Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
According to the American Library Association, Harry Potter was number one on a list of the most banned and challenged series of books between 2000-2009 in libraries and public schools across the nation. “Occult themes” has historically been the most cited reason behind the challenges, leading to multiple instances of removal and censorship. However, this podcast pilot examines the banning of the Harry Potter series on the lesser known grounds of “anti-family themes”. The segments presented first considers the assumed definition of “family” and it’s relation to nuclear family ideology. With that definition established, the host continues by proposing examples in which Harry Potter could be read as anti-family. Conversely, examples in which Harry Potter exemplifies standard family values will also be presented by incorporating research into the structure of multiple family units within the series such as the Weasleys, Blacks, and Dursleys. Continuing into the length of the podcast, the host challenges the assumed definition of “family” by integrating the idea of the “chosen family”. By incorporating independent research and in-text scenes, the host proposes ways in which the novels reject their “anti-family” oppositions by choosing to focus on arching themes of “love vs. hate”, “good vs. evil”, and overcoming hardship to establish familial bonds. In doing so, the host aims to convince listeners that the learning outcomes and opportunities awarded by the Harry Potter series outweigh any potential harm that the novel has been claimed to cause.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Alicia DeFonzo
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Disciplines
Children's and Young Adult Literature | Other English Language and Literature
Session Title
Communication & Literature
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library Conference Room 1311
Start Date
2-2-2019 10:15 AM
End Date
2-2-2019 11:15 AM
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Harry Potter and the Chosen Family: A Banned Book Podcast
Learning Commons @ Perry Library Conference Room 1311
According to the American Library Association, Harry Potter was number one on a list of the most banned and challenged series of books between 2000-2009 in libraries and public schools across the nation. “Occult themes” has historically been the most cited reason behind the challenges, leading to multiple instances of removal and censorship. However, this podcast pilot examines the banning of the Harry Potter series on the lesser known grounds of “anti-family themes”. The segments presented first considers the assumed definition of “family” and it’s relation to nuclear family ideology. With that definition established, the host continues by proposing examples in which Harry Potter could be read as anti-family. Conversely, examples in which Harry Potter exemplifies standard family values will also be presented by incorporating research into the structure of multiple family units within the series such as the Weasleys, Blacks, and Dursleys. Continuing into the length of the podcast, the host challenges the assumed definition of “family” by integrating the idea of the “chosen family”. By incorporating independent research and in-text scenes, the host proposes ways in which the novels reject their “anti-family” oppositions by choosing to focus on arching themes of “love vs. hate”, “good vs. evil”, and overcoming hardship to establish familial bonds. In doing so, the host aims to convince listeners that the learning outcomes and opportunities awarded by the Harry Potter series outweigh any potential harm that the novel has been claimed to cause.