On Read Across America Day 2021, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced the discontinuation of six of Theodor Geisel’s books, including “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If I Ran the Zoo,” due to their racist and harmful imagery. While some have expressed outrage over this decision, it marks an important step for the company in distancing itself from Geisel’s problematic past, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about race relations.
The organization 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 made after months of careful consideration, and they chose to announce it on a day when attention was focused on Seuss’s legacy.
They emphasized that halting sales of these titles is part of a broader commitment to ensure their catalog reflects and supports all communities. However, details on future actions remain vague. Simply stopping publication isn’t enough to rectify past harms; true change requires substantial efforts beyond just ceasing sales.
To genuinely address the impact of these books, Dr. Seuss Enterprises should consider financial reparations for the groups most affected by these narratives. Establishing a fund or trust to support diverse literature and donating to schools in underserved areas could be impactful ways to demonstrate commitment to change. With over 600 million copies of Seuss’s works in circulation, the enterprise has the resources to back up their intentions.
Research highlights significant issues with representation in Seuss’s literature, showing that only two percent of human characters are non-white, with many depicted in negative, stereotypical ways. Children, particularly those of color, are susceptible to these biases, which can start as early as three years old, solidifying by age seven. Reducing exposure to these harmful images is crucial for fostering a healthier self-image among young readers.
While some may argue Geisel was simply a product of his time, this does not excuse the continuous perpetuation of racist imagery throughout his career. Writing for children creates lasting impressions; hence, it is vital to engage in meaningful dialogue about these issues and take actionable steps toward improvement.
Dr. Seuss’s legacy is unlikely to be entirely erased, but the removal of the most harmful titles is a positive development. As society becomes more aware of these issues, it’s essential to cultivate a new legacy filled with inclusive children’s stories from authors who understand the importance of representation.
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