Nazia Week 4

Why does the religious right in the US condemn fantasy, according to Cockrell (2004)?
On what grounds does Cockrell defend fantasy literature, using Harry Potter as an example?

According to Cockrell (2004) the religious right in the US condemns fantasy for many reasons, firstly, one being that it is hugely popular. Bookstores were open all night to sell the books and children and adults were lined up outside to buy it. Secondly, is the idea of censorship which in previous years was limited to sex, now extends to the paranormal. As the fantasy genre is usually based on an imaginary word, conservative Christians believe that fantasy stories leads to dishonest behaviour like lying because children develop overactive imaginations and make up stories. One of the main reasons why Harry Potter is subject to a lot of scrutiny is the fact that Rowling has set the book in contemporary London, where the ordinary world and magical world are intertwined. The novels suggest that magical folk live among ordinary people without detection. This closely coincides with the Christian belief of the unseen world in which Angels and the Devil exist so it hits a bit too close to home for comfort. Parents feel their control slipping away already and the fantasy genre only fuels this fear when children question the values taught to them by their parents.

Fantasy also evokes fear of ‘the other’ but Cockrell defends fantasy literature by appealing to rational thought and questions us to think. She points out that Harry Potter is no different to the fairytales of the past in which Cindrella has a fairy godmother or Gandalf the Grey or even Glinda the good witch from the Wizard of Oz. She also states the fact that witches, wizards and demons are not real! Furthermore, Cockrell states the view of Rowling who responds to the Conservative’s opinions by saying that in the realm of Harry Potter magic is a skill to be learned. It is much like science or math or any other subject learnt at school. Magic can be used for good and for evil (e.g. Harry using it for good, whereas Voldermort uses it for evil), depending on choice, exactly like science.

In my opinion this subject of religion can be a touchy one but I personally believe that the fantasy genre is harmless. It appeals to those who like to use their imagination and explore a fictitious world. But I would go as far as saying that someone would have to be pretty mentally unstable to believe that a children’s book like Harry Potter is a disguised manual for witchcraft. I can personally attest that it is not, because the other day I locked my keys in the car and no matter how many times I shouted “Alohamora” whilst pointing at the door with a make-shift wand, I still had to wait for AA to turn up and let me in.

References:
Cockrell, A. (2004). Harry Potter and the Witch Hunters: a social context for the attacks on Harry Potter. The Journal of American Culture, Vol 29, No 1