2.6: The Untold Story of Dr. Seuss

02/20/20 • 29 min

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Dr. Seuss books are some of the most popular books across the globe, but should it stay that way?

In this episode we explore the fact that Dr. Seuss wrote more than just children’s books — he was also the author of countless racist comics, ads, and political cartoons. So, as parents who value inclusion, what do we do?

The Untold Story of Dr. Seuss details his writings outside of children’s books, the representation of People of Color in children’s books, and what we can do in our homes and classrooms to ensure that we are living up to our values.

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

“The Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness, and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss’s Children’s Books”

“The Racist Side of Dr. Seuss You Didn’t Know About”

Look at the First Name Basis Dr. Seuss highlight on Instagram for examples from @theconsciouskid of his cartoons, ads, and propaganda

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

Dr. Seuss books are some of the most popular books across the globe, but should it stay that way?

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

“The Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness, and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss’s Children’s Books”

“The Racist Side of Dr. Seuss You Didn’t Know About”

Look at the First Name Basis Dr. Seuss highlight on Instagram for examples from @theconsciouskid of his cartoons, ads, and propaganda

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

Previous Episode

2.5: A Conversation With My Dad About Black History Month

In this episode my dad and I dig deep about the importance of Black History Month. This is one of my favorite conversations I’ve ever had on the podcast because it is just that, a conversation. When I was growing up late night conversations with my dad were some of my most cherished moments. He has a way of building you up and inspiring you, while at the same time keeping it completely real, holding you accountable, and pushing you to do better.We talk about how our country was built on the backs of People of Color, how strong and resilient our communities of Color are even though we continue to face what seem like insurmountable odds, and how you can expose your children to that history, strength, reliance, and love. I am so excited for the First Name Basis fam to have the opportunity to get to know my dad, he is such a huge part of the reason I sit behind the microphone each and every week.

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood

Next Episode

2.7: The Untold Story of Rosa Parks

What did you learn about Rosa Parks growing up? You may have learned, like I did, that she was a tired seamstress on her way home from work and when a bus driver asked her to give up her seat to a white person it was the last straw so she decided not to stand. Well she was a seamstress, but the true story is so much more exciting than that. Rosa Parks was a high ranking member of the NAACP and her actions were not only planned but part of a larger, multi-organizational strategy. In this episode we talk about all of the events leading up to Ms. Parks’ fateful decision, and one of the unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement: Claudette Colvin.

Montgomery Bus Boycott-Stanford

Claudette Colvin: The 15 Year Old Who Came Before Rosa Parks

Before Rosa Parks There Was Claudette Colvin (NPR)

An Interview with Attorney Fred Gray

Bus Boycott Took Planning, Smarts

Browder v Gayle

Song Credit: “Away” by Geographer and “Beach Disco” by Dougie Wood