In 1997, the first book in the “Harry Potter” series was released, opening up what millions of fans and critics would consider the greatest fantasy world ever brought to life. Unfortunately, all that time J.K. Rowling spent creating a fantasy seems to have gotten in the way of gaining a firm grasp on reality — in the last several years, the author has been outspoken about beliefs widely deemed to be transphobic.
Fans of the series can be relieved it wasn’t written today, as Rowling’s views seem to have seeped into how she sees the wizarding world. While Harry Potter was 11 when he received his letter from Hogwarts in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” his creator now believes that 11 is too young to decide to become a wizard.
“Sure, Harry learned how to create magic and gained a deeper understanding of himself as well as the world as a whole, but part of me thinks he would’ve been better off remaining a lonely orphan living in a closet under the stairs,” said Rowling.
Further, the “The Christmas Pig” author expressed concerns over what may have happened if Harry had decided to take on a more standard occupation upon graduating from Hogwarts.
“Attending Hogwarts from that young age practically blocked Harry from becoming an accountant — I really believe that. When you have the power to heal or destroy just about anything in your path, you’re not going to resort to using a graphing calculator,” stated Rowling.
The Nestlé Smarties Book Prize winner also spoke on how normal people, or muggles if ya nasty, would potentially interact with the Chosen One.
“Muggles simply wouldn’t understand Harry. I know that when I don’t understand something, I automatically deem it nefarious and insist on knowing what its genitals look like,” acknowledged Rowling. “If Harry did so much as take out his wand to stop ice cream falling from a cone on a hot summer day, he would most likely be murdered on the spot.”
If 11 is too young to become a wizard, then it raises the question of when the right time is — if ever.
“If I may be honest, I’m not sure that Harry ever needs to become a wizard. Couldn’t he just put on a cloak and wave around a stick? Granted, I still wouldn’t respect it, but at least then there would be the comfort of knowing that he’s not quite fulfilled and will never be fully at peace with himself,” noted the author.
Though J.K. Rowling’s beliefs may be harmful, everyone is a work in progress. In this case, it can be hoped that Rowling will progress to be the person everyone thought she already was until about five years ago.
Photo courtesy of Executive Office of the President via Wikimedia
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