Rhode Island may ditch Mr. Potato Head license plates after Hasbro moves to Boston

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Category: Human Interest

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. small potatoes / smɔl pəˈteɪ toʊz / (idiom) – something or someone that is not important, not significant, or has little value
    Example:

    For a big company, this contract is small potatoes.


  2. hash out (something) / hæʃ aʊt / (phrasal v.) – to talk or discuss something carefully to make a decision or reach an agreement
    Example:

    The neighbors hash out their differences and agree on a solution.


  3. untold / ʌnˈtoʊld / (adj.) – very large in amount or degree, so much that it is difficult to measure or describe
    Example:

    The storm caused untold damage to homes and roads.


  4. notably / ˈnoʊ t̬ə bli / (adv.) – in a way that is important, interesting, or worth paying attention to
    Example:

    The museum is notably famous for its collection of paintings.


  5. taper off / ˈteɪ pər ɔf / (phrasal v.) – to gradually become smaller, weaker, or less in amount over time
    Example:

    Sales of the old phone model have tapered off since the new model was released.


Article

Read the text below.

It’s no small potatoes that Rhode Islanders have been able to choose the image of Mr. Potato Head as a specialty license plate for decades. Yet with Hasbro’s decision to move its headquarters from the smallest state in the U.S. to Boston, two lawmakers say it’s time to hash out whether Rhode Island should continue promoting one of the company’s most iconic characters.


Under the proposal introduced last month, Rhode Island’s Division of Motor Vehicles would stop providing Mr. Potato Head as an option for a specialty license plate. Currently, the plate costs around $40, with half of that amount going to help support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.


Rep. Brian Newberry, a Republican from North Smithfield, said in an email that he filed the legislation because Hasbro leaving the state will cause “untold economic harm and loss of tax revenue.” “There is no reason we should be advertising their products on our license plates,” Newberry said. “It may seem trivial compared to many other things, but it’s a matter of self-respect.”


Mr. Potato Head license plates were first issued in 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beloved toy, which has notably appeared in the “Toy Story” films. The plates include a small image of Mr. Potato Head holding a sign of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, with “help end hunger” at the bottom of the plate.


“The license plate started at a time when Mr. Potato Head was all over the state and was having a moment,” said Kate MacDonald, spokesperson for the food bank, which has received nearly $60,000 over the years due to the plate. “And while it has tapered off over the years, it’s been a steady way for people to contribute.”


An email was sent to Hasbro seeking comment. The toy company announced last year that it would be moving to Boston by the end of 2026 after operating in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for nearly 70 years.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


 


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The Mr. Potato Head license plate helps raise money for a food bank. If the state removes the Mr. Potato Head license plate, what could be done to support the food bank that would lose this money? Do you think creating a new character, or a character specific to Rhode Island, to replace Mr. Potato Head would be a good idea? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The plates include a small image of Mr. Potato Head holding a sign of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, with the message “help end hunger.” How do you think you can help end hunger? In your opinion, how impactful is such a charity message on a license plate? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Essentially, should a license plate be a formal government ID, that’s focused on safety, or should it be a canvas for local identity, showing creativity? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • What do license plates usually look like in your country? Are you happy with the way they look? What do you think a good and safe license plate should look like? What features should it have? Discuss.