Do You Think Dr. Seuss Is A Racist?
Recently a debate broke out that somehow concluded for some that Dr. Seuss is a racist. I disagreed with any one who thought that just because he was ignorant or lack awareness of how a person should react to an unknown prejudgement, should be labelled as a racist. If we are honest with ourselves, we know we struggle to accept certain uncomfortable prejudice that are unspoken or hidden. So, do we call ourselves racists? The fact that something change your mind about another group of people, makes you realize you ‘were once a racist’. Why do I say that?
We are not born without prejudgments because our cultures determine who we are. Our cultures teach us how to relate, interact and socialize. But, our cultures do not teach us to be inclusive of everyone. Our lack of understanding of another culture, keep us away from the unknown and from our discomfort. For some will acknowledge that they were once racists, however, if they were, how could they arrive at that conclusion? What made them racists?
What Or Who Then Is A Racist?
This brings me to my next point. What makes us therefore racists? The fact that we discriminate does not necessarily make us racists. The comparison of who is superior and looking down on a race, that, makes a person a racist. The fact is I am better than you because I am a (race) speaks of your lack of understanding of that culture and race and therefore highlights your ignorance. The truth is, that is what racism is all about. It simply highlights our ignorance and our pride. Do we simply hold on to our stupidity or learn to see what is good in another culture and race?
Dr. Seuss Is Not A Racist
Why do I conclude that Dr. Seuss is absolutely not a racist? It is very simple. The fact that at the end of his life, he regretted ever written those early cartoons. He finally realized that he could have done better and he wished he never did what he did in his earlier work in his life. That realization made that difference. He acknowledged his prejudice and regretted. In that sense made me think that he was never a racist to begin with.
A self-professed racist would never acknowledge that and if we are honest enough, we would have to confess that we were once racists ourselves. If racism is indeed race discrimination and racial prejudice, then we are all absolutely guilty of being racists at the least once. Don’t you agree? Should the one who thinks he is not guilty cast that first stone? Think again.
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