Gwinnett.talk

By Michael Smith

April 14, 2006 07:13 AM | Link to this

Another case of the religious right trying to force their beliefs on others.

By OMS 7th Grader

April 14, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this

If you don’t like it, don’t read it!

By NP

April 14, 2006 07:16 AM | Link to this

As the parent of two Gwinnett County elementary school children, I support Mrs. Mallory’s right to voice her concerns regarding the education of her children; however, she does not have the authority to make unilateral demands that will affect my children and their education. The types of books we allow our children to read are personal decisions. Mrs. Mallory’s assumption that she has the right to make that decision for every parent is egregiously frivolous and self-indulgent. Mrs. Mallory’s waste of the time and resources of an already over-taxed school board is a travesty.

By Sunni Tribble

April 14, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this

I am so sick to death of certain groups of people trying to impose their beliefs on everyone else! If she doesn’t want her kids to read those books, then she should control what they check out and read, not censor what every other child can read!

By Courtney

April 14, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this

I am enraged that Mrs. Malloy believes she has the right to use her “personal religious beliefs” to affect everyone in Gwinnett County - especially given the fact that she has not read the books in their entirety. Know your facts BEFORE you make judgements - and hey, isn’t judging someone else’s job anyway?

By Rock

April 14, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this

I was going to write a long thought provoking comment but there is no way to reason with someone with this state of mind.

By W.Hicks

April 14, 2006 07:23 AM | Link to this

Here we go again something else to get upset over. We can not bury our heads in the sand. Tell your child not to read it or possess it, and leave everybody out of your narrow minded ignorance. We might as well throw away or make the Bible taboo. It has a few demonic activities in it, but it teaches us how to deal with it.

By HM

April 14, 2006 07:25 AM | Link to this

How can a person read a few passages of a 500 page book and determine that a book is bad? Just don’t let your kids read the book if you feel so strongly. Why should others be punished by someone like Ms. Mallory who has no tolerance for imagination and fun?

By Ms. H. Granger

April 14, 2006 07:27 AM | Link to this

I am a mother of two children in the Gwinnett system. (Both under 7), I personnally don’t have any problems with any of J.K. Rawlings’ Harry Potter books. As a matter of fact, I’ve read most of them to my children. “Mallory, a mother of four, said she hasn’t read any of the Potter books in their entirety. She read portions of a few of the books, she said, and was offended by descriptions of demonic activity.” How can she make assumptions of the books’ content and she hasn’t even finished reading one of the books. Had she, she would realize the books are about wizardary. It’s a book series that Mrs. Rawlings (a mother herself), decided to right based merely on her imagination. I get that Ms. Mallory may not understand or has her own worries and concerns about it, but she should just leave it at that. If she doesn’t want her kids to read those books, fine. But don’t say that there is a need for a ban of all HP books in all schools. There’s no real basis for that. If that were to happen, all science fiction and other fantasy books would be requested to be removed off the shelves. HP books also show courage, morality, good decision making versus bad, the consequences that may occur when making poor choices, friendship, loyalty, truthworthiness, etc. Just because it’s using ‘magic’ doesn’t make it ‘demonic’.

In summary, if you don’t want your kids to read it, fine. Don’t let all other kids suffer.

p.s. I will be at the school board meeting

By reanna

April 14, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this

Why are there no bibles in school libraries? I don’t agree with taking anything that can enrich are childrens imaginations or willingness to read away. The book is in the FICTION section correct? And don’t say “religious people”. I instill a very good sense of religion in my child. I don’t think the issue should be taking away anything it should be adding more to make for a good balance. Happy Good Friday.

By Daniel

April 14, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this

With the focus on the ability to read, I can’t believe anyone would object to the Harry Potter books. Ms. Rowling has an amazing ability to produce a book exceeding 800 pages and have kids lining up at midnight to get the book to read it cover to cover.

As far as the complaining parent, please feel free to restrict the right of your children to read the books if you continue to have the incorrect notion that these books promote evil, that is your right as a parent, but in the United States, the majority rules and the majority of Americans do not feel like you and should not have their children put at a disadvantage because of your beliefs.

By rdd

April 14, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this

Ditto! Her only right is to prevent her ‘own’ children from reading the series.

By Casey

April 14, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this

I don’t know why people even debate the religious side of the argument. This is the U.S.A.! We’re supposed to be able to believe, read, watch, listen to, etc… whatever the heck we want as long as we’re not breaking the law. As far as public schools go, the Constitution trumps the Bible every single time. “There shall be no law respecting the establishment of religion”. Is that too difficult to understand? We DO NOT live in a theocracy!

