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DEL.ICIO.USParents should teach kids difference between real, make-believe worlds
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When he was younger, I’d ask my son questions while he watched TV.
There’d be some superhero who’d stopped a speeding missile, then rescued a sinking ship. Or some cartoon character who’d jump back up after being smacked by a semi.
“Do you believe someone could actually do that?” I’d ask.
“No,” Miles would answer. Then he’d look at me as if I were crazy.
It was just Dad’s way of making sure his son was grounded, that he could distinguish between the real world and fantasy.
If nothing else, our Harry Potter debate tells me that some critics can’t differentiate between the two.
On Thursday, a hearing was held in which defenders and critics got to say whether Harry Potter books should be removed from Gwinnett County schools. Laura Mallory, a Loganville mother, filed the complaint that led to the hearing. The books, the missionary and mother of four said, teach adults and children witchcraft. It’s anti-Christian, too.
Potter foes found a poster child in 15-year-old Jordan Fuchs. At the hearing, she said the books made her obsessed with witchcraft. She and friends cast spells and even performed a seance during gym period. It’s unclear whether any of it worked. Her obsession made her angry and depressed. She even contemplated suicide.
Jordan’s mother, Stacy Thomas, said her daughter’s demonic spiral started around sixth grade. She testified at the hearing that she couldn’t explain the change. But she knows this: Jordan’s activities hurt the “Christian family,” cost them friends and made them the “town outcasts.”
Thomas learned that Jordan had been reading Potter.
Eureka! It was all the fault of a wizard-in-training.
“She became heavily involved with witchcraft and Wicca,” said Thomas, a mother of five. “Witchcraft almost destroyed my family, and it all started with Harry Potter.”
Go ahead. Laugh. I admit it’s funny.
But sad, too.
It’s hard to look within. Potter — at least in the case of this mom and daughter — has become the scapegoat for issues that rival any sorcerer’s tale. Blame is laid on the pages of a book. On literature that’s got children reading, whose central theme is friendship, courage and good vs. evil.
But that doesn’t matter to some critics. They want the books banned.
Su Ellen Bray, a retired DeKalb County school administrator who served as the hearing officer Thursday, has five days to give board members a recommendation. Then, the school board will have 10 days to make a decision to remove the six Potter books or not.
Like her mother, Jordan said she wants the books banned. She said she’s turned her life around and is on the road to recovery.
I hope so.
But given the apparent denial and misplaced blame, you have to wonder: Does her mother have her daughter’s recovery taking place in the real world or a make-believe one?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Dave
April 22, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
Children will immitate characters that they admire, no doubt that some with problems will even go to extremes with their role playing to get attention. Having said that, I think all normal children can handle Potter. Sure they would like to be able to perform magic, and even try to get it done. However like your son said to your question about semi, “NO” and look at you like you were crazy. Just a normal kid. I feel the hearing is frought with ambiguites from a person that does’nt see out of the Bible in her hand.
By Gary
April 23, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this
Folks I’m sorry but the absurdity of this womans claim in itself is ridiculous!! This is a woman who obviously has nothing better to do with her time!! This is a cry for attention because she doesn’t get it from anywhere else! Maybe her husband should be paying attention to this. The absolute total moronic idiotic nonsense that these books promote witchcraft is assinine! They are adventurous stories for children to enjoy and imagine a little bit and have fun reading them. But no, instead let’s banish the books…lets burn them and throw a bible in their hand instead. That way we can brainwash them and have them only believe what we want them to and not give them freedom of speech thought choice liberties or rights. Wake up and smell the coffee here lady!
By Theeny
April 23, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this
Did this lunatic woman ask Jewish parents in Gwinnett County Schools what they think about Harry Potter? What about any other religious persuasion? What about other Christian parents? No this is all about her agenda to shove her interpretation of the Bible down everyone else’s throat.
This is the #1 reason why my kids are in private school. And I am a Christian!
By Mom of Two
April 23, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this
As the mom of two boys, I agree with you on the comment about grounded. We talk often about the difference between Pokemon and the real world. Taking away these books is no different than pulling Mother Goose off the shelf. Think about Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater. Use the books to open up the lines of communication between you and your kids. That’s what it’s all about! I am a Christian homeschooler and yes I let my boys read Harry Potter. We compared some of Harry’s troubles to the lessons we are learning about good and evil, about friendship, about CHOICES and their consequences. Maybe more parents should try that.
By nancy
April 23, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this
I found it interesting this article appears on the same web page as an article which shows a 17 year old girl trying on a $1,200 prom dress. I guess when she gets a job she might learn the difference between real and make believe worlds!!
By "nana"
April 23, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
hmmmm…”banning books…witches…Salem…” haven’t we heard this somewhere before? Does this Loganville Parent want to education her offspring or puppeteer them? I must say that censorship i.e. lack of info doesn’t protect anyone from “evil”.
