J.k. Rowlings Is One Crazy Lady!

[judy]

I'm sorry Angie, but I'm glad that the HP series is over. I know how sad you were when it ended. I just finished the 6th book and am going to listen to the last when I finish the book I'm in the middle of now.

I love the HP's. They're wonderful stories, the characters are like my friends, they're beautifully written and she has talent beyond belief.

But - at a recent press conference, she "outed" Dumbledore. She told everyone there that he was gay. Of course, the media picked it up.

Now, I have no problem with anybody's sexual preference, but she made him up.
In her mind, he may very well be gay, but this book is written for everyone from young children up. What are we all supposed to do with that bit of information?
Even I started to wonder if he had tried anything with Harry. I can't imagine what a young child would do with that fact.

Anyway, I see no reason for her to make that statement and I really have no respect for that kind of egotistical craziness. It served no good purpose except for her. for whatever reason.

[AngieDoogles]

I was shocked by that news Judy. It doesn't even fit his character AT ALL! That's the disturbing part. Luckily, there was never any mention of that anywhere in the books, so I still think it's alright for children to read. I mean, if even as an adult I didn't pick up on it (and neither did my husband or any other adult I know who loves the series), then I doubt a child would think "Oh, he's gay" unless someone told him. For me, Dumbledore is not an amazing heterosexual wizard, he's not an amazing homosexual wizard. He's just an amazing wizard. I never thought of him as having romantic feelings for anyone and that is how I continue to see him, regardless of any new information.

As for the series as a whole...it teaches many wonderful values that I think children and adults alike can benefit from--love, friendship, sacrifice, death, that authority is not always right, to stand up for what you believe in, to speak the truth at all costs, that good can triumph over evil...etc, etc, etc.

I recently read another interesting article about the series and it's Christian themes. I won't post the link because it contains countless spoilers for the last book, but here is a nice little quote:

On his parents' tombstone he reads the quote "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death," while on another tombstone...(info taken out so as not to spoil book 7)...he reads, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

While Rowling said that "Hogwarts is a multifaith school," these quotes, of course, are distinctly Christian. The second is a direct quote of Jesus from Matthew 6:19, the first from 1 Corinthians 15:26. As Hermione tells Harry shortly after he sees the graves, his parents' message means "living beyond death. Living after death." It is one of the central foundations of resurrection theology.

Judy, after finishing book 7, you'll see just how big the themes of Christianity are in the series. I can't tell you what I mean, because it would give way too much away.

[judy]

You're so right about the books. They do teach wonderful values and the characters are so interesting. There is nothing sexual in any of the books, and I'm sure not in the last either. Even when Harry and Ginny hook up, it's not sexual. I'm sure Ron and Hermione are also in love.

That's what upset me when I heard her announcement about Dumbledore. It was so unnecessary and totally inappropriate. I'm a fan of her writing, but don't ever want to meet her.

[judy]

For anyone else who might even care, here are a bunch of article summaries about
this.

http://tailrank.com/3397226/Dumbledore-was-gay-JK-tells-amazed-fans

[katepoet]

I realized when I saw the longer clip that it seemed she had just slipped as part of a conversation about the characters, but what a big slip! Thing is, children really shouldn't be seeing their teachers and principals as sexual - married, yes, even to the same sex, fine, but not sexual. It's different. The way her comment was taken out of context and blasted by the media - which she should have expected - created something sexual in my view. So sad. And it gave ammunition to those who dislike the magic in the books, who feel it is anti-religious. I imagine the companies that produce the books and films were not happy with her.

Such a shame that she had to muddy the waters.

[judy]

I realized when I saw the longer clip that it seemed she had just slipped as part of a conversation about the characters, but what a big slip! Thing is, children really shouldn't be seeing their teachers and principals as sexual - married, yes, even to the same sex, fine, but not sexual. It's different. The way her comment was taken out of context and blasted by the media - which she should have expected - created something sexual in my view. So sad. And it gave ammunition to those who dislike the magic in the books, who feel it is anti-religious. I imagine the companies that produce the books and films were not happy with her.

Such a shame that she had to muddy the waters.

I'm not sure it was an accidental slip. I think she created him as gay, which is fine.
I think she just doesn't care or even realize that it might impact people in a way they don't need in the context of the HP series. It adds nothing.

She's a brilliant author, and you know what they say about geniuses!

[katepoet]

It seems she had a difficult childhood, too, if my memory serves. I don't really know but I suppose she may be ignorant of how severely these things can impact a community.

[AngieDoogles]

It seems she had a difficult childhood, too, if my memory serves. I don't really know but I suppose she may be ignorant of how severely these things can impact a community.

Well at least she's done a TON of good things. She's donated countless millions to MS research, children's literacy programs, Find Madelyn McCain foundations, cancer research, homeless shelters, etc. etc. etc. I have a lot of respect for her in that regard, even though I feel this latest information was unnecessary...

