Entertainment

Is Dr. Seuss‘ ’The Lorax‘ Brainwashing Children and Creating ’Occu-Toddlers?’

The Lorax, first published in 1971, is a classic. It’s one of Dr. Seuss‘ more philosophical children’s stories like “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!“ with an underlying meaning of more than just ”hop on pop.”

The Lorax, which is gearing up for a March 2 feature film release, is the tale of a mythical creature (the Lorax) who “speaks for the trees” that are being targeted and chopped down by the “Once-ler“ to be made in to ”Thneeds.” a sweater-like garment that “everyone needs.”

Some Accuse The Lorax and The Secret World of Arrietty as Pushing Liberal Agenda

(Image: The Lorax)

Some Accuse The Lorax and The Secret World of Arrietty as Pushing Liberal Agenda

(Image: The Lorax)

With this pro-environmental message to protect the “Truffla trees,” the film is even being promoted on commercials for the 2013 Mazda CX-5, a crossover SUV that is more fuel efficient and boasts “SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY.”

As with the Muppets recently coming under fire for spreading a “communist” and “anti-capitalistic” message to children, so The Lorax and another film with a social justice theme, “The Secret World of Arrietty,” are receiving similar criticism for child brainwashing. “The Secret World of Arrietty,” which is in theaters now, describes the story of miniature people who are “borrowers,“ a culture that borrows items from their larger human counterparts that they ”won’t miss.”

Some Accuse The Lorax and The Secret World of Arrietty as Pushing Liberal Agenda

(Image: The Secret World of Arrietty)

Lou Dobbs for Fox Business recently discussed these two films saying they were “indoctrinating our children.”  Watch that clip with discussion between Dobbs and radio hosts Dom Giordano, Matt Patrick and Steve Cochran:

Dobbs believes that targeting children with messages like those in these movies is pushing a liberal agenda. Cochran explains that even while he thinks that there is a liberal-leaning message in these movies, he‘s not concerned because if parents don’t want that message impressed upon their children, then they won’t take them to the show. Still, Patrick says that films like this are creating “occu-toddlers”.

Watch the trailer for Illumination Entertainment‘s and Universal Studio’s The Lorax:

Here‘s the trailer for Disney’s Secret World of Arrietty:

 


Comments (166)

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  • Dave.the.Blaze
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:02pm

    It’s indoctrination only if you take your kids to see these movies. Do a little research before you take your kids to the theater. Parents have become so damned lazy and uninvolved in their kids’ lives.

    Report Post » Dave.the.Blaze  
    • Red1492
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:10pm

      Gimme a break. Are conservatives going to start burning books and movies they don’t see fit for the rest of society now? It’s just a movie. Kids don‘t give a baboon’s but about politics or underlying messages. They like cartoons. Period. I watched “communist Sesame Street” all my life and I’m not a liberal. It’s just a damn cartoon. Make your own movies that you think would be more appropriate for children or get over it.

      Report Post » Red1492  
    • Dave.the.Blaze
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:18pm

      My point is that parents assume a G rating and animation means something that might not necessarily be. They need to do 5 minutes of research to see if they believe it’s right for their kids — it’s called choice. And if you think any story is “just a movie,” then you need to think again. All movies, whether you agree with them or not, tell a story.

      Report Post » Dave.the.Blaze  
    • Tscurt
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:22pm

      There was a borrowers movie that came out years ago when I was younger and I remember watching it quite often but my father raised me to know the value of hard work and the rewards of your hard work. none of this entitlement society occupy BS. That being said, I think this is a funny time to be releasing all of this after it’s been around for so long but I think that if you see movies like this or Wal-e or whatever that if you talk to your kids about how the movie is based on FANTASY and the message of environmental slavery and an entitlement society is also FANTASY they would understand.

      Report Post » Tscurt  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:36pm

      YES Clearly a book written over 40 years ago is meant to indoctrinate kids to join the OWS movement.

      Where was your outcry when the movie The Borrowers came out like 20 years ago and had tiny people stealing from regular sized people? Oh yea. There wasn‘t a black president then so you didn’t follow politics.

      Explain to me how all the proud hunters, fishermen and camo-wearing rednecks of the USA are SO OPPOSED to any idea of preserving or saving any of that nature. You‘re doing it strictly on party lines because you’re ignorant. Durrrr the left likes this so I must hate it. Hey, where‘d muh fishin’ hole go?

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:37pm

      Red, actually, the “libri prohibiti”, that’s what rather typical for the lefties–when they really get the power. I am sure you’ve heard the term samizdat. That was the only way to read books like Orwell’s 1984 (or Raymond Moody’s Life after Life) behind the Iron Curtain. And you could go to prison if caught by a local version of Stasi.

      There is nothing wrong with pointing out that some cartoon has indoctrination aspects. It does not translate to film or book burning. Thou protesth too much..

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:59pm

      BQ..BS, a redneck knows more about environment than your typical urban dwellah. He has a first hand experience, while the urbanites tend to deploy abstract absolutist concepts without any regard for how things really work.