By Anne Thomas

April 14, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this

I find it laughable that this woman wants books removed from the school system that she hasn’t read in their entirety. Perhaps she and everyone else in Gwinnett County and the rest of the state should focus on that- reading, reading anything in its entirety. We don’t exactly have education rankings to be proud of. Maybe if she and all the rest of us in the state focused on our children, educating them and helping to make their schools and teachers accountable, and not carrying on right wing, religious, fear and ignorance based witch hunts, we might actually improve our rankings!

By NP

April 14, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

She obviously neglected to read Farenheit 451 when she was in school.

By Todd

April 14, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

Farrell, There is actually a movement to get all God-fearing Christians to move to South Carolina and make it a Christian state. A few have already made the move. The guy who started the movement? He hasn’t even gone yet. That’s initiative for you. Let the state have his rulings, and let God have his. Find a private space and pray from your heart, not your megaphone. …ah, I’m drawing a blank. WHO was it that said that? One more thing: why can’t us sensible-minded people ever make this much noise to tell everyone to calm down? We need an activist group.

By Christine Davis

April 14, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

Firstly, Ms. Malloy is entitled to her own religious beliefs. This does not entitle her to force her beliefs on others! In a world today where children are wired up from an exceptionally young age - playstation, x-box, TVs with DVD players in their bedrooms designed specifically for children, etc. - I think it would be far better for a child to be caught reading a book than to niggle over all the aspects in the book. Children tend to question what they don’t understand and I think it would be reasonable to expect that Ms Malloy’s children would come to her with questions about the material that they do not understand in the book. *That would be the appropriate time to say “this isn’t real”, “witchcraft is bad”, etc.

Stop trying to dictate what everyone else allows their children to read!

I also note that Ms. Malloy states that she has only read portions of the books and not the books in their entirety. It is very easy to twist snippets of ANYTHING to look bad, not agree with your beliefs, etc.

Try reading the whole thing instead of tiny bits before you jump to a conclusion!

I would be very interested to know how the few sections of the books were brought to Ms. Malloy’s attention. It does not seem likely that she would seek the material out for herself.

Furthermore, I would be very interested to know if Ms. Malloy’s beliefs would also condem C. S. Lewis’s Narnia books as they too speak of witchcraft and the fight of good against evil.

If Ms. Malloy does not want her children reading the Harry Potter books then it is her responsibility to see that they don’t! If she wishes to protect them from this sort of literature then perhaps it would be best that she home schools them in a manner consistent with her own religious sentiments.

By NP

April 14, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

Todd,

How appropriate. South Carolina ranks last in having high school students graduate on time…..and Georgia is second to last.

By K Paul

April 14, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

Harry Potter: Men performing miracles called magic, The Bible: Men performing magic called miracles.

By Lacy

April 14, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

This is insanity. I’ve not read the bible in it’s entirety, but I’ve found some disturbing passages, so I don’t want any Sunday School to teach the bible. Something tells me, if I said something like this to Ms. Mallory, she’d be aghast, and would try to tell me that it’s “not the same thing.” Well, it is the same thing. You are believing that you have the right to force your opinions on others, for no other reason than that they’re your opinions.

Religious zealots are often wont to try to condemn, censor, or boycott things without actually taking the time to investigate that which they are condemning (look at that show Book of Daniel—people were boycotting based on the premise, not the actual show). The same is true for the many attacks on Harry Potter—how many times do you hear “I’ve read all six books cover to cover, and I think it’s an attack on Christianity and will lead kids to satan?” Never—it’s always “well… I haven’t actually read them… but they’re bad!” It’s infuriating, it’s asinine, and it’s ignorant.

And as many people have posted—anything that gets kids reading is a plus in my book. Can you really argue/complain when kids are voluntarily reading a 600+ page book, with no pictures, that is written at a high enough level that even adults can enjoy it? Yeah, she’s right—we better nip this whole “reading” thing in the bud. Ignorance is SO much more useful.

By Ms. H. Granger

April 14, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

I, of course, agree with Chrisine. The thought of Lewis’ book came to mine when I read this article as well the Charlie Bone series, and all other books containing magic, wizardary, etc. If Ms. Mallory wants to limit her OWN children’s reading, then so be it. No one can say anything about that. But ALL OTHER GWINNETT CHILDREN?? No, I agree Home schooling for her is the way to best keep an eye on what her children are reading.

By Mike

April 14, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this

Inquiring (tax paying) minds want to know:

Perhaps the Gwinnett County school system could achieve better efficiencies if the complainant more clearly defined her personal religious views. That would give the board an opportunity to evaluate the entirity of the library catalog in one session.

Or (for even geeater efficiency) couldn’t the board just say, “Sit down and shut up!”?

Finally(and then I’ll shut up myself), one wonders why the complainant hasn’t heard of HOME SCHOOLING?

