Hasbro Introduces Easy-Bake Oven for Boys
Ever since it was introduced in 1963, the Easy-Bake Oven has been marketed exclusively to girls, leaving aspiring boy chefs out in the cold. But that's about to change thanks to a campaign led by a teen girl on behalf of her four-year-old brother, who loves to cook.
In November, 13-year-old McKenna Pope of New Jersey submitted a petition to Change.org, which asked toy maker Hasbro to create a gender-neutral version of the classic toy that her little brother wouldn't be embarrassed to use.
In the petition, Pope says the toy currently "promotes gender roles in society" and its "coloration of purple and pink make it seem as though cooking is 'girly,' which it is not by any means."
Since Pope launched the campaign, her petition has received more than 44,000 signatures and Hasbro has taken notice. Beginning next year, the toymaker will begin selling an Easy-Bake Oven for boys in black and silver.
Pope, of course, was ecstatic to hear the news. “I’m very excited that Hasbro is introducing an Easy Bake Oven that will appeal to both boys and girls,” she said. “The Hasbro executives told me that my petition was inspiring.”
Can you think of any other toys that need a gender-neutral update?