      I am the redneck, goo goo g’joob

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • RabidPatriot
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:35pm

      @Bible Quotin‘ Science Fearin’ Conservative American

      I am a hunter. I am also Native American, French and very educated. There is nothing about me that could be labeled as “redneck”. I spend lots of time with other hunters and there is no other group that does more and knows more about conservation. You think because some urban person recycles a few cans, drives a Prius and sends $10 a month to PETA that they are making a difference or “being green.” The green movement is nothing more than a handful of true believers, a load of useful idiots and some highly political puppet masters making the movement dance for them when they need them to promote socialism. You are out of your depth and should stick to subjects you know more about.

      Report Post » RabidPatriot  
    • dogdr
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:06pm

      Keep at it you guys. Has it ever occurred to you that you are your own worst enemies? You have serious concerns and complaints and complaints about “our government” and indoctrination, I get that. HOWEVER, when you attack the Muppets, Disney films and Dr. Seuss you all become the laughing stock conspiracy theorists you are trying not to be taken as. Do you not see the VAST majority of America laughing and making fun of your fear of the Muppets and Dr. Seuss. In this little bubble it makes sense to you, but look around. You are diminishing your own importance by attacking such ridiculous targets. Even Fox news had to walk back their muppets criticism. You all have gone nuts and are really hard to take seriously.

      Report Post »  
    • danyelle55
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:13pm

      I wish the Lorax taught how we can and should replant “Truffla trees” after harvest, and that the “Thneeds” industry has actually resulted in an increase of Truffla forests, like in the real world, and gives us an economic incentive to do so!

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:28pm

      The left has been indoctrinating children for a long time. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was published in 1843 and who was the villian? A capitalist who refused to give his employee time off or pay health care for his stricken son, Tiny Tim. Then of course you‘ll find more or less the same villian in Capra’s 1946 movie It’s A Wonderful Life.

      These stories have for centuries indoctrinated children to mistrust the rich, and identify with the struggles of the poor. And generations of American‘s have been brainwashed into believing that greed isn’t man’s highest purpose.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Rob Adkerson
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:33pm

      I agree parents are lazy, that’s why they choose option number three on that poll instead of option two.

      Report Post »  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:48pm

      As soon as I saw that Danny Devito plays this character…I knew right then that I wouldn’t be taking my grandchild to this movie…Have you seen the work this guy does…vulgar comedy that ISN”T funny…Just because its rated G or PG means nothing anymore…the movie Shrek had a transvestite bar tender, is that appropriate for children…besides all the vulgar “comedy” thats in these so called kids movies…the underlyinng messages aren’t what I want my kids to learn…hense why I homeschool! Want to see a good movie for kids…Courageous…my 13 yr old cried right along with me..so she got the GOOD message.

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:52pm

      Exactly, man. I grew up in the woods too. Why do you care more about someone‘s ability to make money that you’ll never see from the destruction of those woods than you do about that stuff being there for your kids and their kids? Why do so many country boys hate everything that’s green technology and scoff at environmentalism? What a bunch of morons.

      Report Post » Bible Quotin' Science Fearin' Conservative American  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:32pm

      I remember when Ferngully was just a movie.

      and not an attack on the logging industry.

      Anybody who takes messages away from movies are IDIOTS!

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:08pm

      I appreciate the admonition of “get over it” from some.

      But, IMHBLO, that “IS” the attitude that has gotten us into the mess we are presently in.

      If conservatives can’t state displeasure with ANYTHING then we are truly over the cliff. And nothing can help that.

      All conservatives are doing is trying to provide healthy enjoyable ‘message free’ entertainment. If that’s too much to ask, then maybe it‘s time conservatives invented their own children’s entertainment business.

      If you are so idealistic that even cartoons can’t be free from political derision then maybe you should be in another line of work.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • thekuligs
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:37pm

      The Lorax movie is actually rated PG, not G. I found that out while doing research on it to see if it was a good idea to let my kids see it or not. While I am sure the original book was not indoctrinating our children to become “occu-toddlers” the movie was produced by modern day Hollywood, and we know how they feel about it.

      Report Post » thekuligs  
    • RedSoloCup
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:56pm

      Bible Q continues to intrigue us with his utter stupidity… go back to HuffPo where you are needed troll!

      Report Post » RedSoloCup  
    • AOL_REFUGEE
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:00pm

      It‘s not the LORAX that’s the problem for Dr. Suess; it‘s the EXLAX that he didn’t take nearly enough of back then to rid himself of all the crap and LSD he was full of.

      Report Post » AOL_REFUGEE  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:26pm

      Excellent point Dave.the.Blaze, you proved yourself to be a hypocrite.”Do a little research before you take your kids to the theater.“ ”They need to do 5 minutes of research to see if they believe it’s right for their kids”

      The movie is rated PG.That, my friends is a typical conservative, knee jerk, jukebox reaction. That tends to happen when you don‘t recognize that you’ve been indoctrinated.

