McKenna Pope, 13 (right), and her brother Gavyn Boscio, 4, pose for a photo Thursday at their home in Garfield, N.J. Pope started a petition demanding the toy company Hasbro make its Easy-Bake Oven more boy friendly, and Hasbro announced Monday that an upcoming model will be black, blue and silver. JULIO CORTEZ/Associated Press
Hasbro announces black, blue and silver Easy-Bake Oven
Published: 12/18/2012 11:55 AM
Last Modified: 12/18/2012 11:58 AM
A black, silver and blue Easy-Bake Oven is on its way.
That's the news from Hasbro.
According to The Associated Press, Hasbro says it will soon reveal a gender-neutral Easy-Bake Oven after meeting with a New Jersey girl who started a campaign calling on the toy maker to make one that appeals to all kids.
McKenna Pope, 13, of Garfield, N.J., garnered more than 40,000 signatures on her online petition at Change.org for a gender-neutral version of the oven after her younger brother Gavyn asked for one for Christmas. Find her petition here.
McKenna and her brother Gavyn also asked Hasbro to include boys in the ads.
Several male chefs jumped on board her effort and made a video last week supporting her and her brother.
At Hasbro's invitation, McKenna and her family drove to the company's Pawtucket, R.I., headquarters Monday to meet with its Easy-Bake team, according to AP. During the meeting, Hasbro executives showed off a prototype of their newest Easy-Bake: one that's black, silver and blue.
Hasbro has been working on the new color scheme and design for about 18 months and decided to invite McKenna to see it and offer her thoughts, John Frascotti, Hasbro's chief marketing officer, told AP.
Hasbro has announced plans to introduce the new color scheme at the industry's Toy Fair in New York in February. Frascotti said people are likely to see it on store shelves next summer.
Congratulations, McKenna and Gavyn, and thank you. Your efforts in fighting gender stereotypes make the toy aisle a friendlier place for everyone.
Written by
Colleen Almeida Smith
Staff Writer
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