-right have a diaper disaster and then, because they want to project "strength", have to spend hours finding new ways to type "im not mad. please dont say im mad".

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

It's more about the almighty dollar than trying to relate and reflect. Whatever the case, I'm glad I grew up way before this and don't have any kids.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Yes. That’s why we’re more open minded

Far-right: We're very open minded.

Hasbro Toys: This brown spheroid designed to amuse toddlers doesn't have a gender.

Far-right: I'm angry and upset.

1 ( +10 / -9 )

Please stop giving these big corporations ideas @Toasted 9:45a! Soon, in pursuit of gender equality, they will be test marketing a ‘Stretch Barbie”?? That’s’ not right!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

No way, man. When me and my buds all get together, we're still gonna call it "MR. Potato Head."

Just a normal night between bros. Crack open some cold ones, put on some music, and have extended discussions about a round lump made for toddlers.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

No way, man. When me and my buds all get together, we're still gonna call it "MR. Potato Head."

11 ( +12 / -1 )

And one what basis do they assert that a child's "authentic self" is gender neutral?

If your authentic self is a tuber, your worldview reflects just that.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Potatoes have many options to reproduce sexually. In the past, ‘traditional’ concepts of pollination, done through seasonal changes in weather conditions, such as wind and rain, between consenting plants, may have been viewed as ‘normative’ and/or ‘natural’.  However, some may argue that ‘cross pollination’ by other species, such as bees and butterflies, is invasive and forceful, without consent, and therefore, not a selective choice.

Asexual propagation may be viewed as the most ‘consensual’, as seeds and tubers seek out their own nutrients, moisture and sunlight.

Other propagation, such as ‘cutting’ & ‘grafting’ (into another plant!!) is horrific, barbaric and not a choice at all.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Once again far right posters are pining for some mythical past, another back to the garden reaction by those claiming America used to be great and the media were once objective. Watch Hasbro sales increase like Nike's did when they had Colin Kaepernick do ads for them.. Watch the anti-free market in the far right opposing this to go buy shares in Hasbro. Why do far rightists hate the free market so much? By the way - the 'garden' is a myth.

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

Lots of confused middle aged men getting triggered by toys, with this news, I'd wager.

It's really quite simple, when you were young, you could play with your Stretch Armstrong and Barbie.

You could wear blue and pink.

Rigidly defining the male/female stereotypes was already on its way out, decades ago.

Some of that generation must still hold a grudge against those parents and/or guardians who insisted on enforcing the stereotypes and that's why they are in meltdown mode.

-11 ( +7 / -18 )

Political correctness going overboard...its getting freaking ridiculous.

AMEN!!!!

I'm deeply emotionally and mentally invested in the gender of a plastic potato made for two-year-olds" - very healthy adults who have good priorities.

Best post I've read ALL morning!

4 ( +6 / -2 )

"I'm deeply emotionally and mentally invested in the gender of a plastic potato made for two-year-olds" - very healthy adults who have good priorities.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

Potatoes have always been ‘genderless’. Re: @theFu 9:05a JST (learned a lot in the last hour!)

Unlike other vegetables, ‘they’ always have had ‘more freedom to explore options for their own path in life and choice of lifestyle’. It was only Hasbro, a Disney partner, who assigned genders and roles to “Mr/Mrs P”. Potatoes, regardless of ‘their’ chosen ‘identity’, may reproduce either sexually or, asexually; IF they choose,

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The way I see it, it's a smart move. Streamline production by reducing your product lines, and satisfy current social trends at the same time.

-9 ( +5 / -14 )

Do potatoes have genders? This is about letting kids use their imagination. I suppose the Mrs. Potato Head has been canceled too? A form of merging 2 products into 1?

Hummm. From the Mrs Potato Head marketing:

Mrs. Potato Head has had a makeover and now has legs, more holes, and a slimmer, sassier look

That's a direct quote.

They also make "Tots" and "Chips" versions (multi-paks available) along with a number of other variants - Pirate, Ranch, Onion, Barb A. Cue ...

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Poor kids, becoming increasingly confused by activist groups and companies who claim they care about them but don't.

Time to vote on these issues with our wallets.

PS: Why isn't the article titled 'Outrage as Mr Potato Head goes gender neutral'? There's no doubt that there are plenty of upset parents out there and that is the real news here.

14 ( +20 / -6 )

Ridiculousness on a whole nother level.

But shissh the potatoes have ears than are listening.

If the woke ones are so anti about separating gender then who come they havent started on the olympic with the mens and womans divisions, or the tennis, or other sports that have two gender competitions?

Mr Potato head is offended !

10 ( +17 / -7 )

So are they going to stop producing Mrs. Potato Head or what? Package the pieces for both Potato Heads into one box? The whole reason they're named Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head is because they're married I thought.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Yup, we’re going to see a whole new generation of confused teens / young adults

12 ( +18 / -6 )

Help, please. Don’t want to ‘label’ or ‘assign a gender’ but the potatoes(?) in the photo appear to be a ‘same-sex(?) couple with a new ‘spud’ ?

7 ( +10 / -3 )

And one what basis do they assert that a child's "authentic self" is gender neutral?

Giving the ability to " to be their authentic selves outside of the pressures of traditional gender norms" has nothing to do with your question/suggestion. It is just a step away from the generic pink/blue, cars/dolls. Just let kids do/use/play what they want to without shaming them, for the Potato Head stuff that just means mixing some diverse parts in the "starter set". I guess it is a win for the company, it the kid has a preference for some style they now have less of that style in the starter and thus more pressure to buy extras.

-14 ( +4 / -18 )

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