Harry Potter ... love it or hate it?

[Geneviene]

So I was reading this article (yeah Im an over protective mommy and I read up on all this stuff). And it really strikes a line with me. All these people that say harry potter is teaching kids witchcraft etc. BULLSHIT!!! This story features a boy growing up who just happens to have a special ability. On top of all the basics, this is getting kids to read again! So anyway .. tell me how ya feel



Is Harry Potter All Hype?
April 5, 2007
By Matt Berman
Unless you've been on a desert island for the past decade, you've probably heard about the publishing phenomenon that is the Harry Potter series. Harry mania among both kids and adults has swept around the globe since the first book burst on the scene in 1997. The books -- and their subsequent movie versions -- have made pots of money and become cultural touchstones.

Debates have raged all over the Internet and in thousands of related articles and books about the Potter books' metaphorical meanings, the finer plot points, and how the saga will end. The July 21 release of the series finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- coming just a week after the release of the fifth movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix -- will be the media event of the year.

So what’s a parent to think about all this? Has it been overblown? Is it all just clever merchandising targeting vulnerable children? Is there real value to this phenomenon? And is it really worth all this massive hype?

The answer, in a word, is yes. It is worth all this hype, and then some. Never have the needs of kids, parents, teachers, and commerce coincided so perfectly. Unless you object to stories involving magic, it's hard to see a downside. Here are just a few of the beneficial effects of this stupendously successful series:

• It wouldn't be unreasonable to say that the Harry Potter series has single-handedly raised the reading level of an entire generation of kids.
• Unlike so many other children’s fads (think Goosebumps more than a decade ago), the Potter series has accomplished the above with high-level, complex, densely intellectual, wildly exciting literature with strong values.
• In libraries and bookstores around the world, kids who've never shown any interest in books are lining up for the Harry Potter series, then begging for more books just like them.
• This series proves that you don’t have to give kids trash to get them to read, and that it's not just bookworms who love great stories.
• It's spurred a resurgence of the fantasy genre. What's so great about that? One of the biggest problems in finding books for kids in grades 4-8 is that their reading level is often far beyond their emotional level. Fantasy is one of the few genres -- perhaps the only one -- in which advanced young readers can reliably encounter rich, complex literature that doesn't bring in the kinds of issues (sex, drugs, alcohol, adult emotions) that they aren't developmentally ready to deal with yet.

The only proven way for kids to improve their reading abilities is to do lots of reading for pleasure -- which they're more inclined to do when they find something with a great story and engaging characters. Parents want to find books that will keep their kids enthralled with reading. Teachers want that, as well as a lot of meaty issues to discuss. And the business world, of course, wants to make money. The Harry Potter series is a perfect storm -- it fully and triumphantly meets everyone's needs.

A series of books that has awakened millions of kids all over the world to the pleasures of reading and alerted thousands of adults to the pleasures of children's literature -- this is one product we can recommend without reservation.

PS can we get a HELL YA for a single mom thats now a billionaire

 

[Tyrath]

I'll be the first one to say that I love the books. Idc if it makes me seem nerdy or whatever D:

 

[Shyrra]

I'm pretty much obsessed with them!

Can't WAIT for the last book!!

 

[Zerayla]

I don't like the series, but then again the literature isn't challenging enough for me and the character isn't one that I enjoy reading about. But regardless of my opinion about the story and characters, I don't see that its a problem for kids to read. There are many things out in the world today that can "supposedly" influence kids but I think in the end if they have good parents that teach them right from wrong, I don't see these influences having any effect.

I grew up reading Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, and Terry Brook's various series that included elements of sorcery, and I never let these forms of entertainment change my behavior or actions to re-inact them. But then again at an early age, I was taught that fiction is just that, make believe.

There has always been the arguement that games with violence influence kids, but I don't think they've ever really been able to prove if that was always the #1 reason kids became violent. I think that there are just too many other variables that can influence kids to be the way they are. So I guess with this, I don't believe that a book series can be the #1 reason why a kid might get into witchcraft, though its possible that it can make them interested in the subject.

 

[Geneviene]

If your a nerd Im a nerd too!!

And Shyrra tooo!!!!

 

[Halifirien]

I voted for "Love it," although I kinda picture someone dressed up in Hogwarts robes for opening day sales when the word "love" is bandied about. I just really like the series. You know... as a friend.

Neyla (one of those "If it's popular, it must be crap" people) says I have to toss my Generation X membership card because I think the Potter series makes for a better interpretation of the hero's journey than Star Wars.

 

[Legomyeggo]

The french girl from the latest movie was cute. That's as far as I'll go.

 

[Pasquale]

I used to make fun of my friends for reading Harry Potter. They would get mad and told me I couldn't complain until I read though one of the books. Made sense at the time, so I read the first two.

