Treats gone Woke? M&M Revamps Characters to Reflect More Diversity, Less Stiletto Boots

The confectionery giant Mars has announced a revamp to their product line M&M, in order to give them a “fresh, modern take on the looks of our beloved characters and more nuanced personalities to underscore the importance of self-expression and power of community through storytelling” along with an “updated tone of voice that is more inclusive, welcoming, and unifying, while remaining rooted in our signature jester wit and humor.”

The new missive, which came into effect immediately, basically involves changing the look of the “women” M&M’s. They removed the Green one’s famed stiletto boots in favor of sneakers, in order to downplay her overt “sexiness” (Editor’s Note. If I have to write it, you have to read it!) and the brown M&M had her heels slightly lowered, in order to reflect a ‘professional height’ according to the company spokesperson. Everything else remains basically unchanged, with the exception that now their arms and legs are pinkish, which is sure to draw a swift redesign for their non-inclusive, caucasian tones.

Jane Hwang, Global Vice President, explains:

m&ms is on a mission to create a world where everyone feels they belong. We’re wanting to start a movement to remind everyone that despite our differences, we have an incredibly powerful thing in common as a community, which is the power of fun.

..So as an iconic brand that’s been around for actually over 80 years, it’s really important that we’re evolving over time as well. And one of the most powerful ways we can do that is through our beloved characters. You’ll see them as we’ve done a deep look at them both inside, as well as out, in terms of reflecting new looks, personalities, and backstories.

For example, green, you’ll see her better reflect empowerment and confidence and be known for more than just her shoes, you’re going to see green and brown together being a supporting force for women who are throwing shine, and not shade.

You’ll also see orange really embrace his true self, worries and all, and not be afraid to express it. We actually know oranges, the most relatable of our characters in the crew is based on some conversations we’ve had with Gen Z, which we know is the most anxious generation.

Beyond our characters, you’ll see things such as our increased color palette, as well as the different shapes, sizes and shapes of our lentils. And a personal favourite of mine, more of an emphasis on the amperstand. It’s a distinctive element of the M&M’s logo that connects the two ends together. And it’s really a signal of our belief as a brand that we are Better Together.

Of course, no one has refused to eat the sweet treat they felt underrepresented by their characters, finding them offensive or outdated. No one in the universe has ever glanced their way and complained that they felt excluded. No one has ever looked at a yellow, brown, or red M&M and bemoaned the fact that they did not feel represented by the mascots.

Let’s call this what it is: a cringey, embarrassing redesign in order to score internet points with woke warriors.

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