Self-Evaluation (was Re: Harry Haters...)

[susanmcgee48176]

> Lynn:
> 
> May I respectfully say that you probably will
> change your mind when you have a child. ;)  It's
> a whole 'nuther universe at times and you'll be
> amazed how your attitudes change when that little
> bundle arrives. 

Uh, yes....

We have absolutely no qualms about censoring our children's reading, 
monitoring what movies they watch, banning commercial television 
totally, banning nintendo, gameboy, weii etc. 

Books, movies, etc. are very powerful, and have profound effects on 
the imagination and spirit of children.

We not only ban stuff that is excessively violent, but all kinds of 
stuff that children consume that is banal, cynical, and disrespectful.

Although JKR is a Christian, and not a wiccan/pagan, there is no 
mention of God, nor going to church in the HP universe. I think the 
idea that she glorifies witchcraft/wizardry (any more than Tolkien or 
Lewis did) is silly. But if I were a devout Christian, I might worry.

>From my viewpoint, the HP universe values love, compassion, caring, 
fighting for justice, family, parenting and taking the consequences 
for incorrect choices. People are allowed to be complex. There is 
almost no cynicism. Life is full of joy, tragedy, and the quiet 
satisfaction of sitting down with family and friends. The adult 
couple relationships we see (Fleur and Bill, Molly and Arthur, James 
and Lily, Remus and Tonks, Tonks' parents, even Lucius and Narcissa 
and Vernon and Lily). Child mistreatment and neglect are portrayed as 
wrong.

JKR's works embody the values I'd like to see my children embrace, so 
that's why they are allowed to read them. 

It's fine for some parents to decide otherwise 

However, I personally do READ the books before I ban them.

Susan