The 'Other' in the HP books (was: Harry's Sexual Preference

[Mev532]

No: HPFGUIDX 81018

This debate has been going on about using characters for political 
action and including homosexual characters in the HP books.

I feel I have to chime in on this debate because it seems like an 
important point is being overlooked. This point explains why I feel 
there shouldn't be stated homosexual characters or sexual activity 
in the Harry Potter books. People have often said that these books 
discuss themes of slavery, death, violence, evil, torture, etc. and 
that sexual themes are no more adult so should not be shied away 
from. 

The crucial different, however, is that the former themes are 
factors that will force themselves on a child or young teenager 
reguardless of age or parental involvement. Many of us lose people 
close to us when we are very young, or have to deal with 
intolerance 
and hatred at school or with peers. Sexual issues, however, do not 
have to be dealt with until a certain age (at least until after 
puberty). This seperates it from the other themes, no matter how 
adult they are.

An twelve year old child understands cruelty, good vs evil, and 
death, even if their understanding is not sophisticated. They have 
encountered these things in their own life. This is why it is 
appropriate (I feel, some adults may not) for the book to discuss 
actions like murder, but not topics such as oral sex or homosexual 
relationships. Children should not be learning about these things 
from Harry Potter books, especially when such topics are beside the 
central story of the book.  Sure, Harry will be sixteen in the next 
book, when many young people (not most) will be sexual active, but 
that does not mean this should be covered.
 

Besides, maybe they have an anti-sexual activity jynx on the 
castle, 
haha.


Big HP fan  Dave