"Harry Potter"

Ayn rand Institute ^ | 11/13/02

[steve-b]

Some quibble about the forgiveness of rule breaking

That, at least, is a legitimate objection. While there's a case for letting things slide now and then (especially when breaking the rules produces some beneficial result), overdoing it gives the impression that actions don't have consequences.

[js1138]

I think there's a case to be made that some of HPs "harmless" rule breaking causes the crises that he then has to resolve through heroism. Being fiction, I don't think this is accidental on Rowling's part. I think these are "easter eggs" left for readers to find.

Of course Rowling is equally harsh towards plodding, bureaucratic do-goodism.

[Mr. K]

but does even using your imagination and listening to a STORY about witchcraft constitute belief in witchcraft or practice of it?

I don't think so. I think Harry Potter 1 was a good role model for the kids- he didn't submit to peer pressure, stood up for right and wrong, etc...

This is not the Necronomicon we are talking about...

[Woahhs]

Oh, well, there were people who thought that Jonathan Swift was an advocate of cannibalism.

I was much more fussy about this stuff when I was younger. Since then I have learned, despite the impassioned sermons of many who would speak for God... that Smurfs, Masters of the Universe, KISS, backward masking, Captain Planet, Pokemon, and about a dozen other passing fads...are not going to lead kids into drinking blood from skulls when they grow up.

What can you say to the boy who cries wolf before he actually gets eaten?

[null and void]

Sure wish I'd been the one to make that joke....

Me too...