Existing comment:
Geisel and the Home Front:
While Theodor Seuss Geisel enjoyed heaping scorn [on] leaders of foreign countries, he spent more time ridiculing the people of the United States who either were not supporting the war or who showed traits of racism, laziness, and inefficiency. He also held in contempt armchair generals, complainers, fear-mongers, and war profiteers.
Geisel knew his cartoons couldn't have any real effect on the outcomes of the battlefield, but perhaps they could influence readers on the Home Front to support the war. Collecting scrap metal, following wartime rationing restrictions, and putting 100% of their energies into their war-related work would speed victory. Geisel's mix of humor and guilt sent powerful messages to those who viewed these works. |