The Impact Of Dr. Seuss's Impact On American Culture

The Impact of Dr. Seuss on American Culture

“Because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing (Dr. Seuss).” When Theodor Seuss Geisel was born, life was not as easy as it is today. From war to civil rights movements, Seuss endured many influential american “battles”. Theodor Seuss Geisel grew up in a large German community where his family lived and worked. When Dr. Seuss was thirteen years old, The United States went to war with Germany which brought fear and anxiety to the Geisel’s hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. During the war, art became a popular method used to depict war and more often to escape the hardships that americans both on and off the battlefield faced. Theodor Seuss Geisel gained inspiration

To prove this, Dr. Seuss states, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose (Seuss, 1998).” This quote is important because it depicts the idea of a person choosing their own future and doing everything in their power to live up to their own potential. Dr. Seuss seems to place hidden meanings within his stories to empower people of all ages to live their best life whether that means helping to save the environment, being a good friend, or being confident in one’s own ability. “Oh the Places You’ll Go” speaks about the challenges one will face throughout their life and the life changing decisions they must make on their journey. The book follows a young boy as he makes his way through “life” which is represented by colorful mazes and dark corridors (Seuss, 1998). These can be metaphoric for the beautiful and difficult moments each person must face but gives hope to many as the boy continues through his journey and becomes a stronger person because of the challenges he has faced. As Dr. Seuss states in this book, “You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go (Seuss, 1998).” Theodor Seuss Geisel also has the ability to deliver heartfelt messages through stories about the

Seuss’ most popular books, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” has sold over three million copies since its release in 1964. The story follows the “Whos” of Whoville during the Christmas season while paying extra attention to the Christmas-hating antagonist on the mountain. The Grinch lives at the top of the mountain where most dare not go except for a few kids who want to be frightened by the Grinch’s home (Seuss, 1957). During one Christmas, The Grinch goes into town and meets a young girl who seems to be the only Who in Whoville who isn’t frightened by his green and hairy skin (Seuss, 1957). The Grinch ends up stealing each Who’s presents on Christmas eve but instead of having their Christmas ruined, they all gathered together and reminded themselves of what is most important. This teaches families all over the world to appreciate the important parts of the holidays which comes from the time spent together, not gifts or materialistic things. Both of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s books that are mentioned are similar in their attempt to inspire people to be a better version of themselves and respect others by giving them the love and appreciation they