      Report Post »  
    • middnights
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:42pm

      Parents stand on your ground and don’t be afraid to voice your concerns To Disney here is their contact info. Movies should never be filled with envirmentlest issues or poltics issues exspelly when it deals with children movies. We all agree that we go to the movies to enjoy the sad part it like the schools we send our children to learn or we go to college and. Everythg is being political crupt instead learning the true facts. Now the movies too.in away it feels the left is cramming their agenda down our throats. We the help of our schools education and the news media and news paper and the movies too. When you don’t take a stand and stand up for what is right the left will contue to march all over us and brian wash our children into becoming into envirmonlist. I look at this is President apart of his pland and he is a community organizer.

      http://studioservices.go.com/disneystudios/contact.htmlmM

      Report Post »  
    • mormonteen345
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 1:03am

      @red you are right with your part about movies and how kids don’t give a crap. but in my middle school experience, it has been that on the not so rare that we waste valuable time watching stupid movies, there is always some underlying message, under the guise of “educational value”. and all of these “Cinematic Masterpieces” always have some underlying hippie message. After my seventh grade science class was forced to watched Wall-e, the teacher gave a little speech about global warming, had us go to this one website and calculate our carbon footprint. “Surprisingly” after i instead wrote an essay debunking the whole carbon footprint theory, he returned my paper calling it an F.
      Looking back now, i recall that the first “educational” movie we had to watch was in 5th grade. that was 3 years ago. by know my little sister has already been subjected to this.
      Calling “the lorax” irrelevant is a really bad idea. the problem with this movie particularly is the audience range. with Teen idols and major stars, this advertises to adults, teens, and of course the whole CGI aspect for little kids. this movie is bound to be one of the worst, and this is only the beginning. if you thought “Happy feet” was messed up you haven’t seen anything yet.

      Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 1:13pm

      RED1492

      So…expressing our opinion about a movie = burning books for you?

      No wonder you philosophy makes so much sense.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
  • Shindo
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:58am

    I can’t really speak for the Lorax, I have no intentions to go see it. The Secret World of Arrietty, however, is not exactly a “Disney” film. It was made by Studio Ghibli, whose founder, Hayao Miyazaki, is as much a legend in Japan as Walt Disney is here.

    To anime fans, Studio Ghibli films are sort of a sacred thing. So believe me when I say that Disney is NOT allowed to alter them in any way. They only have the distribution rights and provide some of their people to do the English voices.

    That said, not all Studio Ghibli films would likely be appropriate for your kids. Some of them are kind of “out there” artistically speaking. Arrietty, however, I found to be quite family friendly, and the message, if anything, was that we should help people where we can. Charity from person to person. It’s a lot like Disney used to be when Disney was actually good.

    If you get the chance down the road, rent it and watch with your spouse. And if you like it, let your kids watch it too.

    Report Post »  
    • avdesign
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:05pm

      You are correct in your comments.
      This idea that it’s channeling some leftist ideals perceived by Mr. Dobbs is a bit of a stretch. It‘s based on a British children’s novel from the 50′s. In fact it’s taken two years for the film to come to North America with a English speaking dialog track. The original Japanese version released in 2010 has no indoctrination slant. It’s a simple story of a 4″ tall family living under a house.

      If your looking for blatant indoctrination look no further than your children’s social studies text book.

      Report Post »  
    • SoNick
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:12pm

      when you say “some of them are out there”, are you referring to Spirited Away? Some North Americans were baffled by the monsters, crazy imagery and numerous references to death contained in that movie. But if there ever was a film that celebrated personal courage and determination in the face of adversity, this is it. To me, this is precisely the stuff children should be seeing instead of the sanitized Disney tripe that passes for family entertainment.

      Report Post »  
    • Shindo
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:48pm

      Yeah, I was referring to some of the things you see like what you’ll find in Spirited Away, like the weird blob monsters and the big-headed witch. I have to imagine that if I saw a movie like My Neighbor Totoro when I was 4 or 5, the cat bus might have given me nightmares. But for a kid of 8 or 10, you know, I think it’s fine. That’s just my opinion, though. And I agree, all of the Studio Ghibli films are really breathtaking, I’m a huge fan, and the only downside is that they’re distributed by Disney, unfortunately.

      Report Post »  
    • Shadowsbane
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:02pm

      The Neko Neko bus is awesome!

      Report Post »  
  • richtrow
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:57am

    It’s a sad but true fact: This is indoctrination. It is on purpose, even if it’s only in passing or in part. They know what they’re doing.

    Take your kids if you want, just make sure you talk with them about what they’ve seen afterward. Keep it simple so they’ll remember.

    Report Post »  
    • TOMSERVO
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:53pm

      Based on the box office success of Avatar vs. the lack thereof by Atlas Shrugged Pt. 1, I’d say you nuts are fighting a losing battle. Isn’t providing consumers with a product/service they want in exchange for money an example of capitalism working perfectly?

