Amen. And I will not be watching either. Will make a donation to PFLAG instead of spending time/money that could ultimately line her pockets. I WAS a huge fan. Not anymore.
I never would ask, because I think such questions place a burden on the community being harmed. But when I open the topic with friends, mostly it's because I'm hoping they, too, no longer want anything to do with HP--not because I want a "there, there, that's okay." Because it's not.
Most of my specfic community is actively Done With Her. There have always been conversations about separating the art from the artist, but when the artist crosses certain lines...nope.
Thank you for articulating this. For those of us desperately protecting the lives of our trans family members, it really helps to have the words (and the courage) to speak to those trying to absolve their own guilt and demons.
I never read the books or saw any of the films. I won’t be watching the series either. I despise J.K. Rowling and her crusade against Trans people. Her actions are disgusting and I wouldn’t spend a tinker’s dime on anything she has a hand in.
Thank you for writing this. I , like you , also really love Harry Potter and thought I liked JK Rowlings as a person. I even found myself trying to convince myself that she wasn’t anti-trans in the beginning and she was just pro women and I’m long past believing in that now. It’s heartbreaking to me that she turned out to be such a vicious opponent. I won’t be watching the new series, even though it has one of my favourite actors in it.
That series helped me help my students learn to love reading. Some later became their authentic selves as they transitioned. I'm over Rowlings, and anything that enriches her. I'm sorry she has shown her true prejudices and attacked your right to live in peace.
Of course no one should ask you. We must all make our own moral decisions. Asking you seems a bit like having a priest absolve your sins. Grow up. Right your wrongs. Forgive yourself or not, but don’t expect decisions without consequences.
The thing that is so terrible--okay, there is much that is terrible in this situation--is that it's as if JKR has neglected the very ideas that made HP so enjoyable for so many of us: namely that we are all stronger and more capable and our communities much improved when we are inclusive & welcoming. Voldemort's whole deal is "blood purity." Like, ya gotta be born that way. THAT is why he is a bad guy. It's like we've watched McGonagale become Voldemort. So damn sad. And also, a question for JKR and all the other gazillionaires: you have enough to go off and do whatever you want, however you want. Why spend any of your energy or resources making life shitty for other people?
You’ve nailed it once again, Charlotte.Thank you so much for this. People need to examine their own consciences and make their own decisions, not ask for absolution or permission from the very folks terribly harmed by the actions of bad actors like Rowling. For those with interest in the topic of whether to engage with the works of artists who have behaved badly (to put it mildly), might I recommend Claire Dederer’s fantastic book Monsters, A Fan’s Dilemma. The onus is on the audience!
Not to worry, dear Charlotte, I didn't even know there was a series coming up. I loved the original series, but knowing what we know now, could not enjoy a minute of anything she is part of.
Amen. And I will not be watching either. Will make a donation to PFLAG instead of spending time/money that could ultimately line her pockets. I WAS a huge fan. Not anymore.
I never would ask, because I think such questions place a burden on the community being harmed. But when I open the topic with friends, mostly it's because I'm hoping they, too, no longer want anything to do with HP--not because I want a "there, there, that's okay." Because it's not.
Most of my specfic community is actively Done With Her. There have always been conversations about separating the art from the artist, but when the artist crosses certain lines...nope.
Thank you for articulating this. For those of us desperately protecting the lives of our trans family members, it really helps to have the words (and the courage) to speak to those trying to absolve their own guilt and demons.
I understand the assignment.
Charlotte,
I never read the books or saw any of the films. I won’t be watching the series either. I despise J.K. Rowling and her crusade against Trans people. Her actions are disgusting and I wouldn’t spend a tinker’s dime on anything she has a hand in.
Thank you for all you do.
Steve Dundas
What you said.
Thank you for writing this. I , like you , also really love Harry Potter and thought I liked JK Rowlings as a person. I even found myself trying to convince myself that she wasn’t anti-trans in the beginning and she was just pro women and I’m long past believing in that now. It’s heartbreaking to me that she turned out to be such a vicious opponent. I won’t be watching the new series, even though it has one of my favourite actors in it.
That series helped me help my students learn to love reading. Some later became their authentic selves as they transitioned. I'm over Rowlings, and anything that enriches her. I'm sorry she has shown her true prejudices and attacked your right to live in peace.
Of course no one should ask you. We must all make our own moral decisions. Asking you seems a bit like having a priest absolve your sins. Grow up. Right your wrongs. Forgive yourself or not, but don’t expect decisions without consequences.
The thing that is so terrible--okay, there is much that is terrible in this situation--is that it's as if JKR has neglected the very ideas that made HP so enjoyable for so many of us: namely that we are all stronger and more capable and our communities much improved when we are inclusive & welcoming. Voldemort's whole deal is "blood purity." Like, ya gotta be born that way. THAT is why he is a bad guy. It's like we've watched McGonagale become Voldemort. So damn sad. And also, a question for JKR and all the other gazillionaires: you have enough to go off and do whatever you want, however you want. Why spend any of your energy or resources making life shitty for other people?
You’ve nailed it once again, Charlotte.Thank you so much for this. People need to examine their own consciences and make their own decisions, not ask for absolution or permission from the very folks terribly harmed by the actions of bad actors like Rowling. For those with interest in the topic of whether to engage with the works of artists who have behaved badly (to put it mildly), might I recommend Claire Dederer’s fantastic book Monsters, A Fan’s Dilemma. The onus is on the audience!
When I first learned how transphobic JKR was, I swore off all her shit and will continue to do so. She doesn't get one red penny from me.
Thank you. Lord, have mercy.
I'm with you, Charlotte. Not another penny.
This. So much this. How anyone can still defend her is beyond me.
Not to worry, dear Charlotte, I didn't even know there was a series coming up. I loved the original series, but knowing what we know now, could not enjoy a minute of anything she is part of.
Well said.