By Kim
April 23, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
I don’t want to hurt anyone by this comment, but the nasty little truth is that this mother does not want to teach her children to think critically about what they read, because she is afraid that they will then question the literal truth of the Bible. Go ahead and teach them to think, parents! Your Christianity and your children will both survive it!
By Paul Gaither
April 23, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
Badie—-Race baiter and GCPS shill—-please write bout your area of expertise.
By "nana"
April 23, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
Mr. Gaither, me thinks thy protests too much. BTW just exactly “what were you attempting to convey?
By Nancy's Brother
April 23, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
mr gaither:
One thing Mr. Badie is not is a race baiter. I know, I am one, and his writings show a reasonableness on that subject not found very much these days.
By Kim
April 23, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Mr. Gaither, please stay on topic. This article had nothing to do with race. Why do you say Rick Badie is a GCPS shill? You would appear to be on the anti-Potter side on this controversy. I admit I am a huge Potter fan; I have read every one of the books myself, and they have helped my children to become readers. They are classic tales of good vs. evil, and teach positive messages. I think Linda Mallory is wrong, and like Mr. Badie, I think the girl who spoke must have other problems. What is your objection to the books? Or do you just hate Mr. Badie?
By Kim
April 23, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
Oops, I got Ms. Mallory’s name wrong in my last post, sorry. It is Laura Mallory.
By Bruce Wilcox
April 23, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
The Potter series has created a rebirth in children actually reading again, especially among boys. Remember the lines around book stores with every new Potter book release. This is the most important contribution in childrens reading in decades.
Parents have taken to blaming the internet, video games and television for all their woes. I see few say I was lax in my responsiblity as a parent.
I’ll bet many children have discovered the brave new world of books and just do not rely on the next release of Harry. A world where the characters are created in their immginations and not on a screen.
By fk
April 23, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
Did the mother read the books with her daughter? My son was in the second grade when the first Potter book hit. I had to read it with him. It was not exactly my cup of tea, but he really enjoyed it. He was hooked and continues to read the books. He is finishing up ninth grade.
We talked about what transpires in the books as well as what goes on in TV shows and movies, regarding what messages are being sent, and most importantly, what he thinks the messages to be. A few years ago, while watching the movie, “Gone in 60 Seconds”, I actually found myself rooting for Nick Cage’s character. He was blatantly breaking the law by stealing cars. What the heck? If I was rooting for a car thief, what was my kid thinking?
Parents need to watch over what their kids are doing, be it reading, watching movies, playing video games, whatever. TV & books are tools, not babysitters. Parents need to know what messages are being conveyed to their kids, and which ones are misconstrued. I say keep the Potter books…the debate they bring about is a learning experience in itself.
By Deborah Lee
April 23, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
Hopefully Laura will only let her children read the bible and learn about real Christian values such as:Abortion,Adultery, Bestiality,Breasts, Cannibalism, Capital Punishment Castration, Child Abuse, Child Murder Coprophilia(Scat), Divorce, Dogma & Faith Exhibitionism, Family, Feminism, Flat-chested Women, Genocide, Homosexuality Human Sacrifice, Immigration, Impotence Incest, Infanticide, Kissing, Masturbation, Miscellaneous Necrophilia, Polygamy, Prostitution, Sex Scenes Slavery, Sexual Slavery, Submission , Suicide, Theft, Unforgivable Sin, Urolagnia(Watersports), and Voyeurism. My question is why isn’t she protesting our governor signing the bill to study the bible in school? These same people who are protesting Harry Potter are pushing books and movies written in the same manner but are being published by Christian companies. Any thing popular in the secular community they have to steal the ideas.
By Nic
April 23, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
…I pity Ms. Mallory, ridicule her reasoning, and have complete faith in our elected officials to recognize the series as a significant contribution to contemporary children’s literature.
By Michael H. Smith
April 23, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
Perhaps certain folk among previous Bloggers and an extremist lawyer in contentions with a certain judge’s voluntary invitation to swear a national allegiance and who further made a grand issue over the words “one nation under God” being used in the pledge, can now plainly see the resolve the founders of this nation embraced and why? Government should hold Atheism and Theism alike in an equal disdain and give respect only to the right of “the individual” to freely exercise their religion by any name. Whether it is Mysticism or Christianity, once we as a people begin to travel down the slippery slope of banning adverse thought, it is the moment a faction no different from the radical Islamic terrorists, fascist Nazis or a Taliban can emerge to rule our beings and deprive many of liberty. Jefferson and Company got it right in fashioning plurality of religion and freedom of speech into the 1st amendment. The only question that remains is this: Can we as a people, as a society, accept and practice the wisdom of our founders’ tolerance?
Yes indeed Mr. Badie, parents should teach their children their beliefs and the difference between what is real and what is fantasy. Hopefully we have taught our children well, and may we learn to have the courage and the love to embrace them, even when we vehemently disagree with the choices they will make.