By Mendi

April 14, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with this parent seeking to have Harry Potter books removed. If we suggested the Bible be on a list of mandatory books for students to read as a part of their novel requirement, there would be an immediate protest. Therefore, as a Christian, we must begin to take a stand and begin to show accountability for what our children our being taught and exposed to. I have always been against Harry Potter novels and refuse to allow my children to read the books or watch any of the movies.

By Reece

April 14, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

No, NO, NO!! We must not allow this or any other bible thumper to stand and make ANY more ridiculous demands.

Clearly, with the administration preparing to use nuclear(nukular for the thumpers)weapons against another country there are a great many things to worry about and this is NOT one of them.

By Sabrina

April 14, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

As a Parent of a J.C. Magill student, I wish Mrs. Mallory would STOP embarrassing my child’s school. In addition, she should think before embarrassing the entire Gwinnett School System. If she needs a “cause” to justify being a good parent, she should work to ensure that all children are able to obtain a great education. Also, I don’t think Mrs. Mallory realizes that having religious freedom and choices, includes “others” having the freedom to choose the books their children read. I might not agree to some references in the Harry Potters series, but I don’t have the RIGHT to deny others that choice.

I would like to offer Mrs. Mallory some advice, I’m sure she has heard before and that is to monitor her children reading material. In addition, she should make the school’s librarian aware that she does not want her children to checkout the Harry Potter books.

By Lisa Nelson

April 14, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

The bible is not filled with magic called miracles. I feel sorry for those of you who believe that. God is real and if more people like this lady would stand up maybe more people wouldn’t be living like they can’t go to hell. Harry potter is just making kids think witchcraft is ok and fun. it’s not. It’s evil and you can not prosper from it. I back her up 100%. Also Becky who said this woman is living proof not everyone should be a mother is wrong for making that statement and should really try thinking before she speaks.

By KMJ

April 14, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

As a mother myself, I encourage my kids to read whatever they can. The Potter series is just one of a few different series both of my children (14 and 9) have read cover to cover. Even better, they don’t complain when I turn the tv off and suggest that they grab a book, they both run to grab whatever it is they’re reading at the moment and curl up in their favorite spots. I was never discouraged from reading whatever caught my interest as a child, and I’m better for it now, as will be my children. Shame on you Mrs. Mallory, you’re teaching your children to be close-minded.

By red

April 14, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

I am a Christian. I feel that Christian rights are being abolished in this country. Everyone talks about our views being pushed on them. But what about our beliefs. Don’t we have any rights at all? My goodness its practically against the law to mention God at any time. Not only can we not say God withoug offending someone in school now we must glorify darkness and witch craft. Most people are just strange to me. When a Dillon Klebold/Eric Harris enters the hallways of our school we all hear the screams loud and clear. But what you fail to realize is that you allow that dark spirit into your childs hearts and mind through this type of book. Not only is it in the books, you allow it into your homes through video games, television, Yugioh cards and are just too ignorant to know it.

By Hanako

April 14, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

I, too feel that if you don’t like it, don’t read it. Just because you don’t approve of something doesn’t mean that you should try to force that opinion on everyone else. I work in an elementary school Media Center and decided last March to read the books to “see what the big fuss was about”. I finished the first 5 books in 3 days, and was one of the first 100 people to purchase the 6th book when it was released in July. I have become an avid Harry Potter fan and therefore am very disturbed that people continue to make judgements about the book without knowing it’s full content. Maybe before making this kind of judgement, could people actually read the whole story, instead of “just bits and pieces”.

By red

April 14, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

If you don’t like it don’t read it? That’s crap. If you truely believe that then WHY isn’t there just as many Bibles and other Christian based books in the libraries as there are harry potter books and countless other pieces of crap.

By Sabrina

April 14, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

Mendi - there is not a mandatory book to read in the library. So your argument about the Bible is just crazy. Also, remember that not all people believe in the bible. Would you oppose mandatory reading of the Koran?

Don’t bring the Bible into this, it is a much more complex topic.

Lisa Nelson - it’s up to parents to decide what is appropriate for their children to read. Some people believe in witch craft. They have the “right” to pass their belief unto their children, as long as it does not produce bodily harm to others.

By Mark Evans

April 14, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

So using this logic we should remove all of CS Lewis’s books. They are filled with magic, witches, goblins, etc. I guess he was a big devil worshiper too. Oh wait he is considered one of the greatest religious writers of the 20th century.

Hey lady shut up and read something and stop saying you do this or that because you are a christian. Christianity does not equal ignorance. (You however are an exception)

By Reece

April 14, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

The poster named “red” demonstrates very nicely why these people need to be stopped from making this nonsense into an issue. He and others of like mind are STILL using the “Be Afraid” tactics to push an agenda. If he(and the rest of the bible thumpers)are such great christians, what is it exactly that they are SO afraid of?

