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. School yards all over the world buzzed with discussions about the adventures of Harry Potter. Has any real witchcraft or sorcery ever had such a far reaching positive impact on the intellectual development of children? I think not.
Ironically, it should be remembered that Laura Bush was a tireless supporter of literacy programmes. While donating books to libraries is commendable, the choice of books is very important – they must be books that children are going to read. Boys in particular were previously disinclined to read. The Harry Potter books showed that many boys will read if the subject matter appeals to them.
Despite her undeniable contribution to child literacy, Rowling has come under attack by fundamentalist Christians because of the “moral and spiritual dangers” in her books and has even received death threats. The Vatican’s attitude towards the books used to be quite negative. Prior to being elected Pope, then-Cardinal Ratzinger stated that the Harry Potter books “are subtle seductions, which act unnoticed and by this deeply distort Christianity in the soul, before it can grow properly.” Father Gabriele Amorth, chief exorcist of the Vatican criticized the novels for glorifying magick, “the satanic art,” and for presenting disordered perceptions of morality in the supposedly heroic main characters.
Rowling herself has tried to sanitize the Harry Potter books as Christian allegories. Ultimately, readers have to make up their own minds as to what they choose to believe.
In July 2009, the Vatican, however, reversed its stance on Harry Potter. The Vatican’s official newspaper lauded Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for its “clear” depiction of the eternal battle between good and evil. Perhaps conservative Christians will follow suit and also review their opposition to the occult themes in Harry Potter?
Witchcraft and sorcery are valid spiritual practices that have been embraced by a steadily growing number of people within society. In the face of opposition from conservative Christians, many of these people are forced to live lives of secrecy and discretion. Rowling’s writings demonstrate (in a fanciful way) that such people can be good, and can live their lives by admirable codes. There is good and evil in all of society, and Christianity certainly does not have exclusivity on that which is good.
It’s not just the occult themes in Harry Potter that have upset conservative Christians. In October 2007, Rowling announced that Albus Dumbledore, the head of Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, was gay. Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly stated that the outing of Dumbledore was part of a liberal “indoctrination” of children. The New York times attempted to soften the blow for those who were shocked.
Why should the announcement of Dumbledore being gay be so shocking? Why can’t the master magickian of Hogwarts be gay? It all smacks of attempting to forcibly impose lifestyle choices on others, which is clearly discriminatory. And this is the crux of the matter – one vocal group is attempting to force their beliefs and lifestyle choices on everyone else in society.
In Australia, Rowling’s predicament would be instantly recognizable as Tall Poppy Syndrome. Other children’s books have dealt with similar themes to those in the Harry Potter series, but none have enjoyed their popularity, which has led to them being criticized and resented. Rowling’s achievements are considerable, and she is enjoying the success she so richly deserves. If any children’s books with strong conservative Christian themes eclipse the success of the Harry Potter series, I will applaud them – writing which further promotes child literacy and inculcates ethical values is definitely a good thing.