Random Book Thoughts and Things

axolotl said:
www.dailymail.co.uk

Biden cancels Dr. Seuss:Leaves out author for Read Across America day

President Joe Biden did not mention Dr. Seuss during his proclamation for Read Across America day bucking a more than 20 year trend. Presidents Clinton, Obama and Trump have all mentioned Seuss.
www.dailymail.co.uk www.dailymail.co.uk
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I find the spin from conservative columnists interesting - While Trump and Obama have both commented on Seuss (whose birthday was chosen as the Read Across America date), Biden simply did not mention Seuss which is hardly "cancelling" Dr. Seuss. Of course, Seuss' role in children's literature still remains hugely importance, but even in past years, the focus has been READ not "Read Dr. Seuss"

This coincides with the announcement by Seuss' estate that 6 books will not be printed anymore (the biggest is "If I Ran the Zoo") because of dated, insensitive imagery. My first instinct was to search Amazon and see if they were still available - they are not. And at first, as a big Seuss fan, I was a bit taken back - but it's not like stopping Green Eggs and Ham or How the Grinch... I'm sure fans of Seuss will survive this onslaught on his canon :rolleyes: and if it winds up not offending people who were really hurt by those images even better!

But let's be clear - Dr. Seuss still rocks!
 
Zeeba Neighba said:
I find the spin from conservative columnists interesting - While Trump and Obama have both commented on Seuss (whose birthday was chosen as the Read Across America date), Biden simply did not mention Seuss which is hardly "cancelling" Dr. Seuss. Of course, Seuss' role in children's literature still remains hugely importance, but even in past years, the focus has been READ not "Read Dr. Seuss"

This coincides with the announcement by Seuss' estate that 6 books will not be printed anymore (the biggest is "If I Ran the Zoo") because of dated, insensitive imagery. My first instinct was to search Amazon and see if they were still available - they are not. And at first, as a big Seuss fan, I was a bit taken back - but it's not like stopping Green Eggs and Ham or How the Grinch... I'm sure fans of Seuss will survive this onslaught on his canon :rolleyes: and if it winds up not offending people who were really hurt by those images even better!

But let's be clear - Dr. Seuss still rocks!
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I am fine if it is determined that something from the past really IS shown to be racist. BUT, I think that like some of the early Bugs Bunny shorts, there should be a disclaimer stating that this was an earlier view that is not seen as correct now. I understand that the earlier Seuss books are now seen as offensive. But rather than white-wash them by refusing to publish them, it would be more helpful to say "this was a view point from this past time. We don't agree with it any more and here is why..." I think white-washing just buries and ignores the past problems. Discuss them! Let the people today know that they are now seen as wrong!!
 
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