Monopoly Scraps 'Outdated' Community Chest Cards | 22 Words

Toy manufacturer Hasbro has sparked outrage after announcing their decision to scrap Monopoly's "outdated" Community Chest Cards.

Here's the full story...

Now, this isn't the first time Hasbro has stirred up controversy with their modern take on classic toys.

Last month, they announced that the iconic Potato Head family were going gender-neutral.

The manufacturer initially revealed that the Potato Heads would be losing their "Mr" and "Mrs" titles in an attempt to make those who identify as gender-neutral feel represented.

Represented in a potato, that is.

On the name change, Hasbro said this:

"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 added that the toy will allow children "to imagine and create their own Potato Head family."

Well, as expected, there was an instant social media uproar.

But, following the backlash, Hasbro had a sudden change of heart.

The company hastily took to Twitter to announce that the "Mr" and "Mrs" titles would be making a comeback, just hours after their first announcement.

They tweeted this:

"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."

But the company remained firm in its decision that the rebrand will still remain inclusive to all identities.

Writing on their website, they explained:

"Hasbro is officially renaming the MR. POTATO HEAD brand to POTATO HEAD to better reflect the full line. But rest assured, the iconic MR. and MRS. POTATO HEAD characters aren't going anywhere and will remain MR. and MRS. POTATO HEAD.

"Launching this Fall, the CREATE YOUR POTATO HEAD FAMILY is a celebration of the many faces of families allowing kids to imagine and create their own Potato Head family with 2 large potato bodies, 1 small potato body, and 42 accessories. The possibilities to create your own families are endless with mixing and mashing all the parts and pieces."

Now, ever since this potato identity drama, Hasbro has remained relatively quiet on the inclusivity front...

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But now, one month on, they have come back with a rebrand for one of their most popular games - Monopoly.

Yep, even Monopoly isn't safe these days.

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After eighty-five-years of non-stop success and family-fun, it has been decided that the board game needs a modern tweak with regards to some of its "outdated" features.

Of course, people have not been impressed with the announcement...

In their announcement, Hasbro revealed that Monopoly's sixteen Community Chest cards will be getting an update...

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Some of which featured "outdated" prompts such as winning a "beauty contest," actually receiving a "tax refund" or the now-rarely seen "bank error in your favor."

Other scenarios include rewards for visiting with an elderly neighbor, patronizing the school bake sale, or donating blood, the New York Post reported.

In their place are more contemporary cards that "evoke community service and social awareness."

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​Swaps will instead include a reward for "shopping local all week," rescuing a shelter pet or helping to tend the community garden.

Anne Leonhardi, a marketing director at Hasbro, said on the decision:

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"Since Monopoly became a household name more than 85 years ago, the world has changed and embraced a new sense of community - particularly after the unprecedented year of 2020."

"With community being more important than ever before, this year is the perfect time to give fans across the country the chance to show what community means to them through voting on the new set of Community Chest cards."

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What're your thoughts on a "woke" game of Monopoly?