      Report Post »  
    • mormonteen345
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 1:07am

      @ sonick, shindo, and shadowsbane:
      spirited away was one heckuva a messed up movie

      Report Post »  
  • toomuchgovt
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:51am

    So where are all the films “soon to be released” that promote America, capitalism and moral values”? Oh that is right unless we are talking about sharia values and Gaia worshipers, our children will never see it, the parents will never be forced (by the screaming child) to buy some item to support it and we all suffer at the hands of misplaced guidance.

    Report Post » toomuchgovt  
    • Dave.the.Blaze
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:04pm

      I think every movie that comes out of Hollywood celebrates capitalism — they all want to make a load of $$$!

      Report Post » Dave.the.Blaze  
    • TOMSERVO
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:13pm

      So if everyone sees this movie and hundreds of millions of dollars move through the American economy (and maybe people even buy a new car as a result of the tie-in advertisements), is that socialist?

      Report Post »  
    • SoNick
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:34pm

      @toomuchgvt:
      name one movie that promotes sharia. One.

      Report Post »  
    • SoNick
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 10:20pm

      are you still looking through your dvd collection, Toomuchgvt?

      Report Post »  
  • GENE BLISTER
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:43am

    The Plan proceeds on time and on target. Mission: almost accomplished…

    Congressional Record–Appendix, pp. A34-A35 January 10, 1963
    Current Communist Goals EXTENSION OF REMARKS OF HON. A. S. HERLONG, JR. OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, January 10, 1963 .
    Mr. HERLONG. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Patricia Nordman of De Land, Fla., is an ardent and articulate opponent of communism, and until recently published the De Land Courier, which she dedicated to the purpose of alerting the public to the dangers of communism in America.
    At Mrs. Nordman’s request, I include in the RECORD, under unanimous consent, the following “Current Communist Goals,“ which she identifies as an excerpt from ”The Naked Communist,” by Cleon Skousen:

    20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions.

    21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

    22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to “eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms.”

    Report Post » GENE BLISTER  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:23pm

      You realize that what was read into the record is not reality, but the paranoid rantings a loon. The list is based on nothing and is meaningless.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:57pm

      Yeah, you should know Encinom; the loon part, okay and maybe the communist goal part. I guess when you do not grow up around communist and communist thought you can’t recognize fact from fiction. I guess you were born after 1989?

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:19pm

      Wrong, like most Conservatives, CoFemale. I was born in the early 70s. It just fun wathing the current crop of Conservatives rejected their thinkers, like William F. Buckley and instead repeat the paranoida rants of loons and mad men.

      Report Post »  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:46pm

      Encinom – The problem is that you’re not capable of thinking in the first place.

      Report Post »  
    • SoNick
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:10pm

      Seriously, you’re quoting Skousen? That pitiful historical revisionnist who was sitting confortably is the dustbin of History before Beck reintroduced his lunatic ramblings in the modern discourse? Skousen, who was condemned even by the Mormon church (who had supported him earlier) for his loony extremist views? Skousen, the John Bircher and the ultra paranoid religious nut who makes McCarthy look like Rosa Luxemburg?

      Report Post »  
    • RedSoloCup
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:58pm

      Encinom once again showing what a clueless liberal loon he is.

      Report Post » RedSoloCup  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:19pm

      RedSoloCup
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:58pm
      Encinom once again showing what a clueless liberal loon he is.
      ________________________
      Other than the rantings of a paranoid John Bircher in congress show me evidence that this list is real. (I’ll save you time, its not, the list is something that a paranoid group of Birchers assembled to scare each other around the campfire).

      Report Post »  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:12pm

      Speaking ’bout paranoid… My grampah was warning everybody that commies are taking over in 1947. Everyone thought he is a bit on the paranoid side and people considered it not possible. They simply weren’t either clued on the program, nor they had the finely honed intuition and capacity for recognizing minute changes and connecting the dots of my grampah.

      Came February 1948, and … the commies took over. Some people still thought it’s reversible, maybe the next elections… or the next. But the “elections” were either done by acclamation, or there were choices of one candidate,or maybe two, but form the same party. It took 41 bloody years to get a rid of it! I had enough in 1984 and left, it was like a black hole sucking in anything decent.

      I think people aren’t paranoid enough.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
  • THX-1138
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:41am

    ALL Media is Propaganda. Period.

    It’s just the level and message that differ.

    There is an old saying I was taught early; “If you believe everything you read then it‘s best you don’t read.”

    Report Post » THX-1138  
    • netmail
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:58am

      They are just gearing up our children for the commie message and to happily sing the Obama song once they enter the public school system. Womb to tomb coverage will insure the collapse of the republic eventually.

      Report Post »  
    • RLTW
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:20pm

      Or, maybe just read enough so you can form a logical and reasoned opinion, in this case an ability most young children don’t possess.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:00pm

      I was taught, never believe half of what you hear, never believe half of what you read, the rest needs confirmation.

