The Press and The Story Not Told

halliemei · 24-10-2007, 09:28

So, in light of the frenzied discussion on Dumbledore's apparent sexual preference, did no one notice what the international press did NOT choose to pick up and publicize to every newspaper and television channel in the world? http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/157...17/index.jhtml

See, this is what is important about this whole sexuality thing to me. I really don't care what Dumbledore's preference is -- though how he got tricked into believing what he did by Grindelwald makes MUCH more sense now (I remember being a 17 year old child and could have been talked into lots of stuff by someone on whom I had a crush). But, it's hysterical to me that this story about how Christian the story really is is lost in the stories coming out of JKR's visit to the Americas. I've read everything else she talked about (including how much the trio knew and what she thinks of New Orleans) from other sites. Only MTV picked this up (which is funny to me anyway).

So, what are your thoughts on this? I think it's terrific information that would have been tremendous for the fodder of discussion during our pre-DH days to figure it out.

Personally, I do not hold JKR responsible for how this is being run in the media (though she is savvy, so she's not completely without blame). She did put this out there and it's just as sensational. But, it doesn't play to the story being told by the media on HP so it's not "important" to them.

Vestral · 24-10-2007, 20:38

Thanks for pointing out the article halliemei... as you know from our many discussions, I have long pointed out the Christian symbolism, themes, and even allegory on more than one occasion. I think in one of our earliest discussions I mentioned that the books follow the typical "resurrection" theme and Harry would sacrifice himself by dying and coming back from the dead... if the story follows the model. It did. I find it ironic and even funny that MTV of all sources would point this out. I could not have asked Jo Rowling to write a more perfect series of books. I was delighted with the entire journey. In my opinion, her latest, and most unnecessary revelation of Dumbledore's sexuality is my only criticism of her.
Of all the details that have been left out of the story that could have been told, this is the one fact that I didn't need to hear. I just hope my children don't hear about it. We have yet to discuss sex with them, and I don't want to start by explaining Dumbledore's homosexuality.

Mr_Bandman · 25-10-2007, 04:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vestral

Of all the details that have been left out of the story that could have been told, this is the one fact that I didn't need to hear. I just hope my children don't hear about it. We have yet to discuss sex with them, and I don't want to start by explaining Dumbledore's homosexuality.

That, in a nutshell, is the root of my entire objection to her ridiculous revelation. My wife & I want to raise our children on our terms based on our values. We will not raise our children to be bigots, and will teach them to view every person with open minds and hearts....but like you, I don't want to start by explaining this!

halliemei · 25-10-2007, 17:21

I understand and (mostly) agree with what you're saying. I don't want ANYONE deciding when and how I discuss sexuality with my 7-year-old daughter. That is precisely why I do not let her surf the net except to preapproved sites (including HP sites), why she doesn't see the news until I read it on any of her interests, and why I am very careful about what she sees. I've spent the last 2 months avoiding Vanessa Hudgins (you have little girls -- you know who she is) news. For some reason, her exploits are in the news everytime I turn around. That is why Britney and Lindsay's exploits are always classified as happening to girls formerly with "The Mouse". The news can't stand for kids to stay innocent and young. They think that telling the world of every bad behavior of a former child idol is a good idea. They think that telling the world that Dumbledore has a sexuality of any kind is a brilliant idea. Anything to ruin childhood -- all in the name of openness and tolerance or something.

That's why I wanted to bring this article to light. I find it ironic how it's been just completely ignored. It's not at all surprising (trying hard here to be non-political and non-judgemental). It's just not going to sell papers -- they think.

Sirius Potter Fan · 05-11-2007, 14:15

You know, I agree wholey. The media seems to think it their purpose to bring out the bad in everyone and everything. Anything for just a bit of a higher veiwer rating. I get sick of it to be entirely honest. You can't help but wonder if the doom and gloom in the news isn't at least partialy responsible for the growing amount of people taking antidepressants. It can be hard to keep a positive outlook on life when all you see and hear is of trouble and turmoil. One of the great things about HP though. Despite nearly all wizard kind, including the ministry itself, Harry keeps going, fighting the way he knows is right. and he wins in the end.

Seeker615 · 07-11-2007, 08:32

Great article. Thanks for posting. I also enjoyed the other article about JK telling the actors about their fates in the upcoming movies!