The morality question

[jrober4 at bellsouth.net]

Not having been in the HPFGU egroups long, I have missed out on discussing one particular aspect of HP that interested me.  One of the reasons this interests me is that it kept me from discovering HP until about a month ago.  I asked my "elf" about this, and she pointed me to a thread that was posted 14 months ago, which I found very enlightening on both sides of the issue.  Then, she suggested that I post about this here.

So, here I am.  I remember when the SS movie first came out, particularly, there was a lot of fuss about things being in the HP universe that some Christians had a problem with, and I understand that reasoning.  Also, I remember hearing that the characters in it that are considered the "good guys" engaged in lying and that seemed to be okay for them to do.  Both of these things are what kept me away from HP for so long.  Then, when SS came on Cinemax, somehow my curiosity got the best of me -- I am a fan of the fantasy genre (particularly Anne McCaffrey) -- and I watched the movie.  Much to my surprise, I really *liked* it, and sympathized with Harry very much.  That got me to buy the four books, and I am up to GoF for the second time around.  

I must confess that the fact that Harry, Ron and Hermione lies -- with very little, if any, consequences -- still concerns me, though.  It seems to me that this is used as a story device so that Harry, especially, is in the position to "save the day".  Maybe I'm wrong, and I imagine that those who don't agree with me about this will have plenty to say.  This wouldn't matter if it weren't for the fact that these books are directed at children.  In a day when there are those who would subjugate the importance of a solid moral foundation, I would like to see there be more consequences in a genre that is so popular with children (and us adults).  It really impresses me to hear the reports about the achievement of getting so many children to read who didn't like books before, then going on to other works of literature.  But, I also come into this at a disadvantage, as I am an American and there are things in the books that you UK'ers understand better than I ever would.  So, I would like to ask anyone who is willing to feel free to speak about things that an American like me wouldn't understand.  Since I like the books so much now, I would like to understand everything I can about what is going on and why certain things are written the way they are.

The issue of lying is certain something I have wrestled with.  I don't believe in the concept of "the end justifies the means", which seems to be what's involved in the HP books.  I mean, if Harry lies so that he can do something that results in something good, that should be okay, right?  Sorry, but I have a problem with that.  I'm not naive about this -- I wrestle with the  question of what would I do if I were hiding Jews in Nazi Germany and soldiers came to my door?  To this day, I don't have the answer to that.  Is this a fair comparison with what happens in the HP books?  I don't know the answer to that, either.  If this is not an old and worn out issue, I would be willing to discuss this with anyone who is interested, who can offer reasoned and intelligent comments about it . . . and who can be respectful of *both* sides of the issue.  I think I have an open mind about discussing this, without imposing my beliefs on anyone but not compromising the moral foundation that is a very important part of who I am.  I hope this makes sense, *chuckle*.  

As for the "witchcraft" aspect of it -- I do not find this threatening to my religious beliefs, and I can keep it in context.  However -- at the risk of outraging some of you -- I believe that parents have the right to raise their children as they see fit (as long as it doesn't break basic laws), including those who don't like the witchcraft in the HP books and movies and so deny their children access to them.  Once those children reach the age of 18 and go out on their own -- if they decide to read HP *then*, they are adults and have that right to choose.

Comments?

Judy       

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