“Just because someone is popular or a genius, doesn't mean that he's beyond reproach. Seuss should continue to be celebrated as an artist and poet, Nel says. (Photo by Griffin Harrington for VOA)ĭespite a mixed legacy, Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Theodor Seuss Geisel's hometown of Springfield, Mass. He published political cartoons during World War II containing harmful stereotypes of Japanese Americans that questioned their patriotism. Geisel’s racist imagery exists outside of his popular children’s books. “And we can still have those informational conversations, even with these depictions that may be harmful or are harmful, to how we develop thoughts about other cultures. Our job is to enlighten, enrich and inform our community,” Homer says. “Removing these books because people might object very much goes against what we stand for as a public library. Two of the banned titles have not been in circulation at the library for years, but the ones the library does own will remain on the shelves. Only one - "The Cat in the Hat" - was among the top 100 children's titles checked out last year. Seuss books are not particularly popular at his libraries. “The librarians have known about this for a long time and have been discussing this for decades,” says Jason Homer, executive director of the Worcester Public Library, located near the museum. The mural depicted a Chinese character with slanted eyes, chopsticks and a pointed hat. Seuss Museum in Geisel’s hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts, removed a mural after some authors refused to visit the museum in protest. So, you know, he's a giant in the world of American children's literature.”Īllegations of racist stereotypes in the author’s work are not new. “It's been estimated that one out of four children receive, as its first book, a Dr. Seuss is one of the dominant figures,” says Nel, who also directs the children's literature program at Kansas State University. During a prolific career that spanned decades and produced dozens of books, he used playful, rhythmic language, an anti-authoritarian tone, and whimsical, often outlandish, illustrations to help teach millions of children to read. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, died in 1991. Seuss Enterprises has pulled from publication. An Arab caricature in "If I Ran the Zoo," one of six books by Dr.
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