When we want to do something, but don’t end up doing it, there are often reasons why. Fear, responsibilities, the desire to please others, or the influence of others can all hold us back from following our hearts. One example of this is the recent controversy surrounding Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the company that owns the rights to the beloved children’s books written by Theodor Seuss Geisel. Despite being a beloved and influential figure in children’s literature, the company has faced criticism for choosing to cease publication of certain books that are perceived as containing racist or offensive content.
This situation highlights the importance of following one’s heart and standing up for what one believes in, even when faced with opposition or the potential for backlash. It’s easy to succumb to external pressures and make decisions based on what we think others want from us, but ultimately, it’s important to be true to ourselves and our values. Whether it’s pursuing a career path that aligns with our passions, making choices that align with our beliefs, or simply following our own interests and hobbies, it’s important to remember that we have the freedom to make our own choices and chart our own course in life.
Feelings vs Facts
I previously wrote how, at one time, Dr. Seuss was racist, but he changed. That’s inspiring, isn’t it? We all make mistakes, or change how we feel about things. None of us are perfect. His books and cartoons changed. He became inclusive, wanting everyone to enjoy his creative works. Penguin Random House, the publisher of Dr. Seuss’ books, has a firm stance on being inclusive. They have an anti-racist reading list. Dr. Seuss Enterprises seems to have found the right company to publish Geisel’s books. We have the freedom to change our legacy.
Until someone tells us we can’t. Dr. Seuss Enterprises made the decision last year, to stop publishing six Dr. Seuss books. They announced it this year.
It’s interesting to think about the freedom of choice that we all have in life, and how often we let others influence or control our decisions. In the case of Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Penguin Random House, it’s clear that the decision to stop publishing certain books was made with a focus on inclusivity and anti-racism. However, there are those who disagree with this choice and have expressed offense at the decision. These people claim to support freedom of choice and to be against racism, yet they don’t seem to fully support the freedom of choice of the company to make this decision. It’s a complex issue, but one that highlights the importance of standing up for what we believe in and following our hearts, even if it means going against the norm or facing criticism from others.