      Report Post » COFemale  
  • The Jewish Avenger
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:38am

    “Yes, I see them as entertainment and if I didn’t believe in the message I would discuss with my child afterward.”

    An ice cream social after the movie unless it a 100% safe one. and trust me they are EXTREMELY RARE today. We talk about parts of the movie and relate them to the current events of today. Most of the time it allways brings an eye opener to the kids. Sometime they are shocked other times they’re pretty upset that they didnt see it. We have done it enough now so that they are the ones that notice the “left leaning” points before I can ask them about how they felt or remembered about a scene. Very encouraging. Really, we have to keep them exposed and not hide them from their influencing. Preparing them is the only way they can walk with these clowns and not be mobbed into their brainwashed (“critical”) thinking.

    Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
    • Full Throttle
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:55pm

      I agree with you. I do the same with my children. I allow them to see the movies, television shows, etc. they want to see, then, if there’s anything objectionable, I point it out and explain the real truth. They are at the point now that they recognize it themselves and sometimes even discuss it with their friends. Kids aren’t as ignorant of this “brainwashing” as we think they might be. The key is to point it out so they can find it themselves and then have them discuss it with their own friends to spread the word, so to speak, to kids who might not have good parental guidance. My 16-year old daughter noticed herself the anti-military, anti-corporation and “green” or in this case “blue” nonsense in Avatar. I told her to make sure she brought it up when discussing the film with her friends and she did… and continues to. Kids don’t want to be duped either. Proper education is the key.

      Report Post » Full Throttle  
    • SoNick
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:48pm

      One could argue that you are brainwashing your kids by imposing on them your own very personal interpretation of a movie. When I hear people comparing Doctor Seuss to Karl Marx, it tells me a lot more about them than about the actual message of the Lorax.

      Report Post »  
    • TOMSERVO
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 4:59pm

      Did you guys know the movie Avatar was made by Fox Entertainment? WTF?

      Report Post »  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 8:30pm

      No, Tomservo, it was made by James Cameron. The Fox was only in financial backing role.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
  • TamboTea
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:34am

    I always loved The Lorax story. Who would disagree with the baisc premise of protecting pretty trees and not hurting animals (aka the environment)? Taken at its face, it promotes responsibility, restraint, and efficient use of resources. HOWEVER, the liberals/left/progressives take the issue to the extreme. When trees are more important than people and capitalism is evil, you know you’ve taken a wrong turn. Capitalism is the greatest force for being able to protect the environment. Just look at countries that lack capitalism and then try to show me how responsible the people are and how clean things are. The leftist position is self defeating.

    Report Post » TamboTea  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:47am

      Have to agree with your assessment. Since I became an adult in ‘71 this book was never read to me, but I later read it to my son. Never got these feelings back then, so I agree. The left wing Hollywierd loons are twisting the story. But, Dr Seuss was after all involved with WWII propaganda for the Allies.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:59am

      man you all are really paranid freaks. the lorax story, really.

      Report Post »  
    • The Jewish Avenger
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:28pm

      “man you all are really paranid freaks. the lorax story, really.”

      The as is story is fine but the liberal spin on it is what perverts it.

      get it?

      Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
    • COFemale
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:10pm

      The only tree worth saving is one that bares fruit, other than that, cut baby cut. However, as a good steward of the earth, we plant new trees to replace the ones we cut down. We should not pillage all the trees and then have nothing for future generations. There is a right way and a wrong way to take care of the environment, it is just Democrats that want to protect all the wrong things rather than the most important “saving babies”.

      The Lorax story even back when it first was written was pushing an agenda. Liberals on this forum just do not have the guts to admit it. If you can’t recognize every story regardless of who writes it always have an agenda; some are good, some are evil. Learn to recognize the difference.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • Lord_Frostwind
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:59pm

      Indeed, I think the lesson that should be taken from the Lorax is not that “YOU SHOULDN’T HURT THE TREES! THE ENVIRONMENT IS PRECIOUS MAN!” followed by a few puffs on a joint. Rather, if the Onceler had half a brain, he would have replanted the trees he was cutting down, and cut back production to increase the value of thneeds. That way the Onceler would have a lasting source of income and product, just like a real life logging company.

      Instead we get the “blind idiot” version from the same Hollywood dumpkofs who think Captain Planet is based on a true story.

      Report Post » Lord_Frostwind  
  • Balthazor
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:32am

    Based on the trailer, I think it’s a stretch to say that The Secret World of Arrietty movie looks like blatant indoctrination. There have been stories and legends of “little people” who pilfer items going back for centuries, and this one, at least from the trailer, doesn‘t seem like it’s trying to propagandize.

    Seuss, on the other hand, has forever been a lefty socialist. Some of his books are relatively clear of it, others not so much.

