Read Across America Day, Separating From Dr. Seuss

[daycarediva]

http://www.slj.com/2017/09/industry-news/cat-hat-racist-read-across-america-shifts-away-dr-seuss-toward-diverse-books/

Thoughts?

I'm still having Seuss week here. I of course, will not be showing children his earlier political works/ww2 era. We will of course be focusing on The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who, and all of that silly rhyming that's so wonderful for early literacy.

[Josiegirl]

It's sad that Seuss posted articles/pictures like that; I'm not condoning what he did at all. But what he has brought into the world of literacy is, IMO, amazing. I brought my now 36 yo ds up on Dr. Seuss books.
Maybe when they banish Columbus Day, I'd give more thought to this woman's opinions.

[DaveA]

Like you've said his political/ WW2 isn't going to be a part of any kid's curriculum I would do. To me this article is one of those things which most people would look at, go "Are you kidding me? It's #%&ing Dr. Suess!", and go back to reading their kiddos Hop on Pop.

[HappyEverAfter]

Pardon my annoyance at the article but, Omg, now the trend is going to be to boycott Dr.Suess? I am so over everyone jumping on the boycott bandwagon. It's like everyone is offended by something all the time. Were some of his early works offensive and racist? Looks like it to me based on that article. But that said, these works weren't something written and published in today's world. It was written and published in a different era. Would he have created those same works today? Doubtful. Will reading Dr.Suess have a negative impact on children? Highly, highly doubtful. We will continue to happily read Dr.Suess books at my house.

[daycarediva]

Read Across America is contracted with Dr. Seuss for royalty free use of his images until 2018. Afterward, I suspect it will be no longer renewing that and instead will focus on diversity.

Goodness gracious. I wonder if they will change the date since it coincides with Geisel's birthday?

[midaycare]

I'm not a huge fan of his work. I dislike the cartoon pictures and as a child I caught the messages and didn't appreciate being lectured to. But I was also the child who preferred the "historical cartoons" to Looney Toons" so....I'm a dork?

Anyways, people need to relax. I'm so happy I went to college 20 years ago instead of now. If things don't improve in the next 9 years, I will be appropriately selective as to where I allow ds to go (assuming he wants some money for college). Rant over.

[mommyneedsadayoff]

If you read the comments, they are more interesting than the article. It seems that Geisel did what many do not. He visited Japan and other countries, became more educated, and learned from the past. He then apologized and made numerous more works that did the opposite of his previous works. I think for our young age groups, using his later works to promote literacy is a great start. As the children get older and can comprehend the progression of his creations, it would make for a great research topic for middle/high school english classes. I do not believe in banning books. It is like throwing the baby out with the bath water, imo. I think the best part of books is that they make you THINK. Sometimes it is positive, sometimes it is negative, but if you are thinking about a book after you have read it, then it has done what it was intended to do. (Fwiw, I am not a huge fan of Suess because all the rhyming makes me feel a little crazy::, but we have read many of them and they are always a hit with the kids).

[Cat Herder]

I am offended.

[Ariana]

Everybody has point out the negative and the skeletons in everyones closet. Ugh. So over it!

[Blackcat31]

Pardon my annoyance at the article but, Omg, now the trend is going to be to boycott Dr.Suess? I am so over everyone jumping on the boycott bandwagon. It's like everyone is offended by something all the time. Were some of his early works offensive and racist? Looks like it to me based on that article. But that said, these works weren't something written and published in today's world. It was written and published in a different era. Would he have created those same works today? Doubtful. Will reading Dr.Suess have a negative impact on children? Highly, highly doubtful. We will continue to happily read Dr.Suess books at my house.

I am offended.

Reminds me of this: ::

[MarinaVanessa]

I will still be reading Dr Seuss books and will still be celebrating his birthday in my daycare lovethis

[midaycare]

Reminds me of this: ::

Stealing that!

[daycarediva]

:: Nice, BC!

[Michael]

Once we realize that nothing and no one is perfect, we will have nothing left.