“Because the root of the problem is deeper than just the Harry Potter books. It goes into the root of society: the bigotry stemming from homophobia. The ignorance of homosexuals, transexuals, bisexuals, etc is clear when you read these messages.”
Here we go again, every time a divergent view is expressed the name-calling starts. I had sincerely hoped for an intelligent dialogue on this forum.
“You must please try to get it into your head that being gay is not all about sex”
I suppose that’s why it’s called ‘homosexuality’. No, let’s not pretend or make excuses. Society had nothing against males being good friends, or living together, or claiming that they loved eachother (unromantically). If it were so, we wouldn’t have males sharing rooms in dormitories, or such praise of David and Jonathan in the Bible, who loved eachother deeply, but in whom there is no trace of (homo)sexuality. All the problems crept in when people started talking about males having sex with eachother, being attracted to eachother physically and romantically. Platonic love can be held between a man and a woman as well, a deep relationship in which sex is not considered, but is trusting, familiar and intimate. Homosexuality is not about platonic love, friendship, or having a deep relationship; it is about sex.
Interesting perspective Jeremy, I never thought of it that way!
“Very disappointed about this news,its completely ruined my enjoyment of her otherwise excellent books.They are primarily for children about Wizards & Witches,why jump on the PC bandwagon & include reference to the characters sexual preference?It is perverse & pointless.Children are having their innocence taken far too soon.Having children herself she should be thoroughly ashamed.”
That doesnt take away the reality of the world. Children get hurt all the time. I think YOU are the one under-estimating the resilience of kids. Ruined your enjoyment?? And you would rather your children learn about homophobic attacks when they reach the age of 16-21?
“Here we go again, every time a divergent view is expressed the name-calling starts. I had sincerely hoped for an intelligent dialogue on this forum. Posted by Frank on October 21, 2007 @ 10:17 AM “
Is there any proof that I called you names?
although JK may have initially started writting the HP books for children, there are now MORE ADULT READERS THAN CHILDREN. The books contain no overt sex acts other kissing, therefore it is not required for adults to explain anything sexual to their children. There’s no harm in letting a child of any age read the books unless you buy into the religious nut’s view that MAGIC IS EVIL.
“I suppose that’s why it’s called ‘homosexuality’. No, let’s not pretend or make excuses. Society had nothing against males being good friends, or living together, or claiming that they loved eachother (unromantically). If it were so, we wouldn’t have males sharing rooms in dormitories, or such praise of David and Jonathan in the Bible, who loved eachother deeply, but in whom there is no trace of (homo)sexuality. All the problems crept in when people started talking about males having sex with eachother, being attracted to eachother physically and romantically. Platonic love can be held between a man and a woman as well, a deep relationship in which sex is not considered, but is trusting, familiar and intimate. Homosexuality is not about platonic love, friendship, or having a deep relationship; it is about sex.”
And heterosexual males do not think about sex all the time? (sarcasm)
“why (...)include reference to the characters sexual preference?”
she already did that quite a lot in the books by making it it clear that harry,hermione,ginny,ron etc are hetero sexuals,yet not anybody complained
Phil, read your posts, “homophobe”“bigots”, etc. It’s not necessary to resort to name-calling.
Thank you for your thoughtful response and request that I consider your thoughts.
I do not believe that I suggested same-sex attractions as appropriate or inappropriate. That is another discussion for another time. Rather I was pointing out that this ‘revelation’ does, like it or not in today’s society, take on the question of sex. Blame the Skeeters for this one too, but there it is. Please note, I also included Arianna’s rape and the goats in the same category—themes a little too mature for a younger audience.
I think Jo just needed not to go there one way or the other.
‘And you suggesting that one character clarified as gay is less appropriate than another clarified as straight (like Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, etc., etc., etc.), I don’t believe, is very tolerant to people who fall in love with others that are the same gender.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness, I hope you’ll consider my thoughts.’
“David and Jonathan in the Bible, who loved eachother deeply”
Er…how do you know that was NOT a sexual love??
I’m confused about why this knowledge should ruin anyone’s opinion of the books. The story remains the same. Nothing changes. It’s just background info. Would if make any difference to learn that Ron has a passion for plums? Or McGonagall got her first kiss in the Forbidden Forest with a student three years ahead of her? So Dumbledore had his heart broken when he was a young man. It’s interesting, yes, but it doesn’t change anything. Really, people.
““David and Jonathan in the Bible, who loved eachother deeply”
Er…how do you know that was NOT a sexual love??”
Do you have any evidence that indicates that it was?
I understand that some parents would want to talk to their children first about JKR announcing DD’s sexuality because of religious or other reasons. What I don’t understand is why people are saying really horrible and negative things about gay people. Did they read the same HP series I did? Because the series I read had themes and lessons against discrimination, bigotry, etc.