[HPforGrownups] Re: the gay question (longish)

[Neil Ward]

No: HPFGUIDX 4050

Susan said:

>You are putting out your opinion as if it were fact. I do not
>agree that introduction of a gay character would detract from the 
>story. 

I'm sorry. I should have thrown in a 'IMO' there. If it happens, let's see
what happens...

>Clearly, you are arguing for JKR NOT to include gay characters 
>because "every hack journalist and 'family values' crusader would be 
>on her case." You say this is not a good reason not to do it, but 
>likely. 

Crikey.  I was not arguing for her NOT to include gay characters, I was
suggesting why, IMO, it's not very likely that she will (and I guess I did
make the point that I feared tokenism). I'd be extremely interested to know
her answer to the question "Do you plan to include any lesbian/gay
characters?" or something similar, to see how she responds to it (even if
she does say no).  

>I think you underestimate her. Her books are selling like 
>hotcakes; she's making lots of money; she has lots of guts.

I don't underestimate her at all.  She had the guts to write the story she
wanted to write from the start and, according to her, it's pretty much the
same story she planned out ten years ago when she had no money, before the
books became the hotcakes we know and love.  If that plan included some gay
characters she would have my even greater admiration.  But... well, let's
just say it wouldn't go unnoticed.

>Obviously you think it's "treading on eggshells" to discuss this 
>very "sensitive topic". 

So why I am discussing it now?  I have no problem discussing gay issues in
relation to HP. In the big wide world, however, there are people who like to
make a huge fuss about such things.  The very fact that these books are so
popular and that JKR is now so powerful focuses the attention somewhat and
it only takes a few idiots to stir up outrage.  What may seem like an
acceptable, responsible gay storyline to some, will be the source of endless
campaigning for others. I.M.O.

>For lots of writers and readers, it's no big 
>deal. Some men love men; some women love women; some women love men; 
>some go celibate all their days. This is either the 21st century or 
>about to be (depending on how you count).

Hey, tell me something I don't know!  

(I'd go with 21st century).

Neil

            Flying-Ford-Anglia

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   "Then, dented, scratched and steaming, 
   the car rumbled off into the darkness, 
   its rear lights blazing angrily"

 [Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]

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