By kyle
April 23, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
I am a college student and have just read the newest edition to the Harry Potter series. It was an assigned project from our english professor and i could not have loved it more. This was my first Potter book and quite frankly the first book i have read since my sophomore year of high school. Since reading this book i have been looking for new books to read every week. The Harry Potter series has sparked my interest in reading as a pleasure and no other book has ever done that for me! I say keep on writing J.K. Rowling, we will be here to read!
By James McCoy
April 23, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
Gee,you Bible thumpers are really out there today. Let see what has been written today: 1)Rick Badie race baiter 2)Mr.Smith and I agree again 3)Harry Potter is the end of the world and childhood. Some of you folks need to really get a life!
By Brad
April 23, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
I and my children have read these books, and although they may not be academic standouts, they are smart enough (maybe smarter) to realize the difference between fact and fiction! It is pure stories of good vs. evil and if kids are taking it for pure fact please do not let them watch cartoons, or otherwise these kids may harm themselves imitating that on T.V.
By TM
April 23, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
After working as a Guardian ad Litem,as a Victims Advocate, with the School Resource Officers and in private counseling, I hate that the one issue that these parents alwaysover look is the one issue that can’t be afforded to be over looked, themselves. Obviously millions of kids have read the Potter books and not tried on witchcraft as a religious expression, however, those that have, usually relate to Potter in the background of how they live their lives. They are children who are abused, both mentally and physically, children who are degraded or kids who do not know their real parents. These kids relate to the young Potter who through the world of magic can transform his horrid surroundings into a place of fun and love, just like they wish they can too. Instead of blaming a book for what happen to her daughter, this mother needs to look at their family and find what is wrong that would make her daughter want to transform her world so drastically. Why can parents today not take responsiblity for their own problems instead of blaming others or books, TV, Music, the list goes on? And before anyone says I am preaching or speaking out of turn or anything else, I happen to be speaking from experience. When things fell apart in my own family and my one daugher spiraled downward and was suicidal, I looked at the source, the head of the family, me. It took us a month to work through problems I have seen kids spend years over, because I realized as a parent it is me that has the biggest effect on my kids world, not some book or a wroter or a TV or anything else. As a parent you have to point your finger at the one person who can and should have the greatest impact on their kids, you. So I wonder now, when the books are banned and other kids spiral downward, whom will be next on their hit list? If the become a reborn Hitler and burn all the books and limit what the youth can see, hear and do they will find the bliss of the Nazi party in their town. Maybe instead of banning books, they hould read a few themselves, like a history book to learn that the path they are on is dangerous and not heathly. I can only hope they will not succed in theor stupidity and get this child some real help in theform of counseling (with someone other than a minister!) where she can find her real source of her pain and work throuh it.
By TM
April 23, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
After working as a Guardian ad Litem,as a Victims Advocate, with the School Resource Officers and in private counseling, I hate that the one issue that these parents alwaysover look is the one issue that can’t be afforded to be over looked, themselves. Obviously millions of kids have read the Potter books and not tried on witchcraft as a religious expression, however, those that have, usually relate to Potter in the background of how they live their lives. They are children who are abused, both mentally and physically, children who are degraded or kids who do not know their real parents. These kids relate to the young Potter who through the world of magic can transform his horrid surroundings into a place of fun and love, just like they wish they can too. Instead of blaming a book for what happen to her daughter, this mother needs to look at their family and find what is wrong that would make her daughter want to transform her world so drastically. Why can parents today not take responsiblity for their own problems instead of blaming others or books, TV, Music, the list goes on? And before anyone says I am preaching or speaking out of turn or anything else, I happen to be speaking from experience. When things fell apart in my own family and my one daugher spiraled downward and was suicidal, I looked at the source, the head of the family, me. It took us a month to work through problems I have seen kids spend years over, because I realized as a parent it is me that has the biggest effect on my kids world, not some book or a wroter or a TV or anything else. As a parent you have to point your finger at the one person who can and should have the greatest impact on their kids, you. So I wonder now, when the books are banned and other kids spiral downward, whom will be next on their hit list? If the become a reborn Hitler and burn all the books and limit what the youth can see, hear and do they will find the bliss of the Nazi party in their town. Maybe instead of banning books, they hould read a few themselves, like a history book to learn that the path they are on is dangerous and not heathly. I can only hope they will not succed in theor stupidity and get this child some real help in theform of counseling (with someone other than a minister!) where she can find her real source of her pain and work throuh it.
By George
April 23, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
I’ve been looking around and can’t seem to find out the organization for which Ms. Mallory serves as a missionary. Are they trying to stay quiet? Now that Ms. Mallory has worked in our community for two years and earned our trust, can we look forward to other Christian missionaries flooding into Georgia and spreading the Word? How long will that take? Dare we hope that Gwinnett will be the springboard for the Gospel to move, not just into Geogia but perhaps Alabama, Mississippi, and (who knows) even Louisiana? We heathens here are fairly benighted. It might take a lot of missionaries. Can there be that many courageous souls where she comes from? In her darker moments I’m afraid that she must despair. Courage, Laura!
