[HPforGrownups] Re: Sorcerer's Stone

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 6918

Susan McGee wrote:

> There is of course NO SUCH THING as a "sorcerer's stone". The only
> way the book title makes SENSE is to call it the Philosopher's Stone,
> since that relates to Nicholas Flamel, alchemy, immortality, etc.
> Some idiots decided that no self respecting U.S. boy would buy a book
> called the Philosopher's Stone. Obviously too wimpy and wussy and it
> might emasculate him if he is seen reading it. So it was changed to
> the Sorcerer's Stone here in the U.S.A. (insulting most of us I would
> like to suggest). Adding insult to this idiocy, they are continuing
> to do it for the film...has anyone noticed that the books have uh,
> sold in the U.S., and most likely would continue to sell if the title
> were changed back? (voice dripping with intentional sarcasm)

I must agree, down to the vehemence. I think changing the name is the
silliest thing I've ever heard of. I, however, figured they did it to avoid
offending the lunatic fundamentalists on the face of it. You know, alchemy,
Satan's work, human sacrifice, blood of unbaptised infants, the whole thing.
This seemed a useless move to me, since those who walk around waiting to be
offended, will be, and you can't change the substance of the story. Maybe
Susan's right and it was a boy-marketing move--did you read that someplace?
It makes just as little sense. But the change does insult the intelligence
of any educated American person.

Okay, you can all put your teeth back in, I *can* agree with Susan on
occasion...

(I am *teasing* you, Susan....)

--Amanda