People who “think critically” do not have the luxury of not multitasking. Many people that I know who “think critically” are able to go out, enjoy themselves, and have a good time, but also keep an eye on the bottom line. We do this in the same way that someone is able to scuba dive in tropical waters that may be infested with dangerous creatures, keeping one part of their mind on the beauty around them, while the other part of their mind keeps an eye on their surroundings for the sake of their survival. Because we do this, it doesn't mean we cannot fully appreciate the beauty.
I say that they don't have the luxury, because they have to pull the weight for the vast majority of people who do not think critically, and consume not only the overt message of something like “The Lorax”, but also examine the underlying issues and message.
If you think that the script for “The Lorax” was written without any intention to “educate” younger viewers, you're not only missing the point, you are certainly not “thinking critically”.
I ask you this honestly: do you believe that the men and women who were involved in the scripting of this movie did not intend to impart a specific message to younger viewers?
The story highlights the overharvesting of the forest and the negative impacts. Overharvesting is bad. Many here seem to think it is ok to overharvest and not replace the trees based on their not liking the movie. The environment should not be abused, which many here disagree with. There is a critical balance that needs to be found. Some laws go too far, but some are necessary to protect the the environment and our way of life. Like what I wrote before, many on the right and left go to the extremes. Many here are extreme.
I find nothing wrong with the movie. Many are reading way too
much into it. We can agree to disagree on this movie.