By Lisa
April 23, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
We are a Christian family and my 3 children have read all of the Harry Potter books. They have been taught from the beginning that there is fantasy and there is reality. Superman is a character, people cannot fly. Toys can’t talk but it is fun to make believe they can while watching Toy Story. They are smart enough to know that elephants can’t fly no matter how big their ears are.
We’ve discussed the Harry Potter books in length and they have picked up the themes of good vs. evil, greed, jealousy, etc. They have no desire to get into witchcraft, wizardry or anything else. We have also talked about friendship, loyalty, love, etc. when talking about Harry, Ron, Hermoine and other characters.
I appreciate this mom deciding that the Harry Potter books don’t fit within the framework of her family’s values. However, I do take issue with this mom deciding that because her children aren’t allowed to read these books, then other children can’t either. All she had to do was to send a note to her school librarian telling her what types of books her children aren’t allowed to check out. I wonder how much time she has spent volunteering at her school, getting to know the other children and parents, trying to make it a better place? There are numerous things she can do with her time that would benefit the children, but this isn’t one of them.
By Saga
April 23, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this
I think the idea of banning the Harry Potter books is ridiculous. First of all, they’re using Christianity to back up their reasons. Whatever happened to the 1st ammendment, Separation of Church and State? I believe you should diferentiate reality and fantasy, but taking a book off the shelf because of what it states is over the edge. First of all, it was Jordan’s choice to go into witchcraft. It’s not like she was possesed by the book to do it. Every human is born with the capability to do good and evil, its what we interact with that gives us a push into a single direction. Of course, we don’t go that path unless we choose to. I am a Wiccan myself, but I chose to go this path, I wasn’t forced to do it.
By jim d
April 23, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
Seems it would be less troublesome to just ban Ms. Mallory and her offspring from the library.
Hey, and since the rest of the bible thumpers only want their kids reading the bible, why not just ban them all? What possible reason could they have for entering such a den of iniguity?
By d2dutton
April 23, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
TM is right on target about this poor girl that believes Harry Potter seduced her to the dark side.
I did something similar, beginning in the sixth grade. I became fascinated by fantasy and the belief that magic could solve all my problems. It is the sign of a highly dysfunctional family life. Counseling is what this girl needs, not ridicule.
By Sue
April 24, 2006 02:42 AM | Link to this
Laura Mallory needs a hobby, at the rate she is going her kids are going to turn out, well weird. If she sat down and actually read the books, yes read Harry Potter, instead of relying on the internet and hearsay she would find they deliver very healthy positive messages to kids. I can’t wait till she hears about Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, especially The Amber Spyglass, now that is a book to get her little brain in a knot about. The church is evil, God is a crazy old man, His duties have been taken over by an evil regent, his nephhew, Enochs son. Yes there are witches and other wonderful imaginary characters. There is even an Adam and Eve type re-enactment, implied sex between young teens, only this time they get it right and save the multiverse (ovrlapping worlds) and everyones soul is outside of their bodies in the shape of an animal. And serpents are good. I absolutely love the Harry Potter and Pullman books. They do not have a King, that asks a witch to raise a dead prophet for advice, or another one that commits adultry and murder, with kids that rape and kill each other, but still remains everyones favorite. Ah that wild and wacky David. But they are still a great read and invoke the imagination.
By Jan Houston
April 24, 2006 06:35 AM | Link to this
oh NO does this mean that “the wizard of oz” is NEXT?????? give me a break!!!!!!
By Jan Houston
April 24, 2006 06:41 AM | Link to this
When the books would come out, I would take my two boys and we would get two copies, so they could both read at the same time, then we would sell the extra copy, usually the next day!!! They loved these books and so far, I have seen no toads or flying brooms!!!!!!
By LG
April 24, 2006 07:16 AM | Link to this
For thousands of years people haven’t taken responsiblity for their actions. Look at Adam, he blamed Eve for making him eat the apple - like she crammed it down his throat. So, should we expect Jordan or her mom to take responsiblity for themselves? And if she was that “heavily” into witchcraft and wicca, they would know that Harry Potter doesn’t have a whole lot to do with Wicca.
By Draya
April 24, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
Rather than take responsibilty for the fact she’s a bad parent, this Mom is scapegoating a fantasy book for all her daughter’s problems.
Following this woman’s insane logic, I guess a can blame my drinking problem on James Frey book “A Million little Pieces”?? Hoorah! I don’t have to take personal responsibilty for my actions!
By Annandale
April 24, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Out of Control.
What is the Gwinnette County Commissioners and Planning Department upto. I am seeing more and more mutli-family dwellings or singe detached houses so close to each other that we can reach out and touch our neighbor. I have lived in the Southwest part of the county for over a decade and it seems that madness is now an avalance gaining increased momentum. The Wayne Hill regime did little to provide a cohesive, well balanced control to development. Mini-malls sprouted up all over the county along busy thoroughfares requiring motorists in many instances to exit one strip mall, onto the main road to gain access to the adjoining strip mall. Now the rage goes on with this new set of commissioners. Now there are more houses being constructted that surely will ruin the quality of life expected we have all come to expect and that which made Gwinnette attractive in the first place. I really do not see this type of development in Northwest Gwinnett. Peachtree Corners is a case in point. I want all people to live, but government must ensure that this is done in a manner conducive to a healthy quality of life. The traffic is already horrendous and we are injecting more houses. Developers like the Richardson Group seem to have a number on the commissioners and the planning board. Schools are overcrowded with trailers being a permanent fixture to overcome crowding. Violence is on the increase.
