We’ve never been huge fans but Mr. Peanut gets just due for being a longtime symbol of good clean fun in a mixed nuts can. That’s why we’re sad to be the ones to tell you how easily the ‘Nut’s integrity can be compromised.
Word on the street is Kraft had Draft FCB run an online vote to freshen up the Mr. Peanut look. Small changes: pocket watch, yea or nay? Cuff links, too Chippendale? But apparently Kraft had a panic attack and made everyone in the Company and at Draft stuff the ballot to ensure Mr. Peanut remains the same stodgy, phallic eyepiece-porting womper he’s always been.
As if to compensate for placing the elusive Mr. Peanut in the hands of the people and then cruelly tearing him away again, Planters.com posts this timeline of how he’s evolved over the years.
It’s commendable to look consumerwise for a (granted, seriously controlled) fresh look for our nutty friend. But to cheat them out of what you promised? Shady stuff. That’s like lying. Mean parents do that. And on South Park, arguably the running narrative for today’s consumer psyche, mean parents get herpes.
Is that what you want? We don’t think Mr. Peanut would be too happy with those new accessories.
For the curious, a source says cuff-links were the legit winner for Mr. Peanut’s new look.
