[HPforGrownups] Re: Diversity in Literature & Media (WAS book differences)

[golden faile]

No: HPFGUIDX 40617


--- cindysphynx <cindysphynx at comcast.net> wrote:
> Liz wrote (addressing why Dean Thomas is described
> as black):
> 
> > It's called PC - politically correct - and it's
> the reason American
> > books and tv shows tend to be not so great. 
> 
> Hmmm.  To tell you the truth, I'm having a hard time
> following you, 
> Liz.   I hope you'll allow me to probe a few of your
> statements 
> here, just to make sure that I fully understand the
> implications of 
> what you are saying.
> 
> I do not understand why JKR should *not* describe
> Dean Thomas as 
> black.  She frequently describes the physical
> attributes of her 
> characters, either directly (hair color, eye color,
> height, etc.) or 
> indirectly (describing a character as flushing or
> growing pale, 
> which indicate a skin color consisistent with those
> observations).  
> Liz, is a description of Dean Thomas as black
> somehow different in 
> your eyes?
> 
> Okay, I've stayed quiet long enough. I do see what
Liz is saying to a certain extent. However, as a black
person, when someone describes me, they usually will
describe me as a black female, my name doesn't tend to
give away any information about me, so this is part of
my description. By and large I have to agree with
Cindy. Why is this such a big deal? I could see if it
somehow ruined the story, but didn't you enjoy the
book just as much? As for me, I think it's great that
the wizarding world is a diverse place. I would have
read the books regardless, but learning that it was,
just made my reading experience that much better.
So... if you were picturing the wizarding world as a
diverse place, that little line should not have
bothered you at all(IMO).

Laila

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