“You’re a Radical, Harry”

Peter Smith Contributing Writer

Everyone knows who Harry Potter is. People the world over have read the books, seen the movies, or visit amusement park attractions. However, the original creator, J.K. Rowling, is not received as warmly. It has gotten to the point where many fans are choosing to boycott the upcoming video game, Hogwarts Legacy.

Joanne Kathleen Rowling, the author of the original seven Harry Potter novels, has come under fire in the past few years for her stance on transgender individuals. Scrolling through her Twitter history, you can find numerous links to news articles, memes, and tweets related to bigotry, crime, and the trans community. Many of these political opinions are based on her past experiences of being a domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor.

real, there’s no same-sex attraction,” Rowling said. “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.”

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Although she claims that trans people pose no threat and deserve protection, many of Rowling’s remarks hold a hint of transphobia. For instance, in 2020, Rowling wrote in a 4,000word blog post, “When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he’s a woman... then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside.”

One of her most controversial statements came from her Twitter account. “If sex isn’t

These views have become very controversial, earning many likes but also plenty of backlash in the replies from the LGBTQ+ community. Mainly transgender persons and allies. Many Wizarding World fans even expressed their disappointment of supporting a TERF, trans-exclusionary radical feminist, and having the reputation of this wonderful fantasy series ruined. Even the actors who portrayed Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Newt Scamander spoke out. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Eddie Redmayne have all criticized the author and shown their support for the LGBTQ+ community. It appears Rowling does not care about losing fans due to this, though. To quote her Twitter, “Deeply amused by those telling me I’ve lost their admiration to the disrespect I show violent, duplicitous rapists. I shall file your lost admiration carefully in the box where I keep my missing f---s.” Despite her opinions, this snarky defense against the criticism garnered positive attention.

Because of Rowling’s political views, many have called for a boycott of the new video game, Hogwarts Legacy. Hogwarts Legacy is an action RPG that lets players live out their dreams of being a Hogwarts student and exploring the Wizarding World during a period before the events of the novels. However, Warner Bros. has confirmed that not only is Rowling not involved in the project, but there are also more universal character customization options to allow for trans wizards. So why the boycott?

This may just be a case of people being unable to separate creator from creation. For some people, it is easy. Many 90s kids still adore Ren & Stimpy for its zany humor but shun the cartoon’s creator, John Kricfalusi, for being a sexual abuser. In this case, however, it may be harder to separate J.K. Rowling from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Her name is on the cover, clear as day.

Ever since 1997, the Wizarding World franchise has touched many people’s hearts, and the release of Hogwarts Legacy proves it will not be stopping anytime soon. The conflict of feelings towards the creation vs. creator can make people feel upset or guilty for supporting someone with differing, controversial political stances. You can buy the game, or you can boycott it. However, what matters most is understanding the whole situation and showing your support to those that need it.

Hogwarts Legacy is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC and is coming soon to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Will you be playing?

The House Behind The Cedars by Charles W. Chesnutt

As we end Black History Month and move into Women’s History Month, The House Behind the Cedars is a striking novel that tells of the hardships of a black woman in the early 1900s. It is sad and inspiring and a must read this month.

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