Stephen Colbert praises decision to stop publication of six Dr Seuss books over racist undertones

Late-night TV host Stephen Colbert has defended the decision to discontinue the publication of six lesser-known children’s books by Dr Seuss.

Tuesday saw Dr Seuss Enterprises announced that And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, If I Ran the Zoo, McElligot’s Pool, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super! and The Cat’s Quizzer will no longer be published, as a result of offensive racial stereotyping featured in them.

Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the presenter said: ‘It’s a responsible move on their part.

‘There hadn’t been an earth-shattering outcry, but they recognise the impact these images might have on readers, especially kids, and they’re trying to fix it because Dr Seuss books should be fun for all people.’

He added that ‘it’s especially important to be responsive like this’ because Dr Seuss has also so many books that ‘teach kids vital lessons that resonate to this day.’

At the end of the segment, Colbert launched into a Dr Seuss-style poem in which he recommended alternative children’s books written by people of color.

Dr Seuss Enterprises, the entertainment company that maintains his legacy, made a statement on Tuesday about the publication changes, on the anniversary of the deceased author’s birthday.

It read: ‘These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.’

Among the characters insensitively depicted in the books is a Chinese character with lines for eyes who carries chopsticks, and two men from Africa that are shirtless wearing grass skirts.

The firm came to its conclusion after collaborating with a panel of experts including teachers, specialists and academics to review the work of the author. 

‘Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr Seuss Enterprises’s catalog represents and supports all communities and families,’ the company added.

The legendary author, whose real name was Theodor Seuss ‘Ted’ Geisel, was born in 1904 and died of cancer in 1991. 

He wrote and illustrated more than 60 books that sold over 600 million copies around the world.

Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham and Horton Hears a Who! are some of his most recognizable titles. 

The author’s work had come under increasing scrutiny for its portrayal of certain stereotypes before the announcement.

Dr Seuss Enterprises said it made the call to keep up with its mission of ‘supporting all children and families with messages of hope, inspiration, inclusion, and friendship’.

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