I thought it was a snore-fest, and resumed my mocking ways.

I don't like the series, but then again the literature isn't challenging enough for me and the character isn't one that I enjoy reading about.

Bam. Exactly how I felt.

 

[Geneviene]

I don't like the series, but then again the literature isn't challenging enough for me and the character isn't one that I enjoy reading about. But regardless of my opinion about the story and characters, I don't see that its a problem for kids to read. There are many things out in the world today that can "supposedly" influence kids but I think in the end if they have good parents that teach them right from wrong, I don't see these influences having any effect.

I grew up reading Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, and Terry Brook's various series that included elements of sorcery, and I never let these forms of entertainment change my behavior or actions to re-inact them. But then again at an early age, I was taught that fiction is just that, make believe.

There has always been the arguement that games with violence influence kids, but I don't think they've ever really been able to prove if that was always the #1 reason kids became violent. I think that there are just too many other variables that can influence kids to be the way they are. So I guess with this, I don't believe that a book series can be the #1 reason why a kid might get into witchcraft, though its possible that it can make them interested in the subject.

And I completely agree as an adult (29) I like books with a little more sex and violence, hence why Anne Rice is my favorite author. But as a mom I love the joy they bring to my daughter. And I love that my child who has ADHD can sit quietly for hours and read.

 

[Halifirien]

I used to make fun of my friends for reading Harry Potter. They would get mad and told me I couldn't complain until I read though one of the books. Made sense at the time, so I read the first two.

I thought it was a snore-fest, and resumed my mocking ways.

I give you points for at least trying them out. Those first two books -- where she's still laying the groudnwork -- aren't as great (they're also the weakest movies). It's the third one, Prisoner of Azkaban, where the series got its hooks into me because it started going darker like Empire Strikes Back. That's why I'm glad the Children of Men dude directed that movie.

 

[Bajaratt]

I like the books. When I want a challenging read, I read something more "adult," but the books are great when I'm looking for something easy to read to pass the time.

 

[Shyrra]

For the people who argue it's too easy a read with lack of some adult concepts, I can understand that, that's why I read Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series, I get my fill of that there, and just plain enjoy HP

 

[Shyrra]

I like the books. When I want a challenging read, I read something more "adult," but the books are great when I'm looking for something easy to read to pass the time.

You beat me to it, you fag. =P

 

[alanon]

I grew up reading Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, and Terry Brook's various series that included elements of sorcery,

You probably know where my FF name comes from then. I STILL read Brook's books. Raymond Feist as well. My current favorite is Dean Koontz.

 

[alanon]

that's why I read Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series

I read the first 5 and liked them, but it starts to drag on a little bit like the Wheel of Time.

 

[Rappa]

What Baj said basically. I like the HP series for what it is. I don't read them for "challenge", I just like the basic story and wanna see how it ends. Can't wait for the last book.

 

[duncanrun]

For the people who argue it's too easy a read with lack of some adult concepts, I can understand that, that's why I read Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series, I get my fill of that there, and just plain enjoy HP

That is exactly what I do!

 

[Rinoah]

For the people who argue it's too easy a read with lack of some adult concepts, I can understand that, that's why I read Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series, I get my fill of that there, and just plain enjoy HP

Whoo sword of truth!!!

Meh harry potter is ok. I enjoyed the books but they're not favorites or anything. Still haven't gotten around to half blood prince.

 

[Zerayla]

And I completely agree as an adult (29) I like books with a little more sex and violence, hence why Anne Rice is my favorite author. But as a mom I love the joy they bring to my daughter. And I love that my child who has ADHD can sit quietly for hours and read.

They do seem to be a big hit for younger kids and I think its a good thing that kids who normally don't read, have actually started to get into reading because of this series. My younger brother happens to be one of them and i'm pretty sure his reading skills have become better since he started reading more.

Everyone has their preference for what they enjoy reading, and what kind of stories interest them. Unfortunately the "Harry Potter" series was just a story that never pulled me in.

But I think the question of the OP wasn't "Do you like the Harry Potter Series" but rather "Do you think that the Harry Potter series can have negative influences on children". And to that, I say there are many things in life that will influence people, and while I may not enjoy the series I have seen good things come from this series. Kids no longer have to fear that because they enjoy reading, they'll be called "book worms" or "nerds" because this series is very popular especially among the young.

And the name Alanon sounds very familiar... is it the Jerle Shannara series? Its been far too long since i've picked up a book ; ;

 

[Kerowynn]

I really enjoy the Harry Potter books for what they are, which imo is fun and entertaining. If I want to read something more challenging I will, but lately when I get a chance to read I'm more interested in relaxing than I am in challenging myself.

I can't wait for the next book and the next movie! :biggrin:

Edit: Oh and I think the whole idea of them influencing children in any bad way is stupid.