    Report Post » Balthazor  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:44am

      Yes, as I recall he was a big LIB from San Diego, CA.
      The Lorax was ALWAYS a big greenie thing, even before the greenies were born!
      He was also a product of Dartmouth and Oxford if I recall correctly. (Intellectual elite)
      There were other such politically motivated books and then there was, “Richard M. Nixon, Will You Please Go Now”
      He was a left-winger-extremist before left-winger-extremism was cool.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:54pm

      liberal spin jewish avenger? whats the message beside funny cartoon animals, are you afraid of? maybe you can make a right wing spin so the corparate lords dump waste anywhere they choose (a jim pinkerton plan) or how labor is bad and only the rich are the good people and the poor are the evil ones. i could go on but i have to go back to work.

      Report Post »  
    • Brittany-Imbriaarts
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:01pm

      I agree with you, while some of Miyazaki films have strong left leaning views two mainly come to mind this one and many of the ones Disney has released in theaters don‘t you would have to go to the direct to video releases and most of those aren’t in any way a movie for children.

      I have no idea of Lorax never read it and have no desire to see it in theaters. But from what friends told me about the story yes its a eco-friendly story which has me like it less.

      Report Post » Brittany-Imbriaarts  
    • sta
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:37pm

      Studio Ghibli movies are fun and beautiful.
      Hayao Miyazaki is a self-proclaimed Marxist.
      If you know it ahead of time, you can discuss it with your child.

      My kids have watched all of his movies. They started long before Disney got the rights to the films and we have them all without the subs. We actually prefer them in Japanese and they helped with teaching them to read, having the subtitles flash by. However, they are VERY left leaning. It opened up a good conversation about how the values in these movie is the same or different from our family’s.

      Report Post »  
  • SREGN
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:30am

    One Lib, Two Lib
    Red Lib, Blue Lib.
    This one drives a little car,
    Oh what a lot of Libs there are.

    Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:28am

    Well lets see in the Lorax there are no real trees, why is that? Global warming, loggers, Democrats doing exactly what they accuse Republican of doing? Then we see the Democrat cut down the tree and blame it on the Republican? What is your problem here?

    The Borrowers should be called thieves. They are assuming they are taking things that others don’t use or leave behind. If it is in my house, it is not borrowing when you take it. Yep, this just like OWS. If it is not yours and you don’t have it, then you want to take it to make it yours. I see no problem here. This is what you tell your kids.

    You all are looking at it all wrong.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • angeleyes63
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:26am

    If it’s on PBS (purely biased socialism) The question has already been answered.

    Report Post »  
  • R4M0N
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:26am

    I don’t take my children to these types of movies because they add nothing to their education and there are better forms of entertainment. The message is only part of it… Hollywood has long-ago stopped being an acceptable entertainment destination for kids.

    Report Post »  
  • UBETHECHANGE
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:25am

    The Communists have infiltrated everything. The enemy is within the gates! Be alert patriots!

    Report Post »  
    • Zenzazin
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:43pm

      yep, they‘re taking over children’s movies! next, they will be putting little plastic hammer and sickles in happy meals!

      Report Post »  
  • big russ
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:24am

    thats how the left hooks you ,by making you feel unreasonable for not believing their indoctrination hogwash

    Report Post »  
  • HorseCrazy
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:23am

    I have school aged child so I record him Good Luck Charlie on disney channel which is fine for kids. The commercials put out by Disney are all pro obama. Commercials about how you too can create change, then they have the Obama raps and the go global when you eat healthy campaign and plant trees blah blah blah. My kiddo knows it is better to feed actual people than to go to a beach and pick up trash so the poor seagulls wont choke on garbage. We have large acreage so he understands using not abusing our families natural resources. No matter what filth comes out of Hollywood, the responsibility for parenting is ours as parents. Unfortunately there are many incompetent boobs raising children these days.

    Report Post »  
    • Biddle
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:36am

      well said.

      Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 2:13pm

      Right on, Horsecrazy. I have talked with my kids a lot about Disney’s “Friends for Change” promotion. We talk about how much more real change for good would be made if kids learned to not have sex before marriage and to not drink or smoke, etc. My kids are now quick to point out the logical problems with new “Friends for Change” ads.
      As for the Lorax. I remember reading it to my sister-in-law when she was around 7 or so (my wife is 15 years older than my sister-in-law). After reading it, I asked her: “So, what did you learn from the book?” She yelled: “Don’t cut down any trees!!” Then I said: “Why not plant a tree when you cut one down? There are lots of good things that we can get from trees. In ‘The Lorax’, they got Thneeds and people really liked them.”
      Conservatives have the better arguments — take every opportunity to help others (especially kids) understand.

      Report Post »  
  • RealAmerican2
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:23am

    I’m all for teaching children to protect the environment around them, be respectful of nature and don’t litter, be sure to recycle, etc. Anything beyond that, such as; pushing the electric cars agenda, doing away with plastic bottles, use florescent light bulbs, all of that crap I have no use for!

    Report Post »  
  • smithclar3nc3
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:17am

    Dr. Suess has always had liberal socialist undertones…nothing new

    Report Post »  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:23am

      like what? please elaborate

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:25am

      Its racist too. Where are the black characters?

