Potter as a Social Commentary?

[meboriqua at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 14689

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., steve.shea at t... wrote:
> Has anyone else come to the conclusion that something is going to 
> happen to bring the muggle and wizard worlds together? This has been 
> an underlying thread thru all 4 books. Harry being brought up in the 
> muggle world even though he was one of the most famous wizards of 
the 
> day. Voldemort being Harry's nemisis hates all muggles and 
> mudbloods. Dumbledore and the Weasleys being muggle supporters. The 
> books are almost a social commentary on racism. Then again I've been 
> known for being wrong before. Either way I cant wait for book 5.

I'm not so sure about the wizard and Muggle worlds coming together, 
but I'm definitely aware of the series having a racism theme running 
throughout.  I noticed that early on, when Malfoy was described as 
being quite blond - like a Nazi.  The term "mudblood" also reminds me 
of the various words people have used to insult Jews during the 
Holocaust, as well as how people sometimes refer to African Americans 
as dirty because of skin color.  Then there is the whole house 
elf/slave thing...

I've spoken to people who really don't like JKR getting into the whole 
racism thing, and that she is treading on thin ice there.  I'm not 
sure I agree - I kind of like how she approached the topic of racism 
and injustice.  We all want Dobby and other elves to be free and well 
treated, and we as adults realize the connection between slaves and 
elves, but children may not.  It is a nice introduction for children 
to start to think about how unfairly some people are treated in our 
world.  I'm very curious, though to see where JKR will take the idea - 
the elves we've seen generally do NOT want freedom.  Should they be 
convinced?  Or are they really creatures who, in the magical world, 
relish being owned and serving their masters?

--Je