J.K. Rowling & the HP Cast Share Their Thoughts on the U.S. Election

After a monumental and surprising election, Donald Trump has been elected President of the United States of America.

This news has the most major implications for the U.S., but Trump’s presidency will have reverberations worldwide, especially in today’s world, being so heavily impacted by the pervasiveness of the media and the internet, which spreads messages and values worldwide.

It’s no secret that there have been disagreements over all sides of this election. Now that he’s president, it is important to acknowledge concerns about Trump. Words in the mouth of the man who will now sit in arguably the most powerful position in the world mean a big deal, especially when they are echoed far and wide.

J.K. Rowling had fallen victim and seen others fall victim to insults, bullying and words that echoed the prejudice and hate shown to be a concern of those unhappy with the election result, so took to Twitter to try to combat some of the hate being spread on the internet linking to disagreements over the election:

Ramon, I know you mean well, but tonight of all nights I’m going to say it. Ignoring spite, and hate, and bullying, doesn’t work. https://t.co/VF6NePPySm

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 9, 2016

The easy thing is to be silenced because you don’t want the insults. The easy thing is to look the other way when it’s happening to others. https://t.co/VF6NePPySm

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 9, 2016

The easy thing is to keep your head down & let the bullies run amok. The right thing to do is to challenge racism, misogyny and hatred. https://t.co/VF6NePPySm — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 9, 2016

We stand together. We stick up for the vulnerable. We challenge bigots. We don’t let hate speech become normalised. We hold the line. https://t.co/ro9AkRSc9Q — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 9, 2016

This is everyone’s business. Your decision has global implications. https://t.co/Ri8umlxbn2 — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 9, 2016

I don’t give a damn what trolls feel. Speaking up is about letting the people who are being intimidated know they’re not alone. https://t.co/aPcd2gzAdg — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 9, 2016

However, Jo was clear that she is not disrespecting democracy, or Trump supporters, and was trying to speak out against hate:

@spencerpomme Of course. He will be President and that’s as it must be in a democracy. — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 9, 2016

Jason Isaacs shared his disapproval of prejudice: 

I can say what I want coz: 1) I actually PAY my US taxes 2) His racism, sexism & lies offend me 3) You’re following MY Twitter feed. Dude. https://t.co/lplMRtazIX — Jason Isaacs (@jasonsfolly) November 9, 2016

Going to bed after the worst night of my life. Hope to wake up and realise it was all just a bad audition for Inception 2. #BeamMeUpScottie

— Jason Isaacs (@jasonsfolly) November 9, 2016

Emma Watson, meanwhile, had been spreading Maya Angelou’s book on the NY subway, and vows to work harder than ever to fight for equality, and she has Jo’s (and Evanna Lynch’s!) full support, of course:

.@EmmaWatson As I told you a couple of hours ago: I love you xxx — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 9, 2016

Love this woman. That’s the spirit ??????? https://t.co/qwUvvU6VrJ

— Evanna Lynch (@Evy_Lynch) November 9, 2016

Jessie Cave has also been very active on Twitter regarding the elections. You’ll have to visit her most recent cartoons here and here, as we like to keep the language in our posts family friendly!:

tuesday pic.twitter.com/beQigPm1DL — Jessie Cave (@jessiecave) November 8, 2016

Oliver Phelps echoed our horror at the change in Toblerone:

Toblerone, why? ?

— Oliver Phelps (@OliverPhelps) November 8, 2016

And James Phelps is just sick of ‘experts’ predicting things wrong!:

Turning the TV on the morning after an election night to see the ‘predicting experts’ got it wrong again #DejaVupic.twitter.com/l62qFrL5WE

— James Phelps (@James_Phelps) November 9, 2016

Whatever your thoughts on the result, please remember that we must constantly strive to make our fandom inclusive, loving, brave and respectful. We must all work to understand each other and keep our thoughts and words as open, representative and empathetic as possible. Listen to others, keep calm and support each other.