By KMJ

April 14, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

I’d be curious to know what rights we are denying Christians, or any religion for that matter, by arguing against their choice to remove books THEY find offensive from public schools and libraries. I’m Catholic, but I don’t feel that gives me any right to deny someone else from reading a published work. The comments I’m seeing by those that agree with Mrs. Mallory, tell me one thing, none of you have even read the books. I’m going to say what everyone else has been saying, READ THEM! Then, if you still do not care for them, at least you will have made an informed choice. But you have no right to deny others from reading them. Here’s a passage you might have heard before…

Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Freedom of religion, free speech, freedom of the press…makes one stop and think, or at least it should.

By RobC

April 14, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

I am a Christian, I believe the third day Jesus ascended into heaven. Because I believe this I know my God is more powerful than any fantasy book. I can assure you that if she explained to her children that this is fantasy, just a story, to her children they would take it as such. Yes there is “magic” in the book, but there is not “majick” (huge difference). I have personally read all the books and have enjoyed them, as well as my wife and children and we still attend our church and believe in God and Jesus and the Bible.

By red

April 14, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this

These people, these people I will stop here because I am smart enough to realize that there will be no explaining to the blind. We will just wait and see what the end will be. My argument is pointless to most of you and that’s exactly what the Bible tell us. We already know that many of you are simply blind to the direction that this country is headed in. I will keep as much of this crap out of my home and the minds of my family. I will continue to protect them with my prayer from your children and the junk you continue to allow then to be molded by. As the world continues to become darker by what your children will grow up to become my children will be the light that your children will eventually seek out.

By ABS

April 14, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, most ultra conservative Christians such as Ms. Mallory only read “parts” of books including the Bible. They only pick out the parts that suits their own needs without reading the work in its entiriety (I know that word is probably misspelled, sorry). It’s probably because they are too ignorant to read an entire book. I have to give J.K. Rowling complete credit for getting my children to read. None of my three children enjoyed reading until they picked up the Harry Potter novels. It was like pulling teeth to get my oldest to read until he discovered Harry Potter, and now he reads all the time. My two youngest would always ask me questions about Harry Potter and I told them that if they wanted to know the answers, they would have to read the books and find out, which both of them did. People who try and ban books should read a few history books, even parts of them, and see that’s what the Nazis did and we know how that all turned out.

By Ms. H. Granger

April 14, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

There are as many Christian based books as there are “other” books in the school libraries, because not everyone in the school is Christian! I, myself, am one. But that doesn’t mean I’m any less of a Christian you because I enjoy reading these books. Correct me if I’m wrong but isnt’ this the U.S.? Freedom of religion? Most schools have four and five (plus) different students with different religious beliefs. If you want your child’s school library to be mostly Christian, send them to a Christian school/academy.

By CCS

April 14, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

Ms. Malory, I’ll raise my own children, thank you very much. I have no need of your assistance. I read Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, and various other fairie tales to my children from the time they were babies…oh what a horrible mother I must be. My mom also red those stories to me, and allowed me to watch movies such as the Wizard of Oz, Bed Knobs & Broomsticks, Peter Pan, and Wendy the Witch, all of which contain references to witches and Magic. Truth be told, I bet you watched a lot of those movies yourself when you were growing up. They are all fictional stories lady…most of us grew up with them, and how many of us do you see out turning people into rats and frogs with our magic wands? Teach your children right from wrong instead of trying to shelter them from it, and what they read won’t be a problem.

Again, please raise you own childeren, and leave mine alone.

By Wendy S.

April 14, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

I am a librarian and my husband is the chair of the intellectual freedom round table of the Georgia Library Association.Having read some of the Harry Potter books and seen ALL of the movies, I’d like to make just a few points:

By red

April 14, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

Dang. ABS. Your comment made me post again. This is the very last one. are too ignorant to read an entire book that too is crap. Do you have to look at an entire Playboy book to realize that its junk. All I’m trying to say is that there is no balance in our schools. Prayer have been challanged in our cafeterias, God has been challenged in our pledge and at school sporting events, Bible studies have been challenged on school campuses. But as soon as we challenge some harry potter books, v c andrews book and junk like that it stirs everybody up. All I want to see is balance. Yes we all have bibles in my home but if this witch craft is allowed in school libraries then there should be a balance. Yes that means the Koran also.

By Karrie

April 14, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

This lady needs to get a life. She can dictate what she wants her own children to read, but not mine. The fact that she didn’t bother to read the book before requesting it to be removed shows complete ignorance.

By John

April 14, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

Let’s see…Georgia schools will soon be teaching the bible…a book that describes events that defy everything we know about biology and physics and has absolutly no historical evidence to support it.

And then there is a series of books which any intelligent person should realize is nothing but fiction with no religioius connotations except those that idiots invent. Harry Potter is offensive and the the book of myths called the Bible isn’t?

I am so grateful I don’t have kids in a Georgia school. You hicks are morons.

