HARRY POTTER
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The Press, Christchurch, Sat 24 Nov 2001

In a few words:

Ten schools are interested in backing the Harry Potter film, by
encouraging attendance (November 6). But this film is about
witchcraft and occult practices, sorcery, magic, and spells.
What are the long-term effects on our children? This is not
harmless fun. This is serious. Have we lost the art of
discerning between good and evil?
Margaret Boyne


The Press, Christchurch, Tue 27 Nov 2001

Letters to the editor:

Harry Potter

Sir--A thousand thank-yous to Margaret Boyne (November 24) for
alerting me to the dangers of indulging my children's
imagination in the fantasy that is Harry Potter.

It is only through her measured and balanced view of this latest
phenomenon sweeping the world that I have recognised the fine
line between education and the occult.

Accordingly, I have withdrawn those age-old favourites, Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel,
and Cinderella from my children's book-cases because all these
stories have magical spells, evil fairies, and wicked witches in
them, and I am only just beginning in my crusade.

I look forward to the rest of Christchurch's young parents and
pre-school teachers joining me in the book-burning ceremony that
I am planning to hold on Boxing Day, to purge ourselves of the
blight that is infecting our society.
Peter Curnow
November 24, 2001


The Press, Christchurch, Thu 29 Nov 2001

Letters to the editor:

Harry Potter

Sir--In reference to the satirical (at least I hope it is
satirical) letter from P. Curnow (November 27), I find it ironic
that fundamentalists condemn Harry Potter for being "occult" and
unsuitable for children yet regard the Bible as viable (indeed,
mandatory) reading for the young.

They seem blind to the fact that the sacred text dwells in lurid
detail on such wholesome topics as incest, child abuse, child
murder, demons, witches, nakedness, drunkenness, sexual
uncleanliness, and where one has to put one's ejaculate.

One can hardly turn a page in the Old Testament without finding
the central characters being murdered or mutilated.

Rather than deny kids a read of Harry Potter, perhaps we should
be limiting their exposure to this schizophrenic fundamentalist
hypocrisy. I doubt, after all, that Harry would hijack a
broomstick and crash it into the nearest public building.

Darren A. Saunders
November 27, 2001


The Press, Christchurch, Fri 14 Dec 2001

Letters to the editor:

Harry Potter

Sir--J.K. Rowling has achieved a wonderful thing: getting boys
to read.

Reading is highly important for literacy levels and is an
immensely satisfaying experience whose greatness cannot be
overstated. The books are written elegantly with delightful
charm and sophistication, they have exciting plots, tightly
wrought emotions and are free from American colloquialisms
which blight other works. They also promote good against evil.

As for the accusations of Harry Potter promoting an occult world
of wickedness and sorcery, and being a dangerous obsession, one
must not lose sight that it is a childrens' book. More dangerous
is the dogmatic adherence to the Bible, another fiction book,
but far less entertaining.

Such criticisms of J.K. Rowling's works constitute an affront
to the great Albus Dumbledore himself.

William Fussey
Oxford, December 11