Now, who is minding who. I suspect we now have inmates running the asylum.
By me
April 24, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
I think it is about time that parents of children understand that their children are their responsibility. Ms. Mallory and anyone else needs to understand that she can keep her child from doing anything she wants. She should not be able to control what everyone else’s child does. Schools are not supposed to raise children, parents are. These are public schools, everyone pays for them and everyone should have a say in it, not just one person who is afraid her child is going to go bad.
By Penny
April 24, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
I am disgusted by this whole issue. I am a firm believer of the motto: “If you don’t like it, don’t watch it, read it, look at it, etc…. As long as noone is breaking any laws or hurting anyone else stay out of others lives and decisions. Furthermore, for someone that has not even read the Harry Potter books (Ms. Mallory)…..sit down and shut it! You have a right to choose your own likes and dislikes as until your children reach a certain age you have the right to choose theirs. However, stay out of my business! My child goes to J.C. Magill and I am going to have a real problem if I do not think she will be able to read and or check out a book that I, her parent, have no problem with. I had a problem with Huckleberry Finn being debated over and I have even more of a problem with this. Censor your own children and home the way you want to but noone has the right to censor MY home or MY children except me!
By carla
April 24, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
THIS LADY IS ON CRACK!! DOES SHE NOT HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO THEN TRY TO GET HARMLESS BOOKS THAT TEACH CHILDREN OUT OF SCHOOLS. IF YOU DONT WANT YOUR CHILDREN READING HARRY POTTER MAYBE YOU SHOULD LOCK THEM IN THE HOUSE W/ YOUR CRAZY CRISTIAN BELIEVES & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
THIS LADY IS ON CRACK. IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG. B/C YOUR CRAZY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
THIS LADY IS ON CRACK. IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG. B/C YOUR CRAZY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
THIS LADY IS ON DRUGS. IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG. B/C YOUR CRAZY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG. B/C YOUR CRAZY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
THIS LADY IS ON CRACK. IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG. B/C YOUR CRAZY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
THIS LADY IS ON CRACK. IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG. B/C YOUR CRAZY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG. B/C YOUR CRAZY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG. BECAUSE YOUR CRAZY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG. BECAUSE YOUR CRAZY.
By CARLA
April 24, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
IF SHE DOESN’T WANT HER CHILDREN READING IT THEN WHY SHOULD SHE DEPRIVE OTHER CHILDREN FROM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE. IF PARENTS DO NOT TEACH THEIR CHILDREN BETWEEN REAL WORLD & FANTASY THEN IT THEIR OWN FAULT NOT A BOOK. LADY JUST KEEP YOUR KIDS LOCKED IN YOUR HOUSE & READ THE BIBLE ALL DAY LONG.
By Julie
April 24, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Have you read the books? I actually attempted to. As an educator and a child advocate, I found even the first chapter of the first book to be so repulsive that I couldn’t continue. Although my daughter read the first book, she has read no others. The reason: We discussed the premise of the book and what WE believed to be right and wrong. We discussed how we didn’t feel good reading some of the things that were in the book. The books don’t come into my house nor will we spend a penny on the movies. HOWEVER, books cannot be banned. Period. I thank our forefathers and every troop in our military for allowing me freedom.
By Avid Reader
April 24, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
This woman that has a witch for a daughter should have her in counseling and going to bible studies. She needs to talk to her more and spend more time with her and love her.And especially talk to her about good and evil and expalin the books. I can give her one book to read, and that is “Looking For God In Harry Potter by John Granger”. This will help her have an intellectual conversation about the books and they both will learn something. The mother who wants to ban the books for everyone, is selfish and she too should read John Granger’s book.
By Cory
April 24, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this
When will there come a time when perants have to be responsable for once about their children.
I am sorry if my perants raised me to be trustworthy, because it makes me have a great deal of pity for the children of perants like that, who fail them, because instead of seeing a problem, they run to blame others.
Any intelligent unbiased person who will pick up harry potter will see no religon in it. The book isent anti chirstian bias, it is a work of fantasy, a world that is impossible outside the bounderys of the books cover, and the imagination of its creator and readers.
DOWN WITH IMAGINATION, WE MUST BAN IT IN OUR SCHOOLS. WE MUST BAN ANY ACTIVITY THAT GETS KIDS TO BE CREATIVE THINKERS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CREATIVE WRITING, READING, ARTWORK, HISTORY, ANYTHING THAT REQUIRES A PERSON TO IMAGINE SOMETHING, SOMEWHERE, ANYTHING. HISTORY BECAUSE CHILDREN WOULD BE READING SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED, AND TRY TO SEE IT IN THEIR MINDS, IMAGINING THEY ARE THERE.
