Jim Whiting sent this Babble blog post, which reveals some of the less savory facts about Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein and other beloved creators of children's books.
Check it out, if you have the stomach.
It certainly makes me wonder how much bearing the views of an artist have on the merits of the art. There are definitely authors whose work I admire and whose political views I consider repellent. How much do you care about stuff like this? Comment below, if you're so inclined.
2 comments:
Dr. Seuss supported Japanese internment? So did a lot of people! It's one thing to look back on it in 2010 and say, "Gee, that was a dumb idea." It's another thing to be living in the moment and let your emotions overcome your reason. Are we going to say FDR did absolutely no good over 15 years in office because of that one mistake? My grandpa would be the first to disagree, and he lived that time as a kid and a WWII vet. The author of this article is writing from the perspective of a decendant of internees--of course he's livid! And it was a horrible decision, blatantly unconstitutional. But things and perspectives change.
It doesn't affect my enjoyment of the books one bit. I'd be more bothered by a writer whose books were as voiceless as his/her views. We like works that stand out, right? That kind of talent doesn't come from people who sit on fences. Besides, we're reading, not electing a Pope.
Thanks for the post.
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