M&M's controversy continues as company retires its 'keychains'

Save a moment, no matter how painful it may be, to think about Tucker Carlson.

The American conservative political commentator has been on a mission about “liberal revival agendas” for some time, particularly regarding M&M’s and how outraged he was at the makeover the Green M&M underwent last year.

The Fox News personality condemned the changes made to Green – essentially a change in footwear – because they made the character “less sexy”.

The unbridled reaction it included Carlson stating that “M&M’s will not be satisfied until every cartoon character is deeply unappealing and totally androgynous. Until the moment you don’t want to have a drink with any of them anymore. That’s the goal.

Yes, Tucker Carlson complained that he won’t be able to take an anthropomorphized chocolate character out for a drink and God knows what else.

Howreported by RockedBuzz via Euronews Culture in September 2022, the makeover caused outrage on social media, with many criticizing the loss of the character’s signature look. A petition to “keep the green M&M sexy” has garnered over 20,000 signatures.

The change not only upset far-right conservatives, but also sparked criticism from feminist activists, because the aesthetic rebranding was not seen as a meaningful initiative. Worse, the company seemed to perpetuate outdated stereotypes about women.

Now, in a surprising twist, M&M’s has dropped the use of famous characters as “door-to-door candy” in its advertising.

Mars Wrigley North America says it’s taking “an indefinite hiatus from spokespersons” — an equally shocking term that defines its fictional chocolate characters as representing their “global commitment to create a world where everyone feels they belong and society is inclusive.” “.

“Over the past year, we’ve made a few changes to our beloved candy,” the chocolate candy brand said in a statement. “We weren’t sure anyone would notice. And we definitely didn’t think it was going to break the internet.

This decision behind this break is also due to the arrival in September of a new band member: Purple.

Purple is the third female M&M, after Green and Brown, created, according to M&M’s, “to represent acceptance and inclusion”. Purple symbolizes support for the LGBTQ community, with the color having become a symbol of the feminist struggle.

Purple’s arrival also prompted a torrent of criticism, with internet users accusing Mars Wrigley of politicizing sweets.

The controversy erupted again earlier this year when a special limited edition pack of M&M’s only showed the three female characters, Green, Brown and Purple.

“The ‘woke’ M&Ms are back,” said Tucker Carlson, who mocked Green that “maybe she’s a lesbian” and that Purple was “fat,” referring to her oval rather than round shape.

Again, and let it percolate: Carlson is a grown man obsessed with the sexualization of imaginary chocolates.

Not that Mars has anything to cheer about. Rather than support his choices, society bowed to the will of America’s conservative right with this indefinite hiatus of the candy character. They did, however, tap beloved comedian and actress Maya Rudolph to represent the product instead.

“We are confident Ms. Rudolph will champion the power of fun to create a world where everyone feels they belong.”

What a roller coaster.

So, indulge in some chocolate today if your eyes have rightfully rolled so far back in your head that you might as well be blind to the thought of multinational corporations opportunistically peddling marketing tactics as somehow meaningful.

And spare a moment for Tucker Carlson and his disturbing obsessions, as well as all those who contribute to the same Western art of overthinking when you have nothing better to do.