I really enjoyed the Harry Potter series; however,...?

Question

...I noticed that they became ever darker with each new book. After awhile, I kinda felt bait-n-switched. I mean, I became so interested in the story as well as the special effects that I kinda-sorta lost sight of what I was actually watching. The story centers around a school for warlocks and witches. It focuses on one kind of evil (magic and witchcraft) battling another, like Voldemere. The use of magic and spirits permeates the storyline.

It's easy to hand wave all this away because kids are wildly reading the books, perhaps we really think it's neat, and so on. After all, it's a story about kids...isn't it?

But, I know this...my grandparents would have never aloud me to watch it or read it. I can see them saying its witchcraft and not good -- you need to go out and play, or go to bed. I see how our society is becoming indifferent to this kind of story, much as it has become numb to TV violence.

Do you really want kids being entertained by this kind of stuff?

Answer 1

I agree...

Answer 2

There is a woman in Georgia who is trying to ban all the Harry Potter books from the school libraries that you can join forces with. The ability to discern fiction from fact seems to be a problem that some groups face when they view anything that is the slightest bit different. You see something and then you jump to the conclusion that it is bad and then you try to force this belief on others. It seems it is easier to totally ban a book then to explain your religions take on the subject matter. The minute you say no to something is the minute that your kid's eyes light up and they want to find out what is soooo bad that you are incapiable of discussing it.

I am a Witch and I am male. A male witch is a witch, not a warlock. You never hear Rowling ever use that term, since it means "oath breaker". I have never flown a broom in my life, but I would really enjoy it. (Although the whole idea of being supported on such a narrow stick might make having children in the future hard.)

Yes, the books are getting more mature since the author is writing to the same audience that she originally started writing to and they are growing up.

Children reading, what a novel idea. If this is such a bad thing and these books are helping children to embrace the idea of reading, then why don't you as a caring adult and parent spend some quality time talking about these books and your religion's take on magic. It is amazing what one can accomplish when you talk with a child.

Using good magic to battle bad magic is a universal plot in almost every book written... including the Bible. Us versus them. Good against evil. Positive against negative. So what is your point about these books, other than they get children to read and they can be used by a good parent as a stepping stone of interaction with your children?

Answer 3

After reading your post I dont believe you have ever actually read the series past maybe the jacket cover. First the school is for Witchcraft and Wizardry, not warlocks. Warlocks would be another name for a Dark Wizard. Second the villain in the story is Voldemort not Voldemere. They do not use spirits however they do use 'magic'. This story is pure FICTION and has literally no basis in reality. Stop being a mindless troll.

Answer 4

Yes we do want kids reading it.

The books are fiction-and very good fiction.They won't make kids worship Satan.

I am a Pagan and believe that magic exists but it doesn't work in rl like it does in Harry Potter so the spells in the books won't do anything if kids copy them.

Answer 5

See, this is where I get very frustrated with Christianity. Many of you define good and bad dependant simply on the Bible, but you fail to think things through. You are incapable of making a decision for yourself.

Why do you think Harry Potter is evil? Because the Bible says witchcraft is evil. But what is witchcraft? Traditionally, the word "witch" was applied to herbalists and midwives, usually old women. These were the doctors of their time: the ones who knew to brew ginger tea for indigestion abd to apply a comfrey poultice to help dialate the cervix. So basically, the bible is saying that all healing - i.e. witchcraft - comes from the devil. Okay. Remember that when you get diagnosed with tetnus or something.

You guys have GOT to learn to see the Bible for what it is: a book of guidelines for living written for a bunch of illiterate nomads by a bunch of literate nomads.

Answer 6

Kids? 36 Y.O and I love the stories too. The books have helped build a bond between me and my son. Next book comes out in July, we reserved a copy.
My son is 10 and can knock out a 600 page book in two days, (HP was the catalyst to this) even if its not about wizards and witches

Answer 7

You know, I got into the Little House on the Prairie series in elementary school. I mean, *really* into it, and I mean the books, not just the TV show. As Laura grew up, the series got progressively darker. People died, there was starvation, there was racism, Mary got sick and went blind...terrible things happened. That's how life *is*. Things happen, and you grow up and understand them better. Nobody accused Laura Ingalls Wilder of baiting and switching kids.

The new Mad magazine speaks truth. There's a bit in it about what fifth-graders already know. One thing they already know is that the violence on the TV news is real and the violence in movies, books, video games, etc. is fake. If you had some perspective, you'd know which one is the bigger problem and the real stealer of innocence. Our kids and our society are *not* indifferent, believe me.

Answer 8

How did we as a nation get into the 'all or nothing' mindset? I feel there's nothing wrong with having your child read something that is different from your norm (age appropriate, of course - no Playboy for 5 year olds, or anything) and TALK to your child about it.

Too many people are saying, about anything they disagree with, that they 'won't let' their child do this or that. Worse still, they want to tell me what my child can or can't do as well.

My mother helped me to be an independent person by looking at all sides to an argument with me before making a decision, or asking me to make a decision. She talked to me about why people felt differently about a subject, instead of avoiding the subject altogether. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for.

Answer 9

Don't think so. Your parents and grandparents grew up on similar stories. Wizard of Oz...the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe...Lord of the Rings (these were all books long before the movies glamorized them). Even fairy tales delt with this genre such as Hansel & Gretel. These stories have been around far longer than Christianity. Leave it to Christianity to condemn them.

Answer 10

I love the Harry Potter books and movies (well, maybe not the 3+4 movies. Those weren't so good and accurate.) I think that if you're not influenced by the magic and violence and you don't try to practice it, then it should be fine. I can't wait for the fifth movie and the seventh book! =)

Answer 11

I am still confused as to why religious people get so worked up over magic. It is obviously non existent, and good practice for imagination.

Compared to other things kids can read I think this is better, the trouble they can get into acting this out is far less than anything else.