Right-wing news and pundits have created a culture war narrative around Dr. Seuss and Mr. Potato Head, falsely claiming they were 'cancelled' by the left. Learning for Justice, a left-wing group, suggested schools distance themselves from linking Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss, but this did not entail banning his books. In another instance, Dr. Seuss' estate voluntarily ceased publishing six books due to harmful illustrations. This decision appears to be a strategic business move rather than a response to external pressure.
The Dr. Seuss matter involves two sets of key facts that seem to have been intentionally misrepresented by some on the right.
Loudoun County Public Schools did decide to 'not connect Read Across America Day exclusively with Dr. Seuss' birthday.' In the face of backlash, the district released a statement making it clear that they were not banning Dr. Seuss books.
Dr. Seuss' estate decided to stop publishing six books because they contain illustrations that 'portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.' This decision appears to reflect a change in values.
There does not seem to have been any focused effort to force the estate to stop publishing these works; rather, it seems to be a business decision made based on reputational concerns.
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