Background: The iconic Wizarding World created by JK Rowling became a worldwide phenomenon when Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published in September of 1998. Following a young boy named Harry as he ventures through the life he never knew awaited him, the seven book series explores love and sacrifice, found family, power, and much more. Often banned for claims of going against religious beliefs by promoting witchcraft and satanism, the Harry Potter series was rated number one most challenged series of the early 2000s by The American Library Association.
I’m going to simply start off by saying that I may be biased when it comes to this series, only because I’ve been obsessed with it for years. It truly helped me realize the magic of reading and fiction (no pun intended). I’d also like to point out that Harry Potter has been hard for me to wrap my head around at times when it comes to why it’s banned, but after all, that’s the tricky thing about children’s and young adult literature. Let’s debrief…
When I was first introduced to the idea of book bans, I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a raging fire lit under me. However, as I did more research I found myself, at times, playing devil’s advocate. I understand whole-heartedly that the main role of parents/guardians in the lives of their children is to protect, advocate, and support. I also agree that it’s important for parents to monitor what forms of media their children are absorbing and being exposed to. Given that, I also have to admit a concern when it comes to ‘forbidden literature’ and children.
When the first Harry Potter book came out some believed it promoted witchcraft and was offensive to religious beliefs. I can somewhat understand holding something back if it goes against religion, but ‘promotion of satanism and witchcraft’ is really giving The Crucible, and it’s clear that the message of that play went straight over peoples’ heads.
Nowadays a lot of the controversy stems from the author, JK Rowling. An intensified wave of backlash hit her in 2020 and labeled her ‘transphobic’ among many other things. The argument became that people aren’t willing to support someone who has outwardly expressed disapproval with the transgender community. Although I understand how that’s something people are bothered by, I personally find it best to separate the art from the artist. You have to admit, no matter what that Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was and still is, considered a groundbreaking, monumental novel. There’s no getting around the fact that this series will one day be considered ‘classic’ and therefore JK Rowling will be considered a ‘classic’ author.
Something I think about often is the fact that there are children all over the country who simply can not read. The literacy crisis is real. It is not worth avoiding. Scaring children away from a book by putting the idea into their head that reading it is the equivalent to sentencing themselves to eternal damnation is part of the problem. The result of book banning for children is just pushing them away from reading even more. Literature creates understanding, empathy, and awareness. Playing Roblox doesn’t really do that.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again as many times as I need to, I really don’t think this mischief needs to be managed.
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