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Should they be banned from schools of not?
I am not sure why children are not being allowed to read these books.

angeldragon932 said on

>Should they be banned from schools of not?
>I am not sure why children are not being allowed to read these books.

It's just a sign of the times angeldragon! Stay around long enough and this will pass.

In the 1960s, I was going to a small town here in Texas where some of the 'country boys' ganged up on the only boy who let his hair grow long and wear clothes like his idols called the Beatles from Britan. He was beaten up behind the Post Office while all the kids gathered round to egg it on. Why? Because he was different, but times have changed in that town and the 'scary boogie-man' craze in reference to Harry Potter will pass because another generation of parents will be sending their children to school and will be more open minded than their parents.

Just look at our history in the last 50 years. There's been so many social changes. When you reach your 40s and look back at such things as the Harry Potter ban, you will realize that people cannot stop the world changing. They cannot make everybody be just like themselves although nations and religions are still trying to do so even today.

Don't worry about Harry Potter, he will be flying back on those bookshelves in a few years and besides, if there is one sure way to get kids (and people in general) to want to read or do something, it is by banning it. Remember Dolores Umbridge banning the Quibler when Harry Potter gave an exclusive interview? It's like seeing a sign on a park bench, "Wet Paint". Doesn't it make you want to go over to the bench to see if it is really wet? It's human nature!

All that's important is that you are true to yourself. You can plant the seeds into other kids minds by touching on the hilights of the Harry Potter books without stirring up the water too much then sit back and watch it spread to others. That's how I wound up reading the books. I was watching a morning program where the anchorwoman (who is too right brained and stiff for my comfort) went on about Harry Potter. I was shocked to see her so excited, which I had never seen before, and figured that if someone as stuck up as she can like a kids book then I have got to read them myself. Of course, the rest is history. She planted the seed into my mind and it flourished! (PS: I still can't stand her though.)

Well, so much for my soapbox sermon. :S

Sincerely,
Zookie

angeldragon,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- it is one thing for parents to monitor\restrict, etc what their kids read - this has always been part of parental responsibility - legally and socially

- whether schools can or should ban books is something of another matter - school boards tend to reflect the 'will' of the majority of those in their school system - and as always there are some in the 'minority' that will disagree and make noises (with which I have no problem, per se)

- as for the Potter books in particular?? Remember, that in the West, particularly the USA, the majority of folks are some flavor of christian - remember too who it was in this country that persecuted people accused of witchcraft (not proven to be witches, just accused)

- but, I would say, "witches" have never had easy going in the mainstream of most Judeo-Christian and Islamic cultures

- and, isn't it amazing how poorly some of todays adults forget that when they were kids they read 'fantasy stuff' too - of which their parents may not have thought too highly - Narnia sagas, for example

- sometimes it seems that when stories deal with matters of 'good and evil', loyalty, friendship, sacrificice, etc that people get way too neurotic about the "darker stuff" -

- can't see the trees for The Dark Forest (of their own Shadow)

bagl

Reiki All Around,

All Blessings,

Firekeeper

Blessed Be!!

>:-}}

AS a devotee of Potter, why should they NOT read these books? Have you read Lemony Snickett lately? and no questions about that series? Believe me there are many books out there much worse than Potter that are on the school books lists. I know, as my children get the lists and I work in the school system.
Blessings,
Tracey

Not sure about banned from schools. However, I dont like them. My son is ten and the dementors have scared him rigid. It is taking a long time for him to get over them and he still has trouble sleeping. Even going upstairs can be a problem because he thinks they are waiting for him. It makes me very angry to think that the sensationalisation of these books piques childrens interests enough for them to overcome their better judgement and read the books anyway. He has just come back from a friends house where they were playing the HP game on the PC and he wanted to bring it home with him. He thinks I am over reacting when I wont let him, but I know the bravado is easy with his friend around. I am the one who has to get up in the early hours when he is having nightmares!
Ally

Tough call, Just tell him I guess,(i aint a parent so I may be wrong) give me time to think on it. It can't harm. You've got an out of thinking of it and he thinks he's in for a chance. poor kid. I remember seeing jaws around same age and having nightmares. wish you luck.
distract him with something different maybe? not a bribe as such just uh for example get a jigsaw of 1000 pieces and say that maybe when the jigsaw is done. or ask him to help you to make smoothie ice pops. I haven't a clue really.

be cool!

Nightmares are not so bad. To me they can be used for opportunities for growth if he can confront the dementors in dreams or ask for help in dream etc. The dementors are most likely in his dreams to get his attention pertaining to another matter. But, what do I know. Just going on what I have read about dreamwork. Maybe writing out his dreams may help.
peace,
Prosperity