I have been ever since I was growing up and got the first book as a gift. I was nine years old at the time, and I really did grow up with the series, and the movies surrounding it. It's incredible when you think about what a book series did for an entire generation of kids, teens and adults alike-- it was a worldwide phenomenon. One that sparked not only an incredibly popular book series, and movie saga, but also spawned its own theme park (which I am personally dying to see). Not only that, but it became part of a culture in a lot of ways. There are many colleges and universities (ours included) that offer classes on Harry Potter-- looking at its influences, the idea of magic, and even the morality it can teach.
Personally, the book series had a lasting impact on me. It really influenced me as a kid to start writing-- something I continue to do today, and hope will become my career in the future (I'm currently applying to grad school for writing and publishing at Emerson). I think it would be an awesome thing if I could have just some of the influence in a young persons life as J.K Rowling did for me growing up.
So when I see radicals banning, and sometimes burning the Harry Potter books it really makes me angry. These people say that books regarding witchcraft are evil and that there are hidden anti-Christ messages throughout. The Harry Potter series was never meant to spread an anti-God, anti-Christ message, or anything of the sort. It was meant to send a positive message to a younger generation caught up with bad television shows, and too many video games. It helped spread a love of reading to millions, and has inspired many, like myself, to write as well.
This is old, but still funny to read... "The 12 Reasons Not to See Harry Potter":
http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/HP-Movie.htm
Fortunately the critics have moved on toward Twilight since the conclusion of the Harry Potter series. I have a lot to say on the Twilight "saga" but I might just save that for another blog entry =)
i just posed something on my site in regards to media violence and violent narrative, and when I posted that I never took into account that everyone has different opinions on violence and everyone is entitiled to that! I love Harry Potter as well, and yes I will admit I am 23 year old Twilight fan, but I see nothing wrong with those films in regards to being anti-christ or based around ancient whitch craft. I guess someone could read my post and disagree to what extent I was implying as well. It's just a world view and more or less and difference of opinions.
ReplyDeleteHey more power to ya. I myself am also a huge harry potter fan, i read all the books when i was younger and i have seen all the movies so far and they happen to be some of my favorites and part 1 of the final movie is coming out too wooo.but in no reguards are these movies anti-christ or satanic.Theyre fun and our entire generation had grown up with them. I never knew that people really protested these books/films. thats interesting.
ReplyDeleteI love the series as well! I remember my dad reading me the books before bed when I was younger. I have read the books from elementary school to high school! They are books and movies that attract people of all ages. I think the books are just creative thoughts from J.K. Rowling's imagination. I don't think she is at all into witchcraft and against Christianity. If an writer can't express herself in their books then what is the world coming to?
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