Horton Hears a ‘Shut Up’: The Scrubbing of Dr. Seuss
Instead of cherry-picking through a series of books with the whole objective of finding perceived slights against different races, why not focus on book themes by Ted “Dr. Seuss” Geisel (“Green eggs & ban: Seuss nix,” March 3)?
“The Sneetches,” published in 1961, depicts how one group with stars on their bellies is thought to be far superior than those without.
The lasting message, stressing that the outer shell is not as important as the inside, was also the subject of a powerful speech given just a few years later by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sadly, even those compelling words don’t seem to have a place in today’s twisted cancel culture. Gary Kaelin
Commack
Kyle Smith’s column, (“Woke grinches will cancel us inch by inches,” March 3) was spot-on and hilarious.
Dr. Seuss would be proud of his witticism and defense of his incredible publications. Let’s please stop this woke madness. Scott W. Ventrella Ridgefield, Conn.
The agenda of “cancel culture” is roaring through our country like an oversized lawnmower, cutting everything it comes in contact with.
It’s disheartening that Dr. Seuss’ step-daughter, Lark Grey Dimond-Cates, agrees with Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ decision to discontinue publishing six of Seuss’ books.
Dr. Seuss is a staple of children’s lives and reading development. His books were some of the first I learned how to read. I taught my children how to read with them, and my granddaughters learned to read with them.
THE ISSUE: Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ decision to stop publishing six of his books for offensive imagery.
Dr. Seuss should be commemorated for his contribution of magic, imagination, happiness and a love of reading to so many.
Let’s start with treating each other the way we would like to be treated. It would help take the steam out of “cancel culture.” Janice Mooney
Brooklyn
I worked many years as an early-childhood special-education teacher in my hometown. Reading Dr. Seuss books was the joy of my career.
Now, I applaud Dr. Seuss Enterprises for recognizing cultural insensitivity within its own organization. Wayne E. Williams
Camden, NJ
I read Dr. Seuss to my children and grandchildren. Some do not agree with the visual depictions in some of the books and find them offensive. Simple solution — don’t buy the book, as is your right.
But trying to force this opinion on the rest of the country is ludicrous. I believe we need to get back to two basic concepts going forward as a nation: respect and common sense.
Have respect for people and their beliefs without forcing your beliefs on anyone. Joe Marco
Hatboro, Pa.
I am now convinced that the world has totally spun out of control.
It started with the revision of Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head’s design because our children should be able to create their own types of families. Now we need to stifle Dr. Seuss? I’m missing something.
Little by little, history — good and bad — is being expunged. I grew up with Dr. Seuss and have no plans to eliminate him from my past.
In the words of that illustrious man: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” There is much to be learned from our bygone days. Judy Petillo Eggert
Long Branch, NJ
It is disturbing but not surprising that we have reached the point where even Dr. Seuss’ works are taken out of context.
People are willing to pounce on anyone who says anything that is not aligned with their thoughts. We are creating mountains out of molehills and, as a result, creating a larger chasm in our society.
We cannot go forward as a nation and as good people if we eliminate everything that is not to our liking. We have to be open-minded and discuss our differences.
I read Dr. Seuss as a child, and quite frankly all I remember are the rhyming lyrics, the enjoyable stories and the funny cartoons. I never laughed at the characters. I laughed with the characters. D. Gold
Brooklyn