And while we are at it, why dont we just ban free intellectual thinking in our schools. ban freedom to think, or feel, or speak their mind on anything. lets just turn our schools into drone factorys.
The foundation of our country was not cenorship. it was freedom of religon, freedon of speech, freedom of thought. I will respect this perants right to object to a book, but she has no legal, or moral right to control other peoples right to read, or think for themselves.
This women clearly however has not thought for herself. instead of reading a book, she listens to lies spread by people who have never read the book. There are not demonics rituals in harry potter, there is no religon to begin with in harry potter. Lady, if you are going to state your mind, if you want people to listen, its best to read the book your attacking first.
By Dorene Grover
April 24, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this
I am a Catholic mother of two, and I have read the Harry Potter books along with a lot of other science fiction and fantasy books. I have no problem with the books, and my children have no problem distinguishing between what is real and what is fantasy. By the way, my kids are 7 and 5 years old. My son likes superheroes and knows that he can’t do all those things that they do, but enjoys watching them or reading comic books about them ( my son is 5 ). My daughter likes Harry Potter books along with the Chronicles of Narnia and Scooby-Doo. We read together, watch movies together and discuss whatever issue that may arise.She probablm has a problem with my comment because I am Catholic, but then she does already seem narrow minded since she can take the time to complain about something she hasn’t even read and dosen’t have the time to read. Reminds me of a ’ Salem Witch Hunt ‘.
By Stephanie
April 24, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
I can not belive this person. She is afraid her children will learn the wrong things reading Harry Potter. I can’t find anything wrong with children learning about loyalty, friendship, goodness over evil and love. If she is afraid her children will not learn proper values by reading Harry Potter, by all means read the Bible. But please leave out the parts of lying, corruption, death, genocide, adultery,and every other sin known to mankind. The few pages left will make great reading.
By M Kidd
April 24, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
I must say the real tragedy in all this is how Christianity is portrayed. I am a Christian and I LOVE Harry Potter books. I think they are fantastic and wonderful for children and adults. I hate when people use a misunderstanding of the Christina faith to attack perfectly sound ideas. Please, please to people who see what this woman is doing, do not judge all the rest of us Christians to be “bible thumpers” and fundamentalist. Most of use are much more sound in our judgement and don’t try to force our beliefs down other people throats. We are suppose to help and be supportive of those seeking Christ not judgemental and defensive. Oh, but how I get off topic. There is absolutely nothing un-Christian about Harry Potter.
By R. M. O'Neill
April 24, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
The young lady who became suicidal after reading Harry Potter most likely had some deep-seated problems before reading the books and surely needs some professional help. How long have these books been around and Ms. Mallory is just now finding out about them? Whats up with her?
By R. M. O'Neill
April 24, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
The young lady who became suicidal after reading Harry Potter most likely had some deep-seated problems before reading the books and surely needs some professional help. How long have these books been around and Ms. Mallory is just now finding out about them? Whats up with her?
By Margaret
April 24, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
The Harry Potter series is classic literature dealing with timeless themes: love, loyalty, bravery, bigotry, self-sacrifice…and the eternal struggle between Good and Evil.
I am a happily married, 52 year-old, Catholic grandmother of three. I first read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when my teenagers were reading a copy borrowed from a friend. Since then, I’ve read all the books in the series, and enjoyed them mightily, I must add. And, yes, I was at the store at midnight to purchase Order of the Phoenix, as I was again on July 16, 2005 when Half Blood Prince became available. (Only this time I was in costume!!)
Children may have helped to first popularize the Harry Potter books, but only adults can truly appreciate the genius of J.K.Rowling. Her references to classical mythology, meticulously crafted characters, and intricately intermingled plots make the series a joy to read and reread. How many children’s books have scholars combing their pages trying to dissect the complex intricacies only the author-creator truly understands?
It causes me great sadness that people condemn these wonderful stories out of hand, rather than reading and deciding for themselves what they are all about.
And so I advise those who want these books removed from the public school library to borrow a copy (from that selfsame library), sit down, get comfortable, and find out what really goes on at Hogwarts. I hope they will be very pleasantly surprised, but at the very least, they will not remain ignorant of the truth.
