The success of J.K. Rowling's transphobic fight depends on the future of "Harry Potter"

[matsushima]

Sorry (not sorry) to double post today but this article deserved its own space and I'd love to discuss it with other former Harry Potter fans.

A statement from an HBO spokesperson claimed that the [reboot] would benefit from Rowling’s involvement and that Rowling has the right to her beliefs.

While that may be true, the statement from HBO goes on to say: “We are proud to once again tell the story of ‘Harry Potter’ — the heartwarming books that speak to power, friendship, resolve and acceptance.” Note the last word in that sentence, and you’ll spot the dissonance between HBO’s statement and the reality of the situation. Rowling’s role in the show’s production is directly tied to its existence and vice versa, whether the network likes it or not. She’s even made time for posts about it amid the seemingly endless barrage of transphobic garbage.

-The success of J.K. Rowling's transphobic fight depends on the future of "Harry Potter" (2025/04)

Comments

[althea_valara]

Former fan here. I spent quite a bit of time in fandom, maybe not as much as others I know, but I followed Nocturne Alley on LiveJournal and spent a lot of time talking about it with other fans (I even made a AOL instant messenger bot for the chatroom). I know people who are still fans and active in the fandom, but me? Well, I listened to the audio books a few years back when knitting a shawl, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. I have since taken my HP books and shoved them under my bed, so that at least no one who enters my room will see them. I haven't quite yet come to a point where I want to get rid of the books, but that day may be coming.

HP was fun, but looking back, the books definitely have flaws, some of which I even noticed the first time I read them (I thought the Death Day party was not necessary because it didn't really advance the story of that book. And don't get me started on Goblet of Fire.) I cannot imagine myself spending money on Rowling's stuff these days. I just can't.

I read the article, and it was interesting, and I agree with not tossing any more money in her direction. I do think that the article was right to call her a bully, because she sure is acting like one these days.

[matsushima]

There are other books from my childhood that haven't aged well but that don't leave that same bad taste because the author hasn't gone on to be such a bully, you know? The books were a product of their time and I think a TV reboot could have been a good thing if J.K. Rowling was a recluse like Suzanne Collins or even a neutral social media figure like (agaik) Stephen King - fix up some of the 🥴 stuff, more diverse casting, maybe change some names (Cho Chang??) - but I just can't stomach giving her any more money or fame because it's not just that she's transphobic, it's that she's made "being transphobic" her whole personality, you know?

[conuly]

it's that she's made "being transphobic" her whole personality, you know?

And then some. Most bigots occasionally talk about something else.