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Some parents and children will likely change their tune about the works of Dr. Seuss after seeing an early racist drawing by the beloved children’s author.

So offensive is the drawing that parents might improvise on the words of Sam-I-Am, the popular character from Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham,” saying about his works, “I will not read them in a house. I will not read them here or there. I will not read them anywhere.”

CNN reports that a California auction house is selling a 1929 color illustration for “Judge” magazine that depicts what appears to be a slave auction with the words: “Take Home A High Grade N*gger For Your Wood.” The drawing is being auctioned for a minimum bid of $20,000, the report says.

The late-Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, was 25 when the illustration was created, writes CNN, and he would begin publishing his popular children’s books eight years later.

From CNN:

In the four-panel drawing titled ”Cross-Section of The World’s Most Prosperous Department Store,” the artist depicts scenarios in which rich men can purchase items to make their lives more difficult.

These include a fly for your ointment and a monkey wrench for your machinery. The final and largest panel features a crowd of men rendered in classic blackface caricature, with dark skin and pronounced red lips, being presented to a white shopper. A sign reads: “A n—- for your woodpile.”

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the expression “A n—- for your woodpile” as “dated now offensive: something (as a concealed motive or obscure factor) contrary to appearances in a situation.”

This is not the first time the author has come under criticism for creating offensive caricatures. His World War II depictions of Japanese people have drawn criticism for their portrayal of stereotypical physical features and behaviors, the report says.

Dr. Seuss’ publisher and Bill Dreyer, the director and curator of The Art of Dr. Seuss, declined to comment on the drawing, the report notes. And the auction house has agreed not to disclose the name of the buyer unless given permission. As of late Thursday, there were no takers.

A new Dr. Seuss book is scheduled to be released on July 28. If you’re a parent or have young children in your life, do you plan to buy it? Let us know your thoughts in comments.

 

SOURCE: CNN | VIDEO SOURCE: NDN

SEE ALSO:

Watch: Marilyn Mosby Stuntin’ On ‘Em During An Appearance On “Judge Judy” In 2000

“Take Home A High Grade N*gger For Your Woodpile” Dr. Seuss Cartoon Up For Auction  was originally published on newsone.com