On Read Across America Day 2021, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, which holds the rights to Theodor Geisel’s works, announced the discontinuation of six of his books, including “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If I Ran the Zoo.” The decision was made due to the presence of racist and harmful imagery. While some may express outrage over this removal, it is a commendable step for the company to separate itself from Geisel’s problematic past. These books contain stereotypes that negatively portray Asian and African characters, making the move essential, especially in light of heightened awareness about race relations in recent years.
The company stated, “Dr. Seuss Enterprises listened and took feedback from our audiences including teachers, academics, and specialists in the field as part of our review process.” Their decision was not made lightly; they spent months contemplating the best course of action. Although the books were removed from circulation last year, the announcement was timed to coincide with a day dedicated to celebrating Seuss’s legacy.
“Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families,” they added. However, specifics on this plan have yet to be revealed. Simply halting the publication of certain titles does not fully address the issue at hand. Ignoring past mistakes does not make them disappear; it merely allows the company to claim they’ve taken action. For meaningful change, Dr. Seuss Enterprises must engage in reparative actions for the marginalized communities affected by these books. Setting up a fund or collaborating with organizations that promote diverse literature could be effective steps. They could also contribute a portion of sales to schools in underserved areas to help establish more inclusive libraries.
In 2020, Dr. Seuss Enterprises reportedly earned approximately $33 million before taxes, indicating they have the resources to invest in substantial change. The real question is whether they will take the necessary steps to do so. Currently, many companies undertake superficial measures to appear progressive, but merely pulling a few books from shelves falls short of demonstrating genuine commitment to change.
A 2019 study by researchers Katie Ishizuka and Ramón Stephens revealed troubling statistics about representation in Seuss’s works. They analyzed 50 of his books and found that only two percent of human characters were non-white, with most representing negative stereotypes of Asian individuals. Furthermore, all non-white characters were male and often depicted in subservient roles. This lack of representation can contribute to racial biases, which studies show can begin as early as age three and become entrenched by age seven. As Dr. Seuss’s books are aimed at young children, minimizing the availability of the most offensive titles is crucial for reducing harm.
While it may be tempting to dismiss Geisel as merely a product of his time, many contemporaries managed to create content without resorting to racism. His legacy in children’s literature is significant, and as such, the imagery children are exposed to can have lasting effects on their perceptions of themselves and others. Acknowledging the problematic aspects of these works, fostering open discussions, and committing to improvement are vital steps forward.
While it’s unlikely that Dr. Seuss will be completely erased from literary memory, at least the most damaging titles are being removed. As awareness of his racist history grows, it’s clear that his works will no longer be synonymous with childhood literature. It’s time to cultivate a new legacy of children’s stories that embrace inclusivity, ultimately benefiting everyone. For more insights on this topic, you can explore this other blog post or check out Kindbody for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Dr. Seuss Enterprises has removed six of his books from circulation due to racist imagery. This decision has sparked debate but is an important step towards acknowledging and addressing harmful stereotypes. The company is urged to take further actions, such as financial reparations and partnerships with organizations promoting diverse literature, to demonstrate a genuine commitment to change.
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