By Ex-Northerner

April 14, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

Red, my sympathies to your children. If you are spending a lot of time extolling the Apocolypse to them, then they are already sufficiently scared of real life to be completely immune to Harry Potter’s fantasy influences.

But I digress. J.K. Rowling has repeatedly said that she did NOT write the Harry Potter series for children. She wrote them for herself which explains why they are such a good read for adults. Please go back to church and let the rest of us enjoy fantasy, immagination and reading with our kids.

By Daniel

April 14, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

Yes, ex-northerner, I stand corrected — remember the 2000 election. Back to the discussion at heart here, most people seem to agree, Ms. Malory has the right to raise her children in whatever manner she seems fit to do so. Piggy-backing on previous comments, how much is this going to cost the taxpayers to handle this hearing? When Ms. Malory loses, as rightly she should, she should reimburse us for that expense.

By ABS

April 14, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

Red, It’s funny you use that name…isn’t that what we used to call the Communists, who also, like the Nazis, banned books? So, Red, what should this “balance” be? By the way, Playboy isn’t a book, it’s a magazine, and it’s not all junk if you actually READ the articles and not only look at the pictures, but again, big words and ideas might be a little hard for you.

Again, people like this woman are just too ignorant for words.

By John N.

April 14, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

Her personal religious beliefs don’t agree with these books. Oh geez. So very typical attitude of the religious right.

But hey, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. My beliefs don’t agree with the Bible. I want that banned too.

By Ex-Northerner

April 14, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

Good grief, Red, are you seriously putting Playboy and the Harry Potter books into the same genre? You can’t possibly be that myopic or stupid, because if you are, then it’s no wonder your arguments fall on collective deaf ears. That premise is beyond dumb. (I’d use another more academic word but you probably wouldn’t understand it.)

By Peter

April 14, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

Red, You ask for balance in the school but do you realize how many different religions there are out there. What is your idea of balance (and I bet you favor more towards Christianity). Remember not everyone in the school system believes in the same religion and the reason everyone is up and arms about the Harry Potter serious is because there is no regilious affiliation with those books. Please read that and understand it before you ask for balance between apples and oranges.

By Kim

April 14, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Did you notice that she says she’s never even read the books herself? That’s always the case with anyone I’ve encountered who complains about Harry Potter. I find the books delightful, as well as a great lesson on the conflict between good and evil. (And, I’m a conservative Christian mother, myself. The difference: I’ve actually read the books and understand fact from fantasy!)

By KP

April 14, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

Tell her to get bent. Just don’t let her kids read the books! Is is that hard to ignore? She shouldn’t be allowed to make the decisions for all the other parents!

By Sharon

April 14, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

Laura Mallory: Don’t be offended by any of these comments. I couldn’t agree with you more. But remember the prophets were mocked and so was Jesus. These individuals are not rejecting you, they are rejecting Truth. Pray for them that their eyes be opened to see the Truth. And that their ears be opened so that they can hear the Truth. God bless you Laura.

By mc

April 14, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

By now, Harry Potter is important literature, and educated people ought to know about it.

Having said that, I’m more worried by the moral ambiguity (low standards of personal ethics, etc.) in the books than by the descriptions of magic, which are obviously fiction.

By red

April 14, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

Ex-Northerner, ABS, Peter. Please read “No one, Everyone’s” post. There. You’ve got your mascot.

By Curious George

April 14, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

Commenter quotes the constitution: “There shall be no law respecting the establishment of religion”.

Here’s a guy lecturing people on the Constitution who can’t even quote it correctly. It says “CONGRESS shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion” and then adds “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Most anti-religious people like to leave that last part out.

By Ex-Northerner

April 14, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

Cost to the taxpayer and in that, Daniel, you bring up an excellent point. Who is going to have to bear the monetary burden of this folly? The rest of us, of course.

I think I’ll file a complaint with the School Board that The Red Badge of Courage should be banned. I had to read that book twenty times during the course of my elementary academia and hated it every time. It was gorey and violent. I think it’s high time that I make everyone else stop reading the books I don’t like. Come on People. WHO’S WITH ME?!

By David

April 14, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

As an educator with almost 20 years of experience, I can say the Harry Potter series has done more to foster an interest in reading than any series since Dr. Suess. It would be a shame to squash students’ enthusiasm because of one parent trying to force her beliefs on an entire school district.

By Avid Book Fan

April 14, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

This reminds me of a childhood friend of my younger sister who borrowed a couple of our ‘Sweet Valley High’ & ‘Sweet Valley Twins’ books. Her mother got so enraged. Called the books filth, trash, against God. She actually burned the books!!! It’s no wonder her daughter went on to get pregnant before graduation, and it had NOTHING to do with the books.

Also reminds me of the ludicrous outrage of the Judy Blume books.

