Theodor Seuss Geisel, the famous cartoonist, author and sculptor, is running for president.
Just in time to coincide with the presidential election, Seuss’ ‘campaign manager’ is exhibiting rarely seen works of art from this prolific genius. This time the focus is not on his whimsical side but rather on his politics. And, yes, it is safe to say, the two are never far apart.
In the documentary, The Political Dr. Seuss, released in 2004, filmmaker Ron Lamothe traced Geisel’s art and political philosophy and showed how he combined his delightful, otherworldly creations with moral parables and progressive ideas.
“He had a keen eye for hypocrites, bullies and demagogues, and ridiculed them whenever he got the chance…A man who struggled to remain hopeful in spite of the “dissemination of stupid-ity” he saw all around him. Above all, Dr. Seuss and his work were intrinsically political,” reports Lamothe.
“From condemning isolationism and attacking anti-Semitism to his later works for literacy, the environment, and against the arms race, Dr. Seuss’s most popular works reflect his passion for fairness, democracy and tolerance. Dr. Seuss’s true genius may lie in the fact that all of this was done with such humor and finesse, that few realized he was being political at all.”
The political side of Seuss is on exhibit at Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor. It’s a fascinating look at the Dr. Seuss often overlooked. In a random (unscientific) sampling of guests at the ex-hibit, I asked the question: “Why would Dr. Seuss make a good president?’ The answers were all in favor of a Seuss candidacy.
The gentleman from Court House said, “Seuss invokes memories of a simpler time.” The young man from West Chester, Pa.: “He must be smart; just look at his work.”
The young mother from Newtown Square, Pa. was especially positive about a Seuss presidency. “Sure, he’d make a good president. He’s very funny and I think a good president needs a sense of humor. And he talks in rhyme…like most politicians.”
The child told me, “Seuss was a good story teller and a president needs to be a good storyteller.” (Hmm.)
The couple from Berwyn, Pa. considered the cartoon “Knotty Problem on Capitol Hill.” “Just look at this. It’s a description of the state of Washington right now.”
The praise for Seuss’ politics was high. “He had a social conscience.” (Brigantine)
“He could win the election based on his international stance alone.” (Exton, Pa.)
“If he ran, he’d get elected. Just look closely at his work. Besides, he would reduce the economic situation to rhymes and then we could all understand it.” (Stone Harbor)
“Definitely, he’s better than what’s out there now.” (Reading, Pa.) Interestingly, this comment was heard from three other respondents as well.
Take a break from the political ads that are all around us, and visit the Dr. Seuss for President exhibit on display now until election day, Nov. 4. It will give you a fresh, positive approach to what we Americans believe.
