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EmmaRiddle · #1 (**permalink**) 01-29-2005, 11:11 AM

Mairéad Scannell first wrote an article (which we reported on here) in the Irish Examiner, claiming Harry Potter was 'not suitable for children'.

Now Orlaith Ní Challanáin has written an article in response to her harsh words, defending the novel series.

It's nice to see that common sense still exists in the world

Quote:

Perhaps if she (Mairéad) had, she would realise that they are wonderful, engaging stories about an orphaned boy’s efforts to overcome hardship, and that they strongly convey the value of friendship and loyalty.

Quote:

“Dark” subjects such as death or cruelty are dealt with sensitively, and Ms Scannell’s claim that “divine symbols are perverted” is ridiculous.

How can she claim that nobody in the books “wants to do good” when the whole purpose of the series is to show us how evil can be defeated through love?

Quote:

I fail to see how it can be a danger to children; rather it will persuade them to use their imaginations and perhaps be more creative.

A book that encourages children to read more instead of watching television, say, is hardly worthy of investigation by the Government or the church.

The article contains this statement;

"As for the magic, it is obviously complete fiction."

I couldn't agree more.

Source: HPANA

Nabs · 01-29-2005, 11:33 AM

she's just weird...

Mikaela · 01-29-2005, 12:59 PM

WELL! Glad to see they'll print a balanced response which, might I and, sounds less like a senseless rant than the article she's responding to.

bad_faith · 01-29-2005, 01:52 PM

Well, she's strange.

mione_girlgwp · 01-29-2005, 02:53 PM

Glad to see that there was a response to that crazy article!

lizzie mc · 01-29-2005, 04:34 PM

i love hp books, and its right when they say it keeps children away from the tv, it keeps me away from the tv, need i say more!

phoenixtears489 · 01-29-2005, 05:08 PM

Couldn't have said it better myself....

samanthalee1983 · 01-29-2005, 05:27 PM

Quote:

"As for the magic, it is obviously complete fiction."

Agreed. Real magic is nothing like in the Books or Movies (Although some times I wish I could wave a wand and say Scorgify and have my apartment cleaned).
Anyway, I'm glad there was a response to this. The things that were said in the original article were half-truths at best and conclusions that were completely ridiculous. I'm glad to see that there are some intelegent people still writing articles.

gigizelaya · 01-29-2005, 05:38 PM

im happy that someone is deffending these books i cant believe that someone would be senseless enough to think they were harmful.. O yes its soooo horrible having kids actually use their imagination and brains! ugh ! i never read a book and was horrible in English until i discovered these books , now i read and enjoy reading almost anything that falls on my lap!
Im so happy that fans wont take thi stuff sitting tho. Thank god for common sense

01-29-2005, 05:42 PM

i agree!! i used to hate reading untill i picked up harry potter

Cristygen · 01-29-2005, 05:59 PM

I totally agree with her. It's nice to see a thinking person between those ignorant ones.

Petrovich · 01-29-2005, 06:27 PM

There is clever people in the world, among us.

Starbreeze · 01-29-2005, 07:32 PM

Harry Potter is so suitable for childern! Why not? I mean children can't really read a book like HP(not that they can't but its too big) and the movies aren't R rated. its stupid! My parents never let me watch or read HP untill i turned 14 they thought it had Dark Magic and stuff and because of our religion but now my parents like HP. Whats her good reason for saying that HP is not suitable for children!!!

XxNoelxX · 01-29-2005, 08:13 PM

I think this whole thing is a bit much. Chill out it's a book Harry Potter is not going to start a new world order or make a kid more creative.

fr2nc1z · 01-29-2005, 08:44 PM

I think that HP books are good for children for the same reasons the original author said it wasn't. It helps children understand concepts such as death and cruelty -- so that they know how to handle death and be courageous against cruelty.

I think that this original author is taking the phrase "protect the children" way too literally -- without realizing that too much protection will be harmful for the children.

Hp Princess · 01-29-2005, 08:45 PM

^yes couldnt agree better

Madame_Tonks · 01-29-2005, 08:59 PM

It's nice to see more people publicly speaking up against close-minded goons.

prettyinpink · 01-29-2005, 11:57 PM

yea really!

RedMartini · 01-30-2005, 12:39 AM

I agree.

slythringurl04 · 01-30-2005, 01:05 AM

hm...interesting

Lupin Jr · 01-30-2005, 01:13 AM

*Sigh* it's irratating when people just jump to the conclusion that Harry Potter is evil because it contains magic. I have said it before and I will say it again, the magic is mearly a novelty, nothing more then a backdrop, to bring forwards the story of how powerful love is, and how qualities like loyalty and bravery are to be appriecieted in society. Why does anything that becomes remotly popular people have to stab at without looking beyond the obvious? Simply to get some much wanted attention no doubt.
It was a good reply and I hope that common sense finally gets to some people. We, here, are arguably some of the most dedicated fans, and are we all making potions and spells like crackpots? No, we are enjoying the story. And if we're not that crazy then casual readers arn't either. And if the original author of that article didn't relise that then I think she isn't giving children enough credit, the question is who has more common sense?

potterxfan04 · 01-30-2005, 01:20 AM

im glad that she defends HP, there's nothing wrong with the magic or imagination. it does motivate kids to read, my younger brother finally picked up a HP book. granted, it was GoF and he was totally confused (so idk if he's still trying to read it) but hey, he tried at least

the_blonde_one · 01-30-2005, 01:41 AM

Glad to see someone supporting our lovely Jo!!

Too many people try to argue against her and it's all a load of rubbish - finally someone's stuck up for what we've been saying all along!