On Read Across America Day 2021, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, which manages the rights to all of Theodor Geisel’s works, announced the discontinuation of six of his books due to their racist and harmful depictions. Titles like “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If I Ran the Zoo” are being pulled from circulation because they contain offensive imagery regarding Asian and African characters. While some may protest this decision, it is a vital step for the company to separate itself from Geisel’s problematic past, especially in light of growing awareness around racial issues.
“Dr. Seuss Enterprises has listened to feedback from educators, academics, and specialists during our review process,” the company stated. Their decision was not made lightly; months of deliberation preceded the announcement. The books were already out of print by the previous year, but the timing of the public announcement was strategic, coinciding with a day dedicated to celebrating Seuss and his legacy.
The company emphasized that halting the sales of these books is just the beginning of their commitment to ensuring that their catalog reflects and supports all communities and families. However, they have yet to outline a comprehensive plan. Simply ceasing publication of certain titles does not sufficiently address the underlying issues. Ignoring the past doesn’t erase it; it merely allows the company to claim they’ve taken action without doing the necessary work to rectify the harm.
For Dr. Seuss Enterprises to enact meaningful change, they should consider providing financial reparations to the communities most affected by the harmful portrayals in these books. Engaging in genuine anti-racist initiatives outside their organization would demonstrate a real commitment to change. Establishing a fund or trust to support organizations promoting diverse literature or donating a portion of sales to schools in underserved areas could be significant steps forward.
A 2019 study by researchers found that only 2% of human characters in Seuss’s works are non-white, and most of those characters represent negative stereotypes. This kind of representation can have lasting effects on young readers, shaping their perceptions of race and identity. Children of color, particularly Black children, encounter imagery that diminishes their worth from a young age, making it crucial to reduce the availability of these offensive titles.
While some may excuse Theodor Geisel’s actions as a reflection of his time, it’s important to remember that many people then were advocating for inclusivity and equality. Geisel’s legacy is complicated, especially given that he built his career on racially insensitive material, including in his children’s literature. Writing for children is an act that shapes their earliest memories, and the impact of negative imagery can last a lifetime.
Though it’s unlikely Dr. Seuss will be entirely “canceled,” the removal of his most harmful works is a necessary step. As society evolves and becomes more aware of the implications of such content, it is vital to foster a new legacy of children’s literature that champions inclusivity and diversity.
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In summary, the decision by Dr. Seuss Enterprises to remove six problematic titles is a necessary response to growing awareness of racial issues in literature. While this is a positive step, further actions such as funding and collaboration with diverse organizations are essential for meaningful change.