As an amateur magician and educator, I am interested in the reactions of
teachers and others to the increasingly popular books featuring the Harry
Potter character. I haven't read the books yet, but my understanding is the
character uses spells and magickal powers to make the world right (for him).
I predict reactions from concerned parents, as well as folks like us who may
be asked our view of such books in relation to a child's (or adult's)
ability to differentiate reality and fantasy, the kind of role model being
fostered for people who are troubled, feel rejected by others, etc (do any
Halloween movies come to mind here? ;-).
There might be interesting discussion of coping and adjustment, and
appropriate and inappropriate outlets for handling personal problems, etc.
Harry is a student of witchcraft and wizardry (still a eurocentric charter
school??) and faces dismal and paranoid-like dangers in his world. He
rescues himself by his sorcery and magickal powers. Old stuff really, but I
am also curious as to the popularity of such books at a time when science
literacy in the U.S. is considered very poor (was it ever really good?), and
a number of us in education are trying to find ways to encourage critical
thinking. I have put Harry Potter on my reading list and will check them
out for myself. Has anyone else heard of them, or had discussions about the
books? Ask your Wiccan students? You can find some reviews at amazon.com
of course. Gary Peterson
Gerald (Gary) L. Peterson, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Psychology
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI 48710
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
1-517-790-4491
