Cold War Blues

When you think about Seuss's involvement in the Cold War—which happens all the time, we're sure—you probably think about The Butter Battle Book. But we're sensing a little Cold War love (or hate) in Horton, too.

For starters, it's about what happens when people across different populations don't understand each other. The animals can't see the Whos and don't know what they are, so what's the natural reaction? They try to destroy them violently, of course. This hearkens back to some major Cold paranoia.

Remember the Red Scare? Quick refresher: During the Cold War, the United States started questioning anyone who seemed different (read: communist). Horton reminds us of this when the whole jungle (especially that Wickersham clan) bands together in order to bring "justice" down on Horton and his "imaginary" Whos. What's their beef anyway?