It’s unclear whether the recent move by Mars Wrigley candy to sideline its iconic M&Ms “spokescandies” is a genuine reaction to the silliest right-wing controversy yet, or is just a setup for a commercial stunt in the upcoming Super Bowl. Either way, we were hesitant to bite on this non-issue — except that what it says about the right-wing outrage machine is worth chewing over.
For decades, M&Ms have been sold on TV and elsewhere by animated versions of the candies, with faces, arms and feet. The trouble began with their feet, or more accurately, their shoes. Last January, the company began making subtle changes to the characters, including different shoes for two female M&Ms, replacing their big stilettos with more sensible, less sexy footwear.
This was too much for Fox News’ Tucker Carlson, who is always on the lookout for a new front in the culture wars. “M&Ms will not be satisfied until every last cartoon character is deeply unappealing and totally androgynous,” Carlson glowered. “Until the moment when you wouldn’t want to have a drink with any one of them. That’s the goal. When you’re totally turned off, we’ve achieved equity. They’ve won.” A chyron under his tirade decried “non-binary candy.”
