Guest Author - Lana R. Mixon
Why would an adult fear a fictitious story about a culture that does not exist? Can we think rationally if we are afraid? Can we think objectively about a subject that we truly know nothing about? It’s hard for me to digest the notion that some people won’t allow their children to read the Harry Potter books.
I vividly recall watching the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”, while I was in high school English class. I was mesmerized by this wonderful story of justice which included children as some of its’ main characters. I also loved the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. The children in these stories were smart….they were heroes. My parents weren’t the most open-minded people in the world, so an opportunity to watch a unique movie or read the Twain book would not have crossed my path at home. Fortunately, the English department thought it was important enough for us to watch “To Kill a Mockingbird” and to read “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. Basically, the school believed that I had enough intelligence and maturity to grasp the true meanings of these fantastic stories.
Parents that prohibit their children from reading such books, as Harry Potter, will ultimately have to let their children go out into the real world. And, in that world these children will need the tools to function as adults… to discern right from wrong. And, if their parents have protected them from reading harmless, fictitious stories, will they have the emotional tools they need to function in the real world? I think not.
J. K. Rowling is obviously one of the most talented authors that has ever come along. The book sales speak for themselves. Her stories mesmerize adults and children equally. How many authors have that appeal? Not many. Even after all these years the urban legend persists (with some people) that the Harry Potter books promote Satanism. I’m not sure how the themes of “good conquering evil”, friendship, family, and love throughout the stories promote Satanism.
When people fear the unknown, whether it’s another culture, religion, etc. it’s not easy for them to put aside their pre-conceived ideas and open their mind to learning something new. Fear can close your mind to new opportunities, books, friendships, relationships, explorations of religions, etc. It’s a powerful emotion.
This is one urban legend that begs to be vanquished~!
