Children's Literature -- Draco Thoughts

[pbnesbit at msn.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 25226

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Penny & Bryce <pennylin at s...> wrote:
> Hi --

(Snip some fantastic comments by Penny & Robyn)
> 
> > Lisa I. makes some really fantastic points.  You're absolutely 
right. 
> This topic typically arises because someone says that JKR won't let 
the 
> books go too dark because they're "just kid's books" after all.  
And, 
> you're perceptive that most of us who jump on this topic usually do 
skip 
> to (b) -- they aren't "just" kid's books.  Fact is that it is 
important 
> to stress that childrens' literature need not be devoid of dark, 
scary 
> things and sexual content.  And, JKR said pointedly in several post-
GoF 
> interviews that she didn't intend to "tone it down" for younger 
readers.

On the evening news several months ago a children's librarian was 
interviewed about this very thing.  She stated (and I agree) that 
kids *need* darkness in stories to help them deal with their fears.  
In other words, they're thinking 'if Harry can face Voldemort and not 
show fear, I can face [whatever *I'm* afraid of] the same way. 

(Snip) 
> 
> DRACO > I'm following the Draco discussions with great interest.  
Some of you 
> are so cynical!  My goodness -- no hope for redemption for anyone 
who 
> has been guilty of voicing racist sentiments?  I guess I hold a 
more 
> optimistic view of society at large than that.
> 
> Penny
> 
Unfortunately, it's been my experience that that's true.  I work at a 
living history site, deal with slavery history, and the amount of 
racist comments (in 2001!)is astounding. Usually, it's people who 
were raised to think that way from childhood and they haven't gotten 
over it, or learned any differently.  Some people don't come out & 
say it--that would be Politically Incorrect, but you can see it in 
their body language. I'm also white, which may help.  Thankfully, it 
*is* getting better.  I've only had a couple of people like that 
since I started my job as the weaver. (I was a guide--volunteer--
before)

Peace & Plenty, 

Parker