Rowling Offends Native Americans

[spongebending.livejournal.com]

I don't know if anyone on here heard about it, but Rowling is writing a new series of sorts called the History of Magic in America.

Not only does she seem to have done barely any research at all on American history (if there are any Americans on here, check it out and have a laugh!), but she also seems to have caused a bit of controversy as many Native Americans have found her portrayal of them to be backwards and offensive.

Can't say I'm surprised, I've always felt that in Potter fans could reread the books without their nostalgia goggles on they'd find the series has a lot of unfortunate implications and overall nastiness. Without the protective shield of nostalgia, it seems that people are starting to see the many of the faults of Rowling's writing that this community has been pointing out for years.

Comments

[traverse.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to share a link to a fanfic which, to my mind, beautifully illustrates that what was wrong in Rowling's latest installment was assuming that everybody everywhere shares the same basic conception of magic - Rowling's is very Eurocentric, and her lack of sensitivity and research does not only hurt the people affected, but the very world she is trying to build. What worked in the context of contemporary Britain started to fall apart already as she introduced other nations in GoF: there is enough cultural blindness and stereotyping going on there, too. But at least those are somewhat similar cultures...

Anyway, here's the link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/6201754

[spongebending.livejournal.com]

Thanks for a link! I liked the fanfic's take on things!

I like that the Americas have many different schools.
I absolutely hated the fact that there's 3 schools in Europe while America, Asia and Africa only get one EACH!

[traverse.livejournal.com]

Indeed. And let's spare a thought for Australia and Oceania who got zero schools :) Though considering the quality of the latest Pottermore offerings, maybe they got lucky.