By Jess S
April 25, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
I remember reading the article about the upcoming trial last week. Besides the whole difference between real and unreal there’s also the fact that Mrs. Mallory admitted that she hasn’t even read ANY of the books, with a comment about all of the books being “really very long…” This irritated me more than I realized at the time. On one point, even if she had read the books I don’t see how she could possibly claim she has the ‘right’ to tell other peoples children what they can and cannot read. Like you said, as long as they recognized that the books are just fictional stories, it’s great that they’re reading at all. Besides that, all I could wonder at the time is not only how Mallory could have the audacity to start this — which as ‘Gary’ said is probably a cry for attention of some kind — without knowing anything about what she’s talking about?! Apparently she researched everything online beforehand. She would have better off reading the first book, especially considering that anyone can posted anything they want about anything online, pretty much, it doesn’t have to be true. …The comments by (Mr./Ms.?) TM and many others also make a great deal more sense than what Mallory and her supporters are saying… If Harry Potter indefinitely led to witchcraft (or Wicca — which I don’t practice, but know enough about to recognize that it doesn’t share much in common with Harry Potter’s wizardry and witchcraft), suicidal urges and other problems we’d probably see a LOT more of it. There are millions of people of all ages reading the books around the world, surely someone would have noticed a real connection by now? And there were people (particularly among teenagers) with similar problems Ms. F******* LONG before the Harry Potter books were published, so I have to say that any connection these people are making would have to be either imagined, or as several others have already said; designed as a scapegoat of sorts. …Well, that’s all I can think of for now (sorry for taking so long). Other than saying well done, Mr. Badie, and thank you. Bye for now. ^_^ ~ Jess S
By The wandering Wiccan
April 25, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
I have heard some really, really, truly outrageous things in my life as a Witch, but this is by far the stupidest. It (Harry Potter) is a work of fiction, and has nothing to do with the peaceful religion Wicca. I am a High Priest, so I have seen a great number of things in Circle, but nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING has been evil, insidious, or spiteful. On a final note, why would you accept a Christian’s explanation on Witchcraft rather than an actual practitioner?
Jorell Helmick, the Wandering Wiccan
By Dee
April 25, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
I think those who blast Harry Potter should read the books and see the films before making a judgement. They are stories, that I contend, have never been for children and they promote self-worth, achievement through adversity and the on-going battle between good and evil. The stories take you on a great adventure…the hype around the books and films may have some youngsters trying out “spells” and “incantations” but, for the most part, I believe children have the ability to know what is right and what is wrong…if they don’t, don’t blame Harry, blame the parents!
By David
April 25, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
I think Dee hit the nail on the head as to the problems of misunderstanding the purpose and the work of the Harry Potter series by J K Rowling. I WAS one of those who pre-judged the books without having read them or seeing the movies. I also prevented my daughter from reading the books based on the comments of a few in the Christian community that condemned the works as a promotion for witchcraft. I came to find out that they ALSO had not even read the books but were basing their condemnation of the series on the use of “terminology”. In other words if “wizard” or “witch” is used in the story, then “obviously” they MUST be promoting Witchcraft. For some reason,which I have yet to have someone in the Christian Community explain,is why are not “The Lord of the Rings” and The Chronicles of Narnia” held up to the same rules,when BOTH J R R Tolkien and CS Lewis use the same “terminology” (witch and wizard) in their works, yet the same Christian Community holds both of them UP as great story writers and stimulaters of the Christian imagination??? Hmmm! Do I sense a spirit of hypocracy here!!?? Lewis even goes further in using Pagan myth than either Tolkien or Rowling in his book, “Prince Caspian”, he has the children conjure a “river-god” and none other than Bacchus, Silenus and the Maenads! Take a look into the mythological backround of Bacchus and Silenus and the Maenads,filled with wine and sexual orgies,and one would wonder what are these characters doing in a “childrens” book? Let alone in what is considered a series of books that many state is a “Christian allegory”!! Well, where is the outcry here from the Christian Community?? The whole issue here is authorship intent and context. The characters I mentioned in Prince Caspian are there to portray the fact that the love and protection of Aslan is greater than the temptation of Bacchus and the Maenads. If these characters are not IN the work of the books than you lose an avenue to teach children the overcoming power of true love and the protection of a savior (Aslan). The same is true of the Harry Potter series. Without the dark powers of Voldemort and his Death-eaters portrayed in the “imaginary” world of witchcraft and wizardry we would lose an avenue to show the overcoming power of love and sacrifice that Harry’s parents showed by giving up their lives to save his and what may ultimately come in Harry sacrificing his life to save his “imaginary” world from Voldemort and his forces of darkness. The “Wandering Wiccan” is quite right. This is “fantasy fiction” teaching a moral lesson nothing more. The “magic” in Harry’s world is NOT anything like what is practiced in Wicca. Some people just don’t want to take the time to read and study and research the truth.
By Alex
April 25, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this
This whole ordeal really seems like something right out of the 17th century. This should be a non-issue. Of course there are still A FEW people who seem to be stuck in the past; we shouldn’t allow them to divert the attention of our educators from the REAL issues. The school board simply needs to say:
“I’m sorry you feel that way ma’am. Feel free to personally shield your kids from this literature if you like, but don’t jeopardize the learning of an entire county. Or instead, you may want to move to Greenville South Carolina, send your kids to private school there, and by the time they graduate you’ll be right next door when they’re ready to attend Bob Jones University…. Now then, let’s get down to business and find ways to address the huge achievement gap that’s so pervasive in our students’ grades and test scores.”
