“Six children’s books written decades ago by Dr. Seuss were pulled from publication because they contain racist and insensitive imagery,” states the company formed to protect the Dr. Seuss legacy. 

     Dr. Seuss is a legend for his fun rhyming books that children love. His career first started with “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” and now 84 years later, it’s one of the six removed off of the shelves. 

     According to the company, even “The Cat in the Hat” is rumored to be removed in the foreseeable future. How could they take away a book everyone knows and loves over some analyzed images? 

     Reuters from Indian Express states that there were Asian culture stereotypes and racist images in Seuss’ first published book. “The lines for eyes and he was eating with chopsticks”. According to Dr. Seuss enterprises, each of the six contained hurtful racist images and they wanted to preserve his legacy by being kind to everyone, so they stopped their future publication and distribution. 

     Instead of “preserving” Seuss’ legacy, they are taking away books that everyone loves. The stereotypes in question were normal back then, and it is not as intense as they’re making it to be. Seuss is rolling in his grave as he watches his books being taken away from the children. 

     “On eBay, some of the discontinued titles surged in value on Tuesday. A copy of “If I Ran the Zoo,” with a starting price of $48 in the morning, was commanding a bid of $410 within an hour,” says Reuters. If you own the following books, “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” “If I Ran the Zoo,” “McElligot’s Pool,” “On Beyond Zebra!” “Scrambled Eggs Super!” and “The Cat’s Quizzer,” you could make quite the penny. 

     No one wants to ruin Seuss’ legacy, or so they say, but removing these titles is wrong. They are erasing history right before everyone’s eyes, just because someone got offended. If every book were removed due to someone getting offended, there would hardly be a single book on the shelf. 

     These books are meant for younger children, no child would be able to analyze every image and recognize that this image is “racist”. They would only enjoy the fun rhymes, which was Seuss’ intention. “I don’t believe children would notice anything like that until it is pointed out or taught to them,” states teacher Megan Fries. 

     Fries also says, “I love the memories I have behind Dr. Seuss books. It is something that I grew up with and enjoyed reading with my parents. From a teacher and parent standpoint, I enjoy the fun aspect to them.”  

     However, it is important to recognize when titles are hurtful to communities, these are children’s books. The intended audience would not only not see what professionals and adults see, but they would lose some great rhyming books for their childhood.

    “Not everyone was pleased to hear in the news. In New York City, Greg Zire, 46, said the decision was another example of “cancel culture.” “It’s getting to the point where, you know, you get deleted from history,” the culinary sales worker said. “What people need to realize is, if Dr. Seuss can get canceled, what can’t be?” also states Reuters. 

     Seuss wrote over 60 classics, and for them to slowly start being removed off the shelves due to some analyzed photos, is cruel. Dr. Seuss Enterprises claims they are doing this to preserve his legacy, when in fact it is dragging his name through the mud as a “racist author”.