The Lorax and Society

Environmentalism seems to be a recent popular trend, especially in context to today’s youth. However, its ideas and values have always been there floating from idealist to idealist in America’s History. From famous wilderness advocators like John Muir to author’s like Dr. Seuss. Yes, environmentalism has been rooted in our childhoods since the 1970’s when Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax was published. The Lorax is one of my favorite stories and it illustrates how our way of life affects the environment.

Society  Compared to the Once-ler

• values progress
• values money/economy
• dominance over nature: Christian view that man has more inherent value and nature is there for his/her use
• myth of super abundance: belief that resources are unlimited or vast enough to not worry                  

The Lorax

• stands for the environment
• values nature as equal
• human connection to nature
• the consequences of wasteful actions and neglect

Below is part 1 and 2 of The Lorax via Youtube. If you have never watched it before I encourage you to take 23 minutes to see it. Think about the message being conveyed in context to society today. What can you do differently in your day to day routine to not end up like the Once-ler?

Part 1

Part 2

Tags: dr. seuss, environmentalism, society, the lorax