Lady, you control what your kids read, let the rest of us worry about our own.

By Lynne

April 14, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

Does this mean all of the fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen and Aesop’s fables should be banned too? No “Wizard of Oz”? Don’t a lot of children’s books feature talking animals or children that communicate with animals? What will be left in the library?

By red

April 14, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

You all act like this woman is banning the books altogether. She just wants them out of the school library. In your own home you can sacrifice chickens to the devil with your kids is your want to.

By Kym

April 14, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

You know what if you take all the books ever written you could find something wrong with them all. Maybe we should all stop reading and become a nation of ignorant narrow-minded morons?

By Jesus Harold Christ

April 14, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

Just wanted to say that I read Harry Potter myself. In fact you’re going to hell if you DON’T read it. So there.

By Like that is going to work

April 14, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

To all that agrees with Mrs. Mallory on banning Harry Potter, try to home school your kids. Do the world a favor, preach in your own backyard.

By Bob

April 14, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Why are there no Bibles in School Libraries?

That’s a fallacy… last I remember there were Bibles in the libraries of every school I attended (all Fulton county public schools). I’m secular, but I had to cite some biblical allusions for a Steinbeck paper I was writing. I went to library, found several bibles, opened one up and looked up the passages I needed to look up. It was there along with several other religious texts.

By Sid

April 14, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

To all of those who feel that their religious views are being denied in public schools, here is a simple solution: SEND YOUR KIDS TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS THAT BELIEVE IN THE SAME THINGS YOU DO. Also, the Harry Potter books are no more fictitious than the Bible. And to base your judgements on an entire series of books soley on portions of a book in just ingnorant on your part. (Oh, but the majority of you probably live your life by picking the pieces of the Bible that you want to live by too.)

By Karen Armsby

April 14, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

I heard that this mom admitted she hasn’t even read one whole Harry Potter book! Hello world, this is fiction and fantasy, not gospel! Censorship is dangerous, especially when advocated by someone who can’t even finish reading the book!

By Ex-Northerner

April 14, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Dear Curious George,

Are you accusing those of us against Ms. Mallory foisting her ideas of what should and should not be read in schools, and the additional underlying issue of what version of Christianity she wants the rest of us to practice, of trying to squelch her right to exercise her religion? You can’t be serious? Again, your thought process is so fatally marred that there is no response due to the lack of cogent argument.

Personal religion is what anyone in the U.S. has a right to practice. It is what you do on your own time and in your own home the way it works for you. I am a Christian and am tired of being called a lesser Christian, and unbelievably sometimes, a non-Christian (Jesus would love that one), just because I dislike and don’t agree with the Pentacostal movement. Enjoy your spirituality in your own way but stay out of my house, where you have no rights, and my school where you have no more rights than me.

By Daniel Gross

April 14, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

I think those who have posted on this board and others that denounce the presence of Harry Potter in our public schools should become more familiar with the separation of church and state. If these parents feel that Harry Potter and other literature foster amibiguous moral values in our schools, then these parents have every right to pursue a private education for their children that is more in line with their religious beliefs and aims as parents. Public schools should continue to make choices that benefit students of all races, religions, and ethnicities. If parents want their children to read the Bible in a classroom, then that should be conducted in a private classroom without offending families that do not share the same religious convictions.

Considering the success J.K. Rowling’s work has had in reaching and motivating young readers, why wouldn’t educators harness this success and encourage children to read and discuss these books candidly? These books possess immense literary value, and just like all good literature, it puts into focus the hard choices we all make in this world. Why wouldn’t we want to continue to encourage children to expand their appreciation of literature based on the success of Harry Potter?

Children will eventually be set free into a complicated world full of hard choices, the same world Harry faces. I am having a hard time comprehending why we would not allow this wonderful series of books to be a part of our schools. They offer plenty of teachable moments for both students and teachers.

I am also having a hard time understanding how the most populous religion in this country is being “persecuted.” As a Jewish American, that makes absolutely no sense to me.

By ABS

April 14, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

No Red, I think I’ll keep YOU as my mascot. My mascot for ignorance. Unfortunately, that person has a point. There is no scientific evidence of God. Fortunately for me, as a Christian myself, I see evidence of God everyday. But back to Harry Potter, I am probably one of the biggest Harry Potter fan in the world! I’ve read all these books many, many times. They are not the most well-written books in the world, neither is the Bible, but they are a lot of fun! On many occassions, they have given me a chance to actually teach my children a life lesson of some kind, on a level they can understand, and you just can’t beat that!

The Bible was written by ancient people who thought the world was flat and there was a place in the sky where some old guy lives surrounded by clouds. Thousands of years ago, when the Bible was written, people didn’t know how the sun came up, they didn’t know the Earth rotated every 24 hours, so they needed a “god” to explain all of that in their simple little minds.

