There are a lot of things that come to mind when you think of author JK Rowling. Way back in 2007, when “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” was released, it would have been something along the lines of talented; or maybe even admiration. It’s been a long 13 years, and hoo boy, how times have changed.
The questions we must ask ourselves are simple: why? How?
Simple. What goes up must, eventually, come down. Rowling’s rise to fame was meteoric. She published her first book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (substitute Sorcerer’s Stone for us Americans) in 2007 with Bloomsbury.
From there, the rest is history. She went on to write some of the most popular books in recent memory.
Unfortunately, what goes up, must come down. Rowling had us all fooled. Her books were about a lot of things: the triumph of good over evil, prejudice, racism…the list goes on.
At its core however, the Harry Potter books were about love; it was Lily’s love for Harry that saved him as a baby, after all. In the end, he was saved by a mother’s love more than once; thank you, Molly Weasley and Narcissa Malfoy.
That’s what makes it all the more shocking to see Rowling’s fall from grace in recent years. It started with her came out in support of Maya Forstater, who had been fired due to her own transphobic views in December of last year. This is certainly not very loving, and it did not stop there.
She wrote numerous tweets, essays, and statements that paint a very ugly picture. It is one not of love, but of hate. With every word, Rowling digs her own grave deeper and deeper. It will probably be close to impossible for her to salvage what remains of her reputation.
Recently, she promoted an online retailer whose merchandise is described as outright transphobic. Her 3,000-word essay about sex, and gender issues from June 2020 only adds to her new found reputation.
Speaking through the Trevor Project (an LGBTQ suicide prevention charity), Daniel Radcliffe, who so famously portrayed Harry Potter, said:
“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.”
Clearly, Rowling isn’t the person Harry Potter fans thought she was. As with many things coming to light in this chaotic year, the curtain has been pulled back. There is nowhere to hide.
Shame on you, Joanne. Your books taught us to love all, no matter who they are. Practice what you preach.
Please consider supporting the Trevor Project. They are often the only thing standing in the way of the darkness. Always remember, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light. Be the light.
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