What does Harry Potter teach?

[Deadbolt]

Some of the applicants have hilarious claims.

The instant I have something I can objectively prove with empirical evidence, I'm going after that prize.

I could use some help paying off my school loans, and the money could also be used toward research.

Should be quite the show.

 

[morningstar2651]

Should be quite the show.

Actually, I'm expecting something anticlimactic.

"Within the Challenge, this means that at the time your application is submitted and approved, your claim will be considered paranormal for the duration. If, after testing, it is decided that your ability is either scientifically explainable or will be someday, you needn’t worry. If the JREF has agreed to test you, then your claim is paranormal."

If you look at this science text from the early 20th century, you'll see how much progress we've made in less than 100 years. All I would have to do is demonstrate something that science can not currently explain.

 

[lucyclaire]

Who in their right mind places children in positions of authority?

Given their lack of maturity I think it would be I think it would be dangerous for anyone to be around them not just homosexuals.

The majority of children are sexually abused by men who are married and in their own homes.

 

[I_are_sceptical]

What specific spells and rituals can I learn from Harry Potter?

None. In HP the ability to do magic is genetic. You are either born with the ability, or you are not.

If you have the ability you will be contacted at age eleven by people who are willing to train you.

Furthermore, to use a wand you must have a body part from a dragon, phoenix, unicorn, veela, or one other magical creature, I forget which. None of those beings exist, therefore wands are impossible to manufacture.

Anyone who seriously claims children can learn to cast spells from the books HAS NOT read those books.

 

[jax5434]

The majority of children are sexually abused by men who are married and in their own homes.

Posiibly true but I think you have completely misread my post. Perhaps you shopuld take another look?

Jax

 

[keith99]

It teaches the values of friendship and loyalty, over social climbing
and family status
That bigotry is often based of ignorance and fear.
That fundermentalism is dangerous and authority should be questioned. Rebellion for the right reason is a good, brave and costly thing.
That dictators/idols often build their images on lies and can display psycopathic behaviour at an early age. And idolising them will
end in a path of evil and death...
That slavery is cruel and will bring vengance and mistrust.
That redemption is always possible, even if the cost is high.
That war kills the innocent
and that Gay men can be great Headmasters....

And that love is what determines our humanity.

Might I add a few? Some rather specific.

Failure to speak about and against Evil helps it grow (He who shall not be named).

Martin Niemöller's words can be made alive even though not spoken (First they came for the Mugbloods, but I did not speak up ...)

A small thing can take a LOT of courage. I have not got to the end yet. Perhaps it would not strike a child as it did me, but Dudleys words "He's not a waste of space" took nearly as much guts as anything Harry did.

Magic does not magically make things better, and perhaps it can not.

My only real objection to the books is that it also seems to teach that you can tell someone truely evil by looking at them, Slimy and greasy or Toadlike... Unless something happens in the last half of the last book that is. Oh one could argue against this, after all Tom Riddle was rather handsome to start. But on the whole it is the gut feel I get.

 

[Shemjaza]

My only real objection to the books is that it also seems to teach that you can tell someone truely evil by looking at them, Slimy and greasy or Toadlike... Unless something happens in the last half of the last book that is. Oh one could argue against this, after all Tom Riddle was rather handsome to start. But on the whole it is the gut feel I get.

Mostly you're quite right... except Draco is handsome and well dressed (if an arrogant and obnoxious) and Snape is sallow looking and has a very abrasive personality, yet is very noble and brave.

 

[celticfan83]

Ok, so if Harry Potter allegedly teaches people about witchcraft (Aside from the fact that real witchcraft is NOTHING like Harry Potter) and magic and all that stuff, what exactly can I learn from reading Harry Potter?

What specific spells and rituals can I learn from Harry Potter?

that bad writing in volume combined with a hollywood studio can make you really rich for no apparent reason

 

[Ringo84]

Here's a revolutionary idea: perhaps it doesn't "teach" anything. Perhaps it is simply a children's story that's entertaining and which encourages children to read.

Just a thought.
Ringo

 

[celticfan83]

Here's a revolutionary idea: perhaps it doesn't "teach" anything. Perhaps it is simply a children's story that's entertaining and which encourages children to read.

Just a thought.
Ringo

wait that would be too simple that can't be it

 

[bigfen31]

Needless to say I see that you guys are Harry Potter fans by your posts.

 

[Ringo84]

Needless to say I see that you guys are Harry Potter fans by your posts.

Don't assume. I've never actually read it. My father, who happens to be a former pastor, has read several of the books and has enjoyed them immensely. I believe, as he does, that Harry Potter is a harmless children's story - just like the many children's stories that feature magic but have nothing to do with "witchcraft".

I simply think that this whole flap over Harry Potter and its "teachings" is absurd to the max.
Ringo

 

[Steezie]

Needless to say I see that you guys are Harry Potter fans by your posts.

I actually dont like Harry Potter, I've read a few chapters of the first book and didnt like it, sci-fi is more my speed.

No one has yet been able to cite exactly what someone can learn from Harry Potter in terms of witchcraft

 

[keith99]

Mostly you're quite right... except Draco is handsome and well dressed (if an arrogant and obnoxious) and Snape is sallow looking and has a very abrasive personality, yet is very noble and brave.

Ah but Draco is just a child and his evil has not fully born fruit (and may never). But I tend to agree, if he would just wash his hair and not snear quite as much he could be quite good looking. But I'd say he still fits the idea that you can pretty much judge a book by it's cover idea.

 

[keith99]

I actually dont like Harry Potter, I've read a few chapters of the first book and didnt like it, sci-fi is more my speed.

No one has yet been able to cite exactly what someone can learn from Harry Potter in terms of witchcraft

I've really stopped and thought about this. Science Fiction is also much more my thing and you can learn a whole lot more about the traditions of magic in the real world from Sci Fi authors when they tread that ground (Magic Inc. by Heinlein comes to mind). But in thinking I did find some things, but 180 degrees from what the critics think can be found.

Actual performing of spells or potions. Nothing that could work, e.g they all require things that do not exist. There is one thing one very small thing related to magical principles. In the Polyjuice potion you need some hair from the person you wish to impersonate. That does fit 'real' magic. But I'm pretty sure the same and more is in Shakespear.

But I did find a couple of things that fit real world traditions. Harry and friends do find magical objects of great power a couple of times. Tom Riddles Diary for one. Others later. These powerful items rule/influence the person who has them in way that person does not intend or know. That does fit magic tradition and really a rather blantant warning. Along with that there is the difficulty in destroying or abandoning those objects.

So yes there is somethign, not much and of what there is 90% plus is warnings.

 

[ReverendDG]

that bad writing in volume combined with a hollywood studio can make you really rich for no apparent reason

just ask uwe boll