By Kym

April 14, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

Here Here Ex Northerner… I totally agree with you. Maybe we should start a “We love Jesus, just not the way you do movement” and see if it takes off.

By Ex-Northerner

April 14, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Excellent post, Daniel Gross. Christianity is being persecuted in this country only when zealous Christians don’t get their way.

By Ray

April 14, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Red, I started to read that book called the bible only to realize in about 50 words that it was nothing but myth or fantasy. Should I have read the whole thing? Which one, the Catholic version, the protestant version or the Eastern Orthodox versions, all of which have different numbers of books? Maybe you should read every issue of Playboy cover to cover before deciding if there’s anything of value in it.

Perhaps you’re more inclined to believe the Harry Potter series is non-fiction because it has a talking snake in it, just like your favorite book.

By Ex-Northerner

April 14, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Good idea, Kym. However, I really think I’m going to file my request to have The Red Badge of Courage removed due to its violent content. I think everyone here should file their own complaint requesting that their book of choice be removed from the libraries. The only way to combat such stupidity is an equal and effective counter-attack.

By Mom2boys

April 14, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

I am a Christian and have raised my two boys with Christian beliefs. We attend church every Sunday, they are active in youth and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes, held AT SCHOOL by the way). We have read all the Harry Potter books and loved them. Because I am a good parent, and don’t depend on schools or anyone else to teach my children right from wrong, they don’t give HP a second thought once they’re done with the book. They don’t think about witchcraft or turning to evil. It’s just a book, fun to read, fiction — and they know the difference between fiction and reality.

Red, in response to your very arrogant and un-Christian statement “As the world continues to become darker by what your children will grow up to become my children will be the light that your children will eventually seek out” I would simply remind you that your children will never be the light that my children will seek. My children already know who is the light, and they are in no way drawn away from Him by reading ANY book. Your fanaticism and ignorance, and obvious lack of application of Jesus’ actual teachings is scary.

If you are so concerned that your child can be so easily influenced by a book of fiction that he or she would turn from a lifetime of your teachings and embrace wizardry or turn from Christ, perhaps your bigger concern should be why your child’s faith is not rooted more firmly.

By LG

April 14, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

It was the Christians who started the rumors against the Wicca religion. That they could put curses on you and do all this evil stuff. The first rule of Wicca is to have fun, but by no means hurt anyone. They believe that if you do something wrong it will come back to you three fold. In order to convert people to Christianity, the early Christians bad mouth all other religions and their rumors have become fact for some people. All the fantasy in Harry Potter was thought up by the Christians. How ironic is this?

By Kym

April 14, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Well then I am all for banning the following: Beowolf, I hated reading it and still dont understand why I had to read it. Also please ban Catcher in the Rye, I had to read it twice and only got a C on my Lit paper in middle school.

By Ex-Northerner

April 14, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

VERY well said, Mom2boys! Red, no comment? I find your silence telling.

By Sharon

April 14, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

All of this is the reality of what religion is all about. God is not in religion. Nor does He even consider it. This is what is wrong with the church today. And then we as Christians wonder why we are ridiculed and laughed at. The world is looking for something real. The church has failed. God cannot fail. What we need is a relationship with Jesus. That’s the secret to life. Religion kills. Religion destroys. There is no truth in religion. Just listen to everyone’s opinions.

By Ex-Northerner

April 14, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

Ooops, Sharon. You just lost me with “What we need is a relationship with Jesus.” My Jewish friends would take exception to that statement as would those practicing other religions. What we need is to practice our own spirituality, if we choose to have any, in our own way without fear of interference or enforcement from others. It’s called Freedom from mind control.

By Homeschool Mom

April 14, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

This really has nothing to do with the contents of a certain book at all. Just as with abortion and any other moral issues…no one has the right to make those types of decisions for anyone else. You can make those decisions for the people you have control over but it’s not her place to amke those decisions for anyone else.

By red

April 14, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Like I said earlier Ex-Northerner, there’s no use in me debating here. Most of the true Christian aren’t even wasting their time blogging. This group on this blog will never even attempt to see another view other than their own. Even I stated that just like I can teach my children from the Bible from my home you all can do the same with harry potter in your homes. No one side should prevail here. Either all should be allowed or nothing should be allowed. Maybe school should not be a place for moral influences. BTW I’m not at all offended by the personal jabs. I respect each and every opinion stated here. In the end the parent should be the biggest influence over their children. I apologize that my thoughts are not as organized as some of yours. I am at work and cannot express them like I would like to. I apologize for the typos too I’m typing kind of fast as well. I’ve got to go now, but I be back later to see how many more have bashed me. So keep ‘em coming.

By jules

April 14, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

well those books sure helped my son on those reading test they have to take!! :), he is smart.. well read and yes he is a christain!!

