MCC History Instructor Jade Parkes explores Dr. Seuss's pre-WWII-Era works
Before the United States entered the fighting action in World War II, Theodore Seuss
Giesel was taking a stand against isolationism and anti-Semitism with the best tools he
had - ink and paper. He later used his artistic talents to battle segregation within
the U.S. military and workforce.
Along with drawings and readings, Meridian Community College's 2024 Humanities Teacher of the Year, Jade Parkes, who serves as a history instructor at MCC, presented "Before Green Eggs, Grinches, or Cats in Hats: An Examination of the World War II-Era Works of Dr. Seuss."
The Mississippi Humanities Council sponsors the award and recognizes the contribution of humanities faculty at each state's colleges and universities. Honorees are asked to give a public presentation.
While in college, Parkes was introduced to these political cartoons that Dr. Seuss created. "They are whimsical and entertaining. You know Dr. Seuss when you see it, and these cartoons are very Suessian," Parkes said. "The editorial cartoons of Dr. Seuss offer us a glimpse into the past – or at least a glimpse into the beliefs of Dr. Seuss."
Parkes explained that Dr. Seuss, who had never taken a history course during high school and college years and once lived in Europe, disapproved of the isolationism and appeasement the United States was demonstrating. The cartoons were published from 1941 to 43. "Dr. Seuss existed to teach us lessons, it seems," Parkes said. And those lessons extend from the cartoons to his famous children's books, including Parkes' favorite, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Parkes, who has worked at MCC for 21 years, holds an associate of arts degree from East Central Community College and bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Mississippi. A native of Decatur, Parkes and his wife Stacy have been married for almost 20 years and have two children, Noah, 7, and Hope, 4.
To learn more, visit meridiancc.edu.