      Report Post »  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:05pm

      PINHEAD you wouldn’t know the truth if it hit you between your eyes- likes like your trolling again today- come on tell us some more lies

       
    • Zenzazin
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:46pm

      while he may have some liberal undertones, how would you say he was a socialist? just because he was a little liberal? before he wrote children’s books, he made a lot of anti-Nazi propaganda… seeing as how most people on here think Nazi’s were socialists, wouldn’t this make him not a socialist?

      Report Post »  
  • BOMUSTGO
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:15am

    Gearing people to worship the creation rather than the creator! just like the scriptures say.

    Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:48am

      Encinom- the tea bigots are only going to be happy when the schools require each student to recite Bible versus in unison on a daily basis.

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:11pm

      PINHEAD think maybe its time for to wipe again

      Report Post »  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:16pm

      ajax – are you having more hissy fits?

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:19pm

      ajax- the forest are gone – no tp for you!

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:43pm

      PINHEAD wind wind wind

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:02pm

      Now now children, don’t make me be the adult here!

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • RedSoloCup
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 6:01pm

      Hey Pinhead and Encinom… get a room! Maybe Arania Huffington will pay for it too.

      Report Post » RedSoloCup  
  • The Jewish Avenger
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:13am

    No no Blazze a little more catchy like this…

    The Lorax…a mythical creature… who “speaks for the trees”
    …chopped down by the “Once-ler“ to be made in to ”Thneeds.”
    a sweater-like garment that “everyone needs.”

    Thats more Seuss like LOL.

    Well this is really more Seuss like
    “Get away from me you @$%@#^$ brats!”
    Just to paraphrase.

    (In case you didn’t know he hated kids. Even NPR admitted that… once.)

    Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
  • JP16
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:11am

    Not worried so much about the Lorax message. It’s message is only one that would question excessive consumption. The Secret World of Arrietty on the other hand seems like a message that could be misunderstood. To “borrow” without permission is not the message to send out to kids. Even if the item is not consumed, it goes against basic property rights.

    Report Post »  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:24am

      The LIBERAL will force the child to see this movie through the schools. The schools will schedule field trips to see these films as is done with so many other Hollywood propaganda films.

      Report Post »  
  • joe conservative
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:04am

    The liberals always go after the kids. I find it to be quite disgusting, but it’s all part of the socialist play book. I think it’s pathetic that their message is so weak, their only hope for winning is to target children. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1oDqfTl3KA

    Report Post » joe conservative  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:30am

      True … look at the PUBLIC schools !!! The NEA (teachers union — they are not about education or the kids they are indoctrinators!) needs to be out of educating our future generations. People need to find a way to pull you child out of them .. fight for vouchers, home school, etc.

      Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:03am

    I remember when the Lorax came out. I thought it was propaganda then, and I know it is propaganda now. I don’t have kids, other than my cat and my husband, but if I did, I would not allow the book in our house.

    Report Post » piper60  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:14am

      I remember seeing a cartoon version of this back in the mid 70′s.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • riverdog1
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:10pm

      piper, its probably a good thing you don’t have kids.

      Report Post »  
  • Timothy_Reid
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:02am

    The job of parenting is setting the base standard by which our children will view the world. These types of films can only be indoctrination if we as parents don’t do our jobs by providing a good frame of reference. Just my opinion, but that‘s my story and I’m sticking to it.

    Report Post »  
  • Baikonur
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:00am

    Let’s see:

    Sesame Street is bad
    The Muppets are bad
    Girl Scouts are bad
    Now Dr. Seuss is bad

    Are you people out of your minds?

    Report Post » Baikonur  
    • LiberalMarine
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:04am

      Everything, except the bible and gun manuals, is bad.

      Report Post » LiberalMarine  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:14am

      college professors like Newt are really bad

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • JP16
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:16am

      They are not out of their mind, they are just fed any little bits that might feed their defense mechanisms that are worried about the larger issues. All the small things become magnified and made into a huge deal for the benefit of those who want to use them to serve their purpose. It’s like bulletin board material for football teams, just anything they can put up that might motivate their team a little more.

      Report Post »  
    • Balthazor
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:24am

      Once these shows and organizations became more about indoctrinating children than about entertaining and educating them, then yes, they became bad.

      Report Post » Balthazor  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:24am

      @LiberalMarine
      Lol! So true.

      @Steelhead
      Andnot not even a full professor–an Assistant Professor for 8 years who stopped teaching because he was denied tenure.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • selectedpete
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:29am

      I have to agree, though perhaps for different reasons – Timothy_Reid said it well too. Bad philosophy will surround us no matter what we do or where we go. Our job as parents is to foster right thinking and analysis of all that is out there. *That* there is perhaps an agenda in the Lorax can easily be dealt with by taking the time and effort to discuss the film and its message with children. *That* story tellers “go after” children is not in and of itself wrong-headed. Conservatives can and should “go after” children just as much as liberals to show children right ways to think and analyze, and to show them that there is truth to be had. We can and should take good and bad messaging through to their logical conclusion with our children and show them why it is entirely possible for a corporation to act ethically, and why it is just fine to responsibly chop down a tree. But, we have to give them something that Hollywood can’t offer, and that is a true north and a place to tether to. That is the difference between liberal and conservative thinking in an nut shell.

