"Freedom is slavery..."

[bugaloo37]

No: HPFGUIDX 43716

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Carol Bainbridge <kaityf at j...> wrote:
> 
> <snip>  One can blindly accept what one learns 
> or one can question it and think independently.<snip>

I completely agree.  Choices, choices, Choices- this is most 
definitely a theme of the series-if not the central theme.  To think 
independantly- what a great lesson to teach to children via the HP 
series.  When I was reading the above statement- I could not help but 
recall the scene in the movie "Dead Poet's Society", when at the end 
of the movie, the students are given a choice as to whether or not to 
stand up for the truth ( literally-standing on the desk).  Seen from 
the departing teacher's perspective-we see who has stood and who has 
remained seated.  Something tells us that this is reflective of the 
way these students will approach their future lives.  To put it back 
in a HP perspective, tough decisions are a part of living.  Harry has 
already had to make several- with his own safety and the safety of 
others- usually on the line.  To think independantly- to be able to 
draw on your own strength-to be able to put to use all that you are-
what you know, what you feel-allows you to be able to resist the 
inclination to just go along.  Those who think for themselve cannot 
be easily swayed.  In other words, Voldemort cannot just come along 
and sweep them up like a dustbroom. What a fantastic thought!!- Harry 
is not a helpless puppet and neither is any other person who stays 
true to himself and what he believes to be true.

bugaloo37-who apologizes for referencing a movie-but I just think it 
applied to the point so well.