Why should we ban Harry Potter novels?

Question

I am not against them in fact I enjoy them, I am trying to write a paper and I need arguments against the novels.

Answer 1

The arguments for banning the Harry Potter books, as already mentioned, are mostly that they supposedly promote witchcraft and Satanism. Never mind that the spells in the book don't work, that the magical creatures mentioned don't exist, the fact that Satan is not mentioned even once in any of the books, and the fact that the people who urge banning the books have never even read them. In fact, there is a pro-Harry Potter book by a priest (unfortunately, I've forgotten both his name and the title of the book) which points up a very interesting fact. The Harry Potter books are about a boy who is born and raised in obscurity, who many consider to be the one to remove evil from the world, and who the evil powers are trying to kill. When you think about it, that's also the story of Jesus!

Answer 2

There are no logical or sound arguments against banning ANY book, as no one has ever been able to prove that any given text will create a negative outcome in its readers. By nature, reading is such an individual and subjective experience that no two people read a text the same way. Therefore, it is impossible to "prove" that reading a book will have a negative effect on anyone. Negative effects may be seen, but these can just as easily be attributed to other social and cultural influences.

All arguments to that effect involve some kind of religious defense or "morality"-based reasoning, which is inherently faulty and indefensible in a true argument.

Answer 3

Okay! I Love the Harry Potter books. but here's an idea." I say ban them because they promote reading and socializing among young people. What was the author thinking? I mean really who wants their kids to actually pick up a book. They could begin to read other things and then we as parents would not be able to control their minds as well. " There ya go. That is how I picture some of the people who want the books banned.

Answer 4

Personally, I think it would be completely ridiculous to ban them. You may as well ban every children's fantasy books, which would include a hell of a lot of fairy tales.

But that is just my opinion. As I understand it, some Christians feel it promotes Satanism and occultism/witchcraft. It has to do with the Bible teaching that devils, demons, witches, etc are all extremely powerful forces of evil and that if one is a true believer, they shouldn't have anything to do with it as fun. That is the root of almost every argument to ban Harry Potter, just restated a million different ways.

As far as the fantastical/horror genre for kids, it isn't specific to Harry Potter, either. The popularity of wanting to ban it by some just reiterates it's popularity in society.

Here are a few sites you may find useful. Best of luck on your paper.

http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin157.shtml
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15127464/
http://www.riprense.com/Potter.htm

Answer 5

I personally am not against Harry Potter I absolutely love them...but the story is a little sketchy. I don't think that the last few books are good for kids under the age of 11 to read because it involves a lot of sexual stuff that kids don't need to be reading about. But also from a Christian view, the books are about magic and can lead kids to believe that magic is good and it makes them want to be wizards and stuff. Also it can support wrong ideas....ex. Disobeying the rules is Ok and can be fun...
Lying to teachers and other people is ok.
I personally love the books but I can see how some people wouldn't agree with all the things the book is talking about.

Answer 6

I personally like the Harry Potter series. However, I did find a link to a site that is opposed to the series. Maybe you can get some info from it.
The books do kind of promote witchcraft, I guess. Harry was a nobody until he had his magic powers. So I guess someone with self-esteem issues who is at an impressionable age might be more effected by the story than a well-adjusted kid who knows it's just fantasy.

Answer 7

No book should be banned. But yes there are religious fanatics who want it banned because it portrays witchcraft. And they see (falsely) that witchcraft is devil worship. Lol. Don't get me started on this kind if thinking! Anyway, most people as well as youths and kids understand witchcraft of the type portrayed in the books are feats impossible. If anything these books should be read as they have brought reading back to children and youths!

Answer 8

Some might say that the witchcraft is against Christian teachings but that is a very thin argument.

The truth is in America it is against the first amendment to ban books. I would pick another topic for your paper. In fact I can't believe your teacher would allow such a topic

Answer 9

Take the religious viewpoint and go from there.

Or if you are even remotely aware of literature and writing technique, take a stance against the way JK Rowling uses illogical paradoxes and complete generalizations to get her point across.

Answer 10

Some arguments have been that it is anti-christian because it is portraying witch craft in a glorious fashion. you may want to check out the Pope's banned book list. i believe that it is on that.