[HPforGrownups] Re: call to action

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 3954

Susan McGee wrote:

> This is going to sound snide, but I really am trying to be funny...
> and NOT snide.
> I want to say that although I'm very interested in your opinions (AND
> in the opinions of all those on this list), I'd like to ask JKR the
> question, because I'm more interested in her opinion.

I agree, but sometimes when we throw out our responses we come to see that
we already know and so we can winnow the list. Not in this case, but that's
what's operating.

> Why would a question -- are you going to include any non-heterosexual
> characters -- imply that she is "required" or "supposed" to do it?

Because it implies that the reader considers such inclusion the norm, or
wants it to be, especially if one takes that reader to be a representative
of the general audience. Not that she's shown any inclination of yielding to
such pressure--I admire her adherence to her own vision and creativity.

Myself, I think that physical relationships and the physical adult
expressions of love are not part of the scope of these books. There may
already *be* a gay character there (author's profiles of their characters
are often much more detailed than what makes it into print--helps with
authentic characterization). I don't think a gay character would necessarily
"show up" unless he or she stated it in so many words, which is also not
really the sort of thing discussed in these books. Kind of the way there's
no foolin' around in Lord of the Rings. Lots of love, no sex. Not relevant
to the story. Distracting.

--Amanda