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Becoming Dr. Seuss

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Re: Becoming Dr. Seuss

#2
Dr. Seuss, racist and misogynist (at least according to the author.)

I've read and loved several of his books, as have many kids of all kinds. I think it's best to just judge him on his excellent children's books and not flame his memory with today's outrage police.

Re: Becoming Dr. Seuss

#5
post #3

Hey all you nerds ... always remember that it was Dr. Seuss who coined that term (who'd want to be called a geek their whole career?)

I thought 'nerd' originated with 'Happy Days'. Was it really Dr. Suess?

I doubted this too but a quick wikipedia search proved parent correct

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerd#Etymology

Re: Becoming Dr. Seuss

#6
I did not know he was a Casque and Gauntlet character. Probably would not be now - it's shifted ridiculously to the SJW types, and is incestuous to a degree unimaginable.

I still cannot believe that the incredible teaching hospital there is now the Dr. Seuss Medical school.

Re: Becoming Dr. Seuss

#7

Dr. Seuss, racist and misogynist (at least according to the author.) I've read and loved several of his books, as have many kids of all kinds. I think it's best to just judge him on his excellent children's books and not flame his memory with today's outrage police.

Can the community both appreciate the excellent children’s books and consider them alongside, for example, the reality of what he did to his wife, which happened regardless of who’s writing about it? I think there’s value to that analysis beyond “outrage politics,” but you’ve gone ahead and written off any exploration of the nuances of Seuss’ personal character. So far, nobody in this thread is suggesting we forget the books and demonize Seuss, but you’ve completely shut down any discussion about his character as if that outcome would be one of two options.

Re: Becoming Dr. Seuss

#8

Dr. Seuss, racist and misogynist (at least according to the author.) I've read and loved several of his books, as have many kids of all kinds. I think it's best to just judge him on his excellent children's books and not flame his memory with today's outrage police.

Since when is an accurate recount of history "flaming?" Dr. Seuss created a number of racist cartoons, which is part of the nuances of his history which this book see as its purpose to unpack.

Yes, it would be easier to love his childrens books without knowing his full body of work, but to ignore those is whitewashing a piece of reality.

Re: Becoming Dr. Seuss

#9

I did not know he was a Casque and Gauntlet character. Probably would not be now - it's shifted ridiculously to the SJW types, and is incestuous to a degree unimaginable. I still cannot believe that the incredible teaching hospital there is now the Dr. Seuss Medical school.

Are you from a Tom Sharpe novel?

Re: Becoming Dr. Seuss

#10

Dr. Seuss, racist and misogynist (at least according to the author.) I've read and loved several of his books, as have many kids of all kinds. I think it's best to just judge him on his excellent children's books and not flame his memory with today's outrage police.

Whitewash the past or stand in outrage, are these the only two options? Some works can have a redemptive quality, no?
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