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Exhibit Analytical Of Dr. Seuss Being Political
"The Knotty Problem of Capitol Hill, Finding A Way to Raise Taxes Without Losing a Single Vote," is one of many politically charged artworks from Theodor Seuss Geisel.
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Published: September 4, 2008
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TAMPA - Theodor Seuss Geisel is famous, and beloved, for his children's books that used simple words and clever rhyming schemes to teach children lessons about friendship, responsibility and tolerance. But other ideas lurk below the surface.
"A lot of people don't realize that Dr. Seuss had a lot of political and environmental undertones in his work," said Linda Gagliostro, spokeswoman for the Syd Entel Galleries in Safety Harbor.
During World War II, Geisel drew more than 400 political cartoons for PM, a left-wing New York City newspaper.
Beginning Saturday, the gallery is showing "Dr. Seuss For President," an art exhibit that features some of Geisel's most famous works, as well as more overtly political pieces, such as "The Knotty Problem of Capitol Hill, Finding a Way to Raise Taxes Without Losing A Single Vote."
But, as Gagliostro noted, you don't have to look at Geisel's overtly political work to find his political themes. What does she mean?
Well, for example, "The Lorax" could be read as an argument for corporate responsibility and resource conservation.
"Yertle the Turtle," with the lowly Mack bringing down the stack of turtles basically enslaved by Yertle, could be read as an argument against despotism or Fascism.
"Horton Hears A Who," according to materials sent by the gallery, is an argument for democracy, and "The Cat In The Hat" was written as a "statement against illiteracy and conformity."
Gagliostro said the gallery is presenting "Dr. Seuss for President" because "we wanted to do something a little upbeat, something a little cute."
This is your only chance to see the artwork in this area. Syd Entel Galleries are the official Seuss exhibitor for the west coast of Florida. The rights to Geisel's work are still controlled by his wife, Helen.
"Ironically," said Gagliostro, "given the fact that he wrote so many books for children, they never had any children."
The exhibit opens Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be readings from Seuss's books by a professional actor. The opening reception is Saturday night from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit runs through Oct. 2.
THE DOCTOR IS IN
WHAT: "Dr. Seuss for President" art show
WHERE: Syd Entel Galleries, 247 Main St., Safety Harbor
WHEN: Saturday through Oct. 2
HOW MUCH: Free; (727) 725-1808
Red State, Blue State
What might Dr. Seuss write about our current political landscape? Here are some of our ideas, submit yours in the comments section below.
One State, Two State, Red State, Blue State
One state
Two states
Red state
Blue state
Toss up state?
Blitz that state
Forget that state
It has no delegates
This one is a little star
This one has battle scars
Say! What a lot of blowhards there are
Yes. Some are red. And some are blue.
Some are old. And some are new.
Some are sad.
And some are mad.
And some are very, very bad.
Why are they
sad and mad and bad?
I do not know.
Go ask your Dad … or the National Enquirer, which knows everything
Election mailers and spam
I do not like them in my snail mail
I do not like them in my e-mail
I will not read them in the house
I will not read them with my spouse
I do not like them here or there
I do not like them anywhere
I do not like mailers and spam
I do not like them — so stop sending them, damn!
How the Grinches Stole the Election
Every American in America liked elections a lot...
But the Grinches, who had piles of money, Did NOT!
They hated elections! The whole election season!
They thought it would be best if THEY decided and reasoned
Who would be the next president, who would be just right
So they funneled campaign contributions all day and all night
And then, just to manage the risk component,
They gave tons of money to their candidate's opponent
So the man who won office, liberal or neocon
Would still be beholden to the mighty Ex… er, an energy company headquartered in Texas
The Rat In the Hat
And then W looked over
All the things he'd damaged
Our reputation, the dollar and speaking the language
And the deficit and economy,
Real estate prices and war
Oil prices and trade imbalances,
Until he could look no more
And he walked away
And said, "My term is complete."
And as he walked out the door
They danced in the streets
What's your Seussian political verse? Let us know in the comments section below.
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