slightly OT: SEX (in HP)

[Bente13 at peoplepc.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 25181

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., meboriqua at a... wrote:
> SEX-
> Bente wrote that she (I'm assuming you're a she, though I don't 
know 
> why) 

I'm a she.


wouldn't let a child read "The Story of O" because of the 
> impression the book might make.  Now, when I was a kid, we ALL read 
> Judy Blume books - the dirtier, the better.  I breezed through 
> "Forever" but it sure didn't make me run out and have sex.  


It isn't the sex I'm worried about so much as the sadism. 
 

> To look at it in relation to HP, I haven't seen on the news a story 
> about some kid trying to fly a broomstick off the roof because he 
> thought he could "fly like Harry Potter".  


Nor have I, but as we all know, flying a broomstick is impossible. 


When it comes to reading, 
> we don't give kids enough credit.  They really do know the 
difference 
> between reality and fantasy, and they fantasize as much as *we* do.
> 

Flying a broomstick may be fantasy, but torture and rape is 
unfortunately all too real, and speaking for myself and my kids, I'd 
prefer for them to wait until they're old enough to know right from 
wrong before they read books bombarding them with messages that 
sadism is OK. Sorry if I sound preachy or my opinion offends, but 
that's how I feel. However we all view the Potter books, whether we 
think they're childrens books or adult, suitable for younger or older 
children, I'm sure we all agree that they're ultimately wholesome 
books that laud friendship, loyalty, the triumph of good over evil, 
etc. In the process they tackle some heavy issues, like death and 
betrayal, but that's necessary in the context. They do not, however, 
imply that evil is right, good or desirable, or even something that 
should be tolerated. 

But I'll get off my soap-box now, and apologize once more if my 
opinion has offended anyone. Can we call it quits on this topic?

Bente