Jesus H. Christ, they’re actually gearing up for purges and show trials. Accusations of fascism get trotted out far too often, but this is a textbook step on the way.
Just read “the Hearing” with my kid tonight, a chapter early in HP 5, when one of the better villains in popular literature is introduced, Delores Umbridge. First time I read HP5 was 20 years ago, reading it again today only for the second time with current context is instructive.
The Hearing is an important chapter as it, for the first time, lays out that the institution running the wizard world might not be on Harry’s side, that there may be political motives behind processes, treatment and proceedings, and overall pulls the adolescent curtain down on the assumption right and good are running everything in the world of wizarding. Umbridge becomes the embodiment of propaganda, misuse of position, and how much damage motivated actors can do when handed power.
The Hearing is an important chapter as it, for the first time, lays out that the institution running the wizard world might not be on Harry’s side, that there may be political motives behind processes, treatment and proceedings, and overall pulls the adolescent curtain down on the assumption right and good are running everything in the world of wizarding.
Sort of sounds like what Rowling would do to trans people if she had her way and why.
Isn’t it wild what humans are capable of? Someone can understand human nature and history to the degree to write some of the things in HP and yet completely have blinders on to their own biases that would enable the same things?
Jesus H. Christ, they’re actually gearing up for purges and show trials. Accusations of fascism get trotted out far too often, but this is a textbook step on the way.
This is step 4 of 5
Just read “the Hearing” with my kid tonight, a chapter early in HP 5, when one of the better villains in popular literature is introduced, Delores Umbridge. First time I read HP5 was 20 years ago, reading it again today only for the second time with current context is instructive.
The Hearing is an important chapter as it, for the first time, lays out that the institution running the wizard world might not be on Harry’s side, that there may be political motives behind processes, treatment and proceedings, and overall pulls the adolescent curtain down on the assumption right and good are running everything in the world of wizarding. Umbridge becomes the embodiment of propaganda, misuse of position, and how much damage motivated actors can do when handed power.
Sort of sounds like what Rowling would do to trans people if she had her way and why.
Isn’t it wild what humans are capable of? Someone can understand human nature and history to the degree to write some of the things in HP and yet completely have blinders on to their own biases that would enable the same things?