J.K. Rowling Refused Award Because of References to Witchcraft
On 22 September 2009, Matt Latimer, a former speechwriter for George W Bush, released his book, “Speechless: Tales of a White House Survivor.”
Latimer has some interesting things to say about the politics behind awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the nation’s highest civil award, being presented to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural endeavours.
White House officials under George W Bush refused to give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to author J K Rowling because they believed her Harry Potter writings promoted the practice of witchcraft and sorcery. Publicly, the Bushes were vocal in their praise for her books.
J K Rowling is the pen name of Joanne “Jo” Murray, OBE. Her Harry Potter books have sold more than 400 million copies, have been made into popular films, and have garnered her numerous awards.
What is so often forgotten is that before the first Harry Potter book came out, illiteracy was a major concern, particularly amongst children. The real miracle of the Harry Potter books is that they caused millions of children around the world to read (and re-read) them voraciously. (more…)