By Avid reader
April 25, 2006 09:05 PM | Link to this
I do not appreciate the comment about the whacko moving to Grennville S.C. I have lived here my entire life and do not wish for this woman to live here. I love Harry Potter,am educated,inteligent and open minded and loving. But if she comes here, she will have to face me in court and believe me she will not win. Please do not tryand start WWIII. Thanks
By Alex
April 25, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this
Haha, I have nothing against the city of Greenville. Forbidding the reading of Harry Potter books simply sounded like something that Bob Jones University would do, and I was just using Greenville as a reference point, because that’s where the school is located. I’m sorry that I extended the stereotype to the whole city.
By A. M. J. Fair
April 27, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
How terrible. Still blaming things on books, tv, music, anything but reality. Do these people even know J.K. is Christian herself? I studied Wicca for years of my life, and although I don’t follow the religion I can honestly say there isn’t anything truly resembling it in the Harry Potter series. You’d have to go beyond HP for knowledge of Wicca, and if anyone does their homework on the subject itself they would also know it is not an anti-Christian religion. In fact, quite the opposite. Not to mention last time I checked, in the U.S we have freedom of religion, so what does it matter what this girl was doing unless it is harmful or disruptive? Seems like nothing but an attempt for attention to me, and while we are here, what is this gym class like if these students have the time and means to stop and perform rituals? (Also, is this not a public school, where any religious practice should be kept seperate and saved for home/church/temple?)
So a girl read HP and wanted to do magic. It isn’t a jump process that happens overnight, and as usual there is a lot more to the reasoning behind her desire than we are being told. I also cannot resist asking, what kind of mother points her finger at a book for her childs’ actions? Talk about adverting blame! This incident is absolutely no reason to ban these books. They have no negative messages. The responsibility lies with the parent and their obligation to monitor the child as well as participate in their growth and learning. If the mother was active in her daughters life I doubt such a thing as this would have occured. With such a poor excuse then why allow any child to read anything then a book of facts, which by the way would exclude the Bible from that allowed reading list, since it is only literature. Shame on you Laura Mallory.
By B. Crawford
April 30, 2006 02:19 AM | Link to this
Personally it is sad to see how so many of you so called modern American Christians have basically gone back a 100 or so years and act as bad as the Crusaders did in the Holy LAnd or the Spanish Inquisition. Thank God I belong to the Anglican Church and not one of these hypocritical “New age” or non-denominational churchs that are a cancer on the Christian Faith in this country today!!!
So uneducated, You embrace C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, a series which has a world of not only talking animals but is heavily populated by creatures of Greek and Roman and other “Pagan” religions running rampant thru it!!! And is full of the “Magic” you so hate. But you focus on only the Lion Aslan and his similarities to Christ and you either ignore the rest or forgive it for this one feature you hold onto as if you found the Holy Grail itself.
Nevermind that you wouldnt even have this “Christian” Fairytale if had not been for J.R.R. Tolkien’s witness of His faith in God which brought C.S. Lewis back into Faith and believe in God in the first place. Yep, C.S. Lewis had, after what he had gone thru in the First World War and personal tragedy in his life had become a “Non Believer” in God!! Yet you Damn that author’s work too, the work of a man who I am sure was a far more devout Christian then this woman who wants to “burn” the Harry Potter books could ever hope to be!
All I can do is Pray that God deliver us from such Narrow minded people!!!
By meme
May 1, 2006 07:59 AM | Link to this
B. Crawford. You may be a christian but you are certainly not tolerant if you do as your posting says. Your second paragraph is a blast at someone else’s beliefs. How tolerant is that? Speaking of narrowminded…
By read_banned_books
May 3, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this
Is Mrs. Mallory unaware of all the other books that have been published containing magic and witchcraft? Clue in! This is not the first time any piece of literature like this has cropped up. The banning of books that provoke intelligent thought? — it smacks of Nazi book burnings and closed-minded fanatics.
By kat
May 6, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
I am a kid of twelve years old. Harry Potter was the first true book I’ve read and I have read hundreds possibly a thousand books since. I do not try and do seances neither do my friends. I go to a christian school and it is banned there too. But lord of the rings is a rewritten version of the bible. People take out of books what they want to take They don’t take the time to actually understand them. I know I would like to believe magic is real. But I don’t. Although magic is like miracles from what I hear. I don’t practice it and I don’t believe these things could happen. I read both Harry Potter and the Bible. And I am still a straight A student and healthy. I don’t believe Harry Potter is the reason to blame for sick people or wrrong doers. It’s just easier to blame a book then your own life. People have to be able to have an open mind with books. And they don’t. Harry Potter is an interesting read that sparks your imagination and teaches you right from wrong and about love and kindness. But as I said earlier people believe what they want to believe. My mother says about 15 years ago Lord of the Rings was not presepted to be like the bible. But now it is. Give Harry Potter a decade or two. Soon you’ll be hearing how good it is for chistians to read and will be on required summer reading lists.