Six Dr. Seuss books, including “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If I Ran the Zoo,” will stop being published because of racist and insensitive imagery, the business that preserves and protects the author’s legacy said.
“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,” Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press in a statement that coincided with the late author and illustrator’s birthday.
“Today, on Dr. Seuss’s Birthday, Dr. Seuss Enterprises celebrates reading and also our mission of supporting all children and families with messages of hope, inspiration, inclusion, and friendship. We are committed to action,” said the company in a statement.
To that end, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, working with a panel of experts, including educators, reviewed their catalog of titles and made the decision last year to cease publication and licensing of the following titles:
- And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
- If I Ran the Zoo
- McElligot’s Pool
- On Beyond Zebra!
- Scrambled Eggs Super!
- The Cat’s Quizzer
“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong. Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families,” said the company.
and…. A mixed reaction from Twitter:
“The Cat in the Hat,” one of Seuss’ most popular books, has received criticism, too, but will continue to be published for now.
You can bet these six books that will halt publishing, will be flying off the shelf, or maybe not. A quick search on Amazon has ‘McElligot’s Pool’ for the low price of $2,500 and listed as a ‘collector’s item’, while ‘And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street’, can be purchased for the low price of $429.25.
The Idiocracy grows ever stronger.