      Our issue is not so much that there is poor philosophy in much of children’s entertainment. And, the answer is not always to cover the child up and whisk them to the back room. Our bigger issue is laziness as parents in teaching critical thinking skills, and teaching children to confront and overcome poor philosophy.

      Report Post » selectedpete  
    • The Jewish Avenger
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:30am

      Sesame Street is bad
      - Religious neutral even though 70% of America are devout Christians
      - Minority oriented even though the largest viewing audience is Caucasian
      - Interest groups speak and CTW does whatever they say
      - Open Liberal and Socialistic topic but never conservative.
      - Currently are considering having Bert and Ernie become gay lovers to satisfy the LGBTQ pressures
      - Receives boat loads of money but demands more.
      In short they are biased and presenting it as the norm… yes its a problem.

      The Muppets are bad
      Curious about this one… although social and liberal views are the norm and the only conservative muppet is the grey bald eagle and he’s always the butt of the joke or ignored as fluff talk.
      So I can see why that may be an issue as well…
      no religion there either.

      Girl Scouts are bad
      I like GIRLS in girl scouts
      I like the fact that they believe in God and used God in their motto and daily lives
      NOW caving to the 1-2% of liberal parents: Everyone MUST accept that God can be replaced with whatever they choose, and if I feel like a 10 year old girl today, I can go the sleepover. Please tell me you understand the problem in this. (See: Pedophilia: Did you know its a a psychological disorder now?)

      Now Dr. Seuss is bad
      “Is speak for the trees” Concern about paving over the forests, yes. Legit argument. Clear cutting and letting the trees grow back or planting trees in the clear cut is NOT. Concerned this new Lorax is going to be more p

      Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
    • Steelhead
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:40am

      b- denied tenure ? lol

      Report Post » Steelhead  
    • THX-1138
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:48am

      Any tool can be used for good or bad. I fail to see how this simple concept cannot be grasped by so many.

      Sesame Street is not bad, the people writing/producing Sesame Stree are bad.

      How is this confusing?

      Report Post » THX-1138  
    • Conservative Freshman
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:50am

      My girl friend and I have been talking about kids alot lately. Although we are not married yet we still talk about having kids of our own and how we will parent those kids. we talk about the values we want our kids to have and we also talk about how some of the seemingly smallest influences can affect a child. as you can tell by my name I really just started getting into politics in the past three or four years. right at the beginning of me figuring out what I didn’t like, I watched a movie. the name of the movie was the ant bully. some of you may of seen it and know what I’m talking about. the movie in my opinion was putting out a socialist/communist theme. It was putting down individualism and praising “team work”. now I‘m not saying that team work is a bad thing I do believe that there are times in life where you can’t do everything on your own and you do need help, but on the other hand the movie didn’t put it that way. the movie was basically saying that to be an individual is to be a failure and thats just not what I want my kid to believe.

      Report Post »  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:58am

      @Steelhead

      Yes! :)

      ‘In 1970, Gingrich joined the history department at West Georgia College as an assistant professor. In 1974 he moved to the geography department and was instrumental in establishing an interdisciplinary environmental studies program. Denied tenure, he left the college in 1978.’

      From his Wikipedia bio: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newt_Gingrich

      For those who don’t accept Wikipedia as a source, this info is linked and referenced.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • Lord_Frostwind
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:12pm

      By using your same logic:

      Oil is bad
      Rich people are bad
      Corporations are bad
      Guns are bad
      Standing up for your faith is Bad

      If you want media examples

      Video games are bad
      Ayn Rand is bad
      Tom Clancy is bad
      GI Joe is bad

      Personally, I recognize that people use things like kids shows to preach what they believe to kids. Seth MacFarlane does the exact same thing with Family Guy, and when they do that I just decide to tune out or change the channel. I don’t think kids are going to get much out of these shows, and if they start spouting off Liberal Malarkey, I’ll correct them, my Dad did the same thing for me when I was a kid (in hind sight, saying something about drilling oil being bad is not a smart idea when your family works for Halliburton).

      I refuse to ever let anyone in my family watch Sesame Street, but that is because they took away the Cookie Monster’s cookies, that was unforgivable.

      Report Post » Lord_Frostwind  
  • Dave.the.Blaze
    Posted on February 23, 2012 at 1:45pm

    Everything has become so polarized. I’m a Conservative (big C, and in the traditional sense), but the movement is being destroyed by the anti-science, ultra-religious zealots. It’s the biggest reason why the GOP is so splintered these days. Anyway, the radical Girl Scouts agenda will become the law of the land soon. All girls will become lesbians, and the population of the US will eventually die out due to non-breeding. I read that somewhere on The Blaze.

    Report Post » Dave.the.Blaze  
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