[Marilyn]

My whole family was shocked when JK came out with this. Our oldest daughter who lives in Austin called as soon as she heard. I just told everyone that Harry Potter is a fantasy, and in my fantasy, Dumbledore is NOT gay, and no statement JK can make, even if she did write the books and create the characters, will change MY Dumbledore. We each recreate these characters in our minds to be what we want them to be when we are reading the books. My Dumbledore does not look exactly like the actors either for that matter.

I agree with Angie, there was nothing sexual at all regarding Dumbledore in any of the books or movies. He was just an amazing wizard.

I don't know what JK's motivation could have been. It seems that every show on TV has to have a gay couple in it. I've heard that Christina in Greys is bi and will soon have a relationship with another female in the series, probably the doctor who replaced Burke. There is even a male Desperate Housewife this season. Maybe JK felt she had to "out" Dumbledore to fit in and be stylish. Who knows!!!???

[AngieDoogles]

My whole family was shocked when JK came out with this. Our oldest daughter who lives in Austin called as soon as she heard. I just told everyone that Harry Potter is a fantasy, and in my fantasy, Dumbledore is NOT gay, and no statement JK can make, even if she did write the books and create the characters, will change MY Dumbledore. We each recreate these characters in our minds to be what we want them to be when we are reading the books. My Dumbledore does not look exactly like the actors either for that matter.

I agree with Angie, there was nothing sexual at all regarding Dumbledore in any of the books or movies. He was just an amazing wizard.

I don't know what JK's motivation could have been. It seems that every show on TV has to have a gay couple in it. I've heard that Christina in Greys is bi and will soon have a relationship with another female in the series, probably the doctor who replaced Burke. There is even a male Desperate Housewife this season. Maybe JK felt she had to "out" Dumbledore to fit in and be stylish. Who knows!!!???

The bolded part is EXACTLY how I feel about it Marilyn. As for the actors, I saw the first movie before I read the books so MY Dumbledore looks exactly like Richard Harris. LOL. He did such an amazing job too. What a shame that he died... :( As far as Michael Gambon goes, I think they could've found ANYONE to play the part better than he did. He is NOT Dumbledore at all--too harsh, too mean, and too abrupt! :(

[katepoet]

One of the rules of being a successful adult is knowing when to keep your mouth shut! And knowing when you haven't had enough sleep so you'd better think twice before you speak!

[AngieDoogles]

One of the rules of being a successful adult is knowing when to keep your mouth shut! And knowing when you haven't had enough sleep so you'd better think twice before you speak!

I don't think she has the option of not speaking on a book tour. lol

[AngieDoogles]

By the way Judy, I think you resemble JKR a bit...

[judy]

Thanks Angie! She's only 40 something, so that's nice!

I don't think I've seen the new Dumbledore, but I'll always think of him as you guys said. I have my own Dumbledore, and I love him, gay or not.

How ironic - I just put on Dr. Phil and he's talking to a female teacher accused of having sex with her student(s). I think that's why her comment upset me and others. There's a lot about pedophiles lately.

Well, I'm glad to hear that JK has been so benevolant. She is a good-hearted genius who shouldn't do public speaking with questions and answers. She needs someone to explain what not to say.

It's always good to discuss things with other people so you can see the whole picture.

[DianaB]

Did you Harry Potter fans see where she wrote another book and only had 7 printed? She gave 6 to friends and the last one is to be auctioned off. It's a book that is written about in her HP books. I thought that you might be interested.

http://entertainment.msn.com/news/article.aspx?news=282015&GT1=10547

[AngieDoogles]

Did you Harry Potter fans see where she wrote another book and only had 7 printed? She gave 6 to friends and the last one is to be auctioned off. It's a book that is written about in her HP books. I thought that you might be interested.

http://entertainment.msn.com/news/article.aspx?news=282015&GT1=10547

Wow, I didn't know that. Those will be worth SO much! There are two others she wrote for charities that are also books mentioned in the series.

[katepoet]

Something I try to remember to do is to sit quietly for a moment before answering a question when I am tired. It helps prevent errors that will haunt me in the future! My son is an expert at taking his time to speak. Is that a guy thing?

[judy]

I says copies of the seven books have been sold. It will show up for sale soon!

Kate, I don't think it's a guy thing. It is a good thing!

[AngieDoogles]

I says copies of the seven books have been sold. It will show up for sale soon!

Kate, I don't think it's a guy thing. It is a good thing!


She gave six away as gifts and auctioned the seventh for charity. Wish I'd been on her list of six. lol

[katepoet]

I am going to sell my HP hardcover books. 1-5 and 7 are all first editions, 6 is not worth it - we got it from someone else who beat it up a bit. Before I put them on ebay - does anyone have an interest?

[AngieDoogles]

I am going to sell my HP hardcover books. 1-5 and 7 are all first editions, 6 is not worth it - we got it from someone else who beat it up a bit. Before I put them on ebay - does anyone have an interest?

How much are you selling them for? I *might* be interested. ;)

[katepoet]

I don't know - let me get them together on Saturday and check but probably cheap! Just clearing room in the house and putting away money for the heat this winter.

[AngieDoogles]

I don't know - let me get them together on Saturday and check but probably cheap! Just clearing room in the house and putting away money for the heat this winter.

Alright, just let me know and I'll discuss it with my hubby. :)