Publication of Six Dr. Seuss Books Cease Due to Racist Undertones

Six Dr. Seuss books will cease publication due to their racist and insensitive imagery. The children’s author had a known history of publishing racist and anti-Semitic works as far back as the 1920’s. A study released last year found of 50 books examined, 43 of 45 featuring characters of color had characteristics that were stereotypical or offensive. The study also argued since the majority of human characters in his books were white, whether intentional or not, perpetuated ideas of white supremacy. On the day of what would’ve been Dr. Seuss’ 117th birthday, news broke that six of the books named in the study, “McElligot’s Pool,” “On Beyond Zebra!,” “Scrambled Eggs Super!,” “And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street,” “If I Ran the Zoo,” and “The Cat’s Quizzer” will no longer be sold. The decision to do so was made by Dr. Seuss Enterprises who agreed the portrayals were harmful. In a statement they said ceasing sales of these books is only part of their “commitment and broader plan” to ensure they “represent and support all communities and families.”