In a recent interview, a character actor from Scotland who portrays the popular Inspector Rebus has launched an odd attack of sorts on those in the education field who favor children reading the Harry Potter novels. The Scotsman reports that actor Ken Stott (who also appeared in “The Girl in the Cafe” directed by David Yates) said the following during an interview with Radio Times:
“If we’re going to make a fuss about children reading books, do it with Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials books, not JK Rowling.
“I can’t believe idiot educationalists are praising children for turning up at school and reading Harry Potter.”
In a small bit of irony, the Rebus series are based on works by author Ian Rankin, a longtime friend and neighbor of J.K. Rowling in Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr. Stott continued on in his interview about his future, noting “I’ll remain a grumpy old man.” We wish him continued success with his grumpiness!
It’s not so much that they’re reading Harry Potter, but that Harry Potter is leading them to other books. He’s missed the point completely. Harry Potter isn’t hard to read; we know that. It’s a completely accessible series. It’s the books that the kids read after reading Harry that people are excited about. Harry Potter has led me to Pride and Prejudice as well as some other excellent novels.
What a jerk! It’s very hard to get kids to read at all these days. They would rather watch TV or play video or computer games. Reading is a great pastime for children to pick up, so this idiot shouldn’t be criticizing. Especially since Rowling is one of the greatest authors of all time.
Posted by Hermione's Twin on September 25, 2007, 06:50 PM
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As a parent of a 10 year old HP fan (and one myself), I respectfully disagree that “it doesn’t matter what kids are reading as long as they read something”. There are plenty of things I won’t let my child fill her mind with – R.L. Stine books come to mind. But we think the Harry Potter books are terrifically well-written, exciting, deeply imaginative and a positive influence on a child’s developing moral sense. What else could you want in youth fiction?
ha i went to see how this dumb arse looks on imdb and they don’t even have a pic of him lol shows however knows him not lol yeah you should never say a book series is bad cause Harry Potter isnt and i read HDM and the Golden Compass was exciting but then the subtle knife got boring after awhile and it won’t compare to HP but it is still a good series of books and yes HP does lead people to read other books and series of books,which i am grateful for instead of kids wanting to play games all the time they are enjoying the fun and imagination and wonders a book can provide.I LOVE EMMA WATSON ALL THE WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.
Posted by emma watson fan on September 25, 2007, 07:00 PM
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Second rate actor who wants attention by trying to hate on the Potter series and J.K. Rowling. What a loser!
What an arrogant statement to make. Certainly, His Dark Materials are exceptional books and I’m inclined to view them as being of slightly more originality and literary caliber than Harry Potter. Still, to say such things about J.K. Rowling’s works is utterly foolish. I strongly doubt he has even opened the books.
Besides, considering the influence of television and the internet on children these days, ought we not to express gratitude that they are opening any book at all? Just because it isn’t the best out there doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t read it anyways. I’d rather my child read a book considered mediocre by a few rabid critics than watch the mindless programmes on television any day.
I can’t believe anyone would say Joe’s books are not superior literature or just are not up to the standards Pullman’s works. I agree with those who say that a sign of good literature is that you can relate with the characters- feel for them. Not that I don’t embrace all literature styles and genres, because I do, but never in my life have I read anything like Harry Potter. What Joe was able to do is so very rare. I’m not saying she is perfect, becuase obviously that is impossible. But I can say honestly that she is just about as close to it as one can come. Acting like her books are below you or saying (as if it is a fact) that they below other “adult” books is just literary snobbery.
Alas, what an idiot. You can stay grumpy all your life you pathetic muggle. His Dark Materials is a terrific series but Harry Potter is simply amazing. Nothing can beat it!!!
Posted by somethingwicked on September 25, 2007, 07:32 PM
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Do you think he’s the male version of Laura Mallory? I think so. Why do people like him have problems with Harry Potter. does impression of Hermione in DH lol. What a jerk though.
There’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said. He’s just being difficult, unfortunately for him, we outnumber him immensely. I love Harry Potter and I love His Dark Materials(almost finished with The Amber Spyglass), but you can’t really compare the two. They’re both wonderful classics in their own rights and both very different series. Please, people, let’s have more class then this man and not sink to his level.
Alas, he’s too well educated for the likes of Harry Potter. We can only aspire to his reading level. If only he said something sooner, we would all have been saved from this horrible fate, woe is us!
Phil Pullman denigrates religion while Rowling comes out deeply in favor of the most important aspects of Christian faith. The seventh book makes this incredibly clear. So, I guess, only an idiot would be into that, right? :-S What a poor, narrow-minded man.
Interestingly enough Harry Potter has lead children to love reading and helps pull them into the world of literature. I happened to be one of those children that is now an adult and grew up with Mrs. Rowlings characters. It has lead me to other great literature such as Philip Pullman Dark Materials series. It only takes one really great peice of literature to capture the mind and imagination of a child. Once this happens they can continue an adventure through other amazing stories.
"Now, let me see you try, Mr. Weasley!"[br]"Wha --? Oh -- oh, right," said Ron, very flustered. "Er -- [i]Silencio!"[/i][br]He jabbed at the bullfrog so hard that he poked it in the eye; the frog gave a deafening croak and leapt off the desk.
It’s not so much that they’re reading Harry Potter, but that Harry Potter is leading them to other books. He’s missed the point completely. Harry Potter isn’t hard to read; we know that. It’s a completely accessible series. It’s the books that the kids read after reading Harry that people are excited about. Harry Potter has led me to Pride and Prejudice as well as some other excellent novels.