By Teresa in West Cobb

April 14, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

Why does this parent feel she has the right to determine what 100,000+ school children in Gwinnett County are allowed to read? This is also known as censorship. As a professional children’s librarian, I am a big proponent of intellectual freedom. My collection includes a variety of quality, well reviewed literature on many different subjects and represents a balanced view on many topics. HP is a highly popular series and and received outstanding reviews in many professional selection journals. The parent admits she didn’t even read the book in its entirety,so she’s picking out sections to challenge. Fantasy is not my favorite genre, yet I buy HP and a slew of other fantasy titles because my users ask for them. I want them to READ. Gwinnett Schools have a book challenge procedure, which has been followed and the local school decided the book would remain on the shelf. The parent has the right to appeal, which she did. I am happy to see the parent taking an active role in monitoring what her children read. However, she has the right to tell her children what to read, but does not have the right to tell the rest of Gwinnett County what they can and cannot read. I hope the Gwinnett School Board upholds the school’s decision to allow the books to remain on the shelves permanently.

By Leanne

April 14, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

I am Christo-Pagan who practices spellcrafting while living in Gwinnett. My daughter is a 7th. grader and has attended Gwinnett County Schools her entire life. She has been raised with Christian and Pagan values. She also knows that Harry Potter is FICTION. I’m glad that other like minded people - or shall I say OPEN minded people - don’t throw a fit about all the books in the libraries which do not support their views. It is the duty of our school system to offer our children the opportunity to read and learn about our world. That includes all aspects of religion, science, politics, and cultures. It is the parent’s duty to allow their child’s mind to absorb as much knowledge as possible, while structuring them with your own values. Give your child the opportunity to make up their own minds so we can one day have a generation of well-educated adults who are capable to observe all the information available and make intelligent choices about what is best for themselves. DO NOT stifle information simply because it’s not for you. It just may be the exact thing your child needs to succeed.

By kit

April 14, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

To all you christians complaining about prayer being rmoved from the schools ect, NOW YOU KNOW HOW I FELT. I grew up in the 60’s here in the south and of a different faith. I was forced to pray to YOUR God not mine. I could not just stand in reverand silence while the rest of class prayed I had to say the same prayer. It is because of closeminded bullys that it has come to this. This is why prayer is taken out of schools, because some Christians are not happy until it ws THEIR BELIEVES that are spewed forth. I really feel sorry for the Christians who have seen their faith hijacked by extremeist.

By ABS

April 14, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

So what is a “true Christian?” Is that some Protestant denomination I’ve not heard of?

By corey

April 14, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

“My personal religious views don’t agree with these books”

who made her the moral compass of Gwinnett, other than her inflated ego?

By Ryan

April 14, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

This is Idiocy, This issue was dealt with years ago (Book Burnings, etc.). It was stupid then and it is stupid now. Children should be encouraged to read in any way possible. The best way to do that is to write something that they find interesting, which is exactly what JK Rowling has done. I read the books every noght with my 8 yr old and he and I both enjoy them. As for the Bible being in Libraries, It should have the same rights as any other book. It should be allowed, we cannot pick and choose which are allowed. It should be sitting right there along with the Harry Potter books in the Fiction section.

By red

April 14, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Can some please explain to me what makes your will greater than hers? Because there’s more of you? Most were in favor of slavery and that didn’t make it right. Can’t you see that just she has a right just like you do. You like ketchup, I don’t. So should all the burgers come with ketchup or should an individual use it if they want to. Keep your moral choices in your own home. What’s so wrong with that!

By jr

April 14, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

hey kit, I am just wondering.. you say that your god is not our god.. well when you die and get to the gates?? wont you feel like a fool for not beleiving in the ONE god??

By The Duck

April 14, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

I think Harry and his friends are aimed at entertaining children in general, and adults just happen to catch on the good story telling. To say that something should go away without having read it first is really not smart.

By Bill

April 14, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

“Mike” is right! What a waste of time and taxpayers’ money to hold public hearings over the ravings of some lunatic. “Sit Down and Shut Up” was the advice he gave. Let’s elect Mike to public office!

By Ex-Northerner

April 14, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Red,

I wish you well, but how typical when you lose a debate to retreat into martyrdom.

By Sharon

April 14, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

God is not in denominations. God is not in church. In fact, there are more devils (demons) in the church today than ever before. I am not attending a church currently because I have not been directed by God to one as of yet. I was raised in a christian home. But some of the beliefs that were instilled in me are not even in the Bible. So in the last few years, I have had to pray and ask God to help me get that junk out of me. IF IT IS NOT IN THE BIBLE, I DON’T TOUCH IT.

By meme

April 14, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Mrs. Mallory, Harry Potter is fiction. Do you know what that means?

By red

April 14, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Not retreating Ex-Northerner. Just trying to work at the same time.