Audio By Carbonatix
In news that’s bound to make the budding Mario Batalis of the world giddy with anticipation, Hasbro announced yesterday that they’re planning to release a gender neutral version of their Easy-Bake Oven.
The changes to the classic toy were prompted by 13-year-old McKenna Pope’s Change.org petition. After catching her four-year-old brother Gavyn trying to “cook” tortillas on a lightbulb, she decided he should get his Christmas wish: an Easy-Bake Oven. But they only came in girlie colors: pink and purple.
So, she went straight to the top.
Read also:
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If Miami New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
When news happens, Miami New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
In her petition, directed to Hasbro executives, Pope wrote: “…we soon found it quite appalling that boys are not featured in packaging or promotional materials for Easy Bake Ovens — this toy my brother’s always dreamed about. And the oven comes in gender-specific hues: purple and pink. I feel that this sends a clear message: women cook, men work.”
The online effort got more than 40,000 signatures, and the support of celeb chefs including Bobby Flay. The young crusader was featured on Good Morning America, CNN and the Los Angeles Times.
With all the buzz, Hasbro got wind of the campaign and invited Pope and her family to their headquarters in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for a meeting, according to the Associated Press. They then revealed their new prototype, an Easy-Bake Oven in black, silver or blue, as well as plans to include boys in their new ads.
The politically correct version of the traditional toy will be on store shelves next summer.
Proof positive that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, folks.
Follow Hannah on Twitter @hannahalexs.
Follow Short Order on Facebook , on Twitter @Short_Order, and Instagram @ShortOrder.
