[Publib] On not reading Harry Potter

[Robert L. Balliot]

Greetings,

I purchased the Harry Potter movies on DVD and enjoyed them.  I did not read
the books but, I do appreciate the fact that they generate interest in
reading as a way to engage the imagination. There are so many other possible
distractions that are far less productive.

I have been trying to think of which fantasy series would have given me the
same thrill of reading as an adolescent, and Tolkien's Lord of the Rings
wins.  Before that, it would have been the Greek, Roman, Arabian, Norse, and
English myths and legends.  After that, anything by Vonnegut, Michener,
Faulkner, and Steinbeck.  Now, I spend most of my time trying to understand
the things I was taught and memorized in school, but never really learned.
My current studies include a full plate of non-fiction as I try to piece
together a universe of knowledge along with a review of the grand master of
Irish rap, James Joyce.

When I think of the Harry Potter series, it seems to me to develop a
definition for good and evil.  There are good kids with magical powers and
human foibles, and there are bad kids with magical powers that are bullies
and spoiled.  The very bad villains are physically gruesome and nice
characters that may be gruesome, but in a comical and friendly manner.

I think that reading fantasy tales and identifying with the characters helps
to create a foundation for a moral compass.  My childhood reading was full
of heroic self-serving acts. Robin Hood, Hercules, and Bilbo all taught
lessons that I could envision.  At some point, I adopted a sense and belief
of right and wrong that I now own and happily share.

When I think of video games and most other interactive entertainment,
including television, I have to wonder what moral compass is being
developed.  We are taught that repetitive fantasy violence is the
fundamental method to attain a goal or reward. If more and more kids move
away from reading for the quick fix fantasies, what sort of changes will
occur in the long-run? We need Harry Potter.

*************************************************
Robert L. Balliot
1-401-421-5763
Skype: RBalliot
Bristol, Rhode Island
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
*************************************************

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Sue Kamm
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2007 5:07 PM
To: John; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] On not reading Harry Potter

Maybe we should form a club, that would meet online and in person.  Call it
TINRHPC (The I Never Read Harry Potter Club).  Open to those of us who
haven't read the books and could care even less.  <g,d,&rlh>

Your friendly neighborhood CyberGoddess and ALA Councilor at Large, 
Sue Kamm