Billionaire author JK Rowling sparked a bit of controversy two weeks ago by revealing that Dumbledore, the headmaster of the school of witchcraft and wizardry, and Harry Potter’s mentor, is gay. Gay rights activists all over the world are rejoicing over the revelation. And why shouldn’t they? Throughout history, we have seen literary greats transform the attitudes and the consciousness of entire generations by using stories and lessons we can all relate to and understand. Literary greats, the likes of Shakespeare, Plato, Homer, Cervantes, Montaigne, Bacon, Samuel Johnson, Goethe, Emerson, Nietzsche, Freud, Proust, St. Augustine, and now, JK Rowling, have shaped our lives thorugh their stories and their revolutionary values. They not only entertain us with their tales, they also enlighten us with their ideals.

Enlighten?
It may not be too obvious to a lot of readers that JK Rowling’s books are meant to enlighten, but if you read her books carefully, you will find that JK Rowling has embedded a lot of values in the story of Harry Potter. Unlike self-help books, these values are not taught directly into our consciousness. Instead, they are hidden in Harry’s emotionally-charged adventures and from there, they are absorbed by our subconscious minds and their seeds are planted deep in our brains where they automatically take root and affect us in deep and meaningful ways.

Where is the Love?
No matter what religious conservatives say, JK Rowling has created a book series that delves into the true meaning of love. Here are some of the seeds of love that have been sown in our hearts and minds by our beloved author:

1) A parent’s love for their child - We can learn a lot from the Dursleys who adore and give their everything to their little prince, Dudley. If parents can love a kid like Dudley, then there is definitely hope for little brats like you and me.

Kidding aside, we know very well that the series is filled with stories of the sacrifices that parents make for their children. In the first book, we are told that Lord Voldemort came to the Potters’ residence to kill Harry. But his plan was foiled, thanks in part to James and Lily Potter who sacrificed their own lives in Harry’s defense. There are other parts in the series where parents willingly risked their own lives to protect their young.

What a great book for kids!

2) True love for a friend - One of the greatest lessons that children and young adults can appreciate from Harry Potter’s adventures is the value of true friendship. Harry, Ron and Hermione are lifelong friends. They will stand by one another through thick and thin. Even in competition, Harry puts a premium on friendship, as shown in the very touching events in the Triwizard tournament against Cedric.

In many ways, true friendship is a training ground for other relationships. Studies have shown that people who have had positive experiences with their friends, tend to be more trusting and loyal in their romantic relationships.

What a great book for teenagers!

3) Unconditional love for a loved one - Harry develops feelings of love and affection towards Cho Chang and we can’t help but feel sentimental about our own experiences of “young love.” But JK Rowling is not the type who would be limited with our traditional idea of a romantic relationship. She helps us open our minds to the idea that people can have different sexual preferences. And in true artistic form, she chose the great Dumbledore - the story’s greatest source of wisdom, power, and love - to be gay. And trust our beloved author to take it a step further, for Dumbledore is not your average homosexual who enjoys a healthy relationship with a same-sex partner. He is a heartbroken gay, the type who loves unconditionally. Need we say more?

What a great book for adults!

Free your mind
JK Rowling says Dumbledore is Gay. Perhaps, this is JK Rowling’s own little way of supporting gay rights. In the history of human civilization, second-class citizens have always had to fight for their right to be treated fairly and equally. Slaves, women, children - these sectors were marginalized by the ruling class until they claimed their place and said, “We are people too. We have rights and we demand equal opportunities.”

JK Rowling says Dumbledore is gay. She’s not saying that we should all be gay, or that being gay is better than being straight. She’s just saying that a character in HER story is gay.

JK Rowling says Dumbledore is gay. No matter what conservatives say, JK Rowling’s values are being absorbed by the young and young-at-heart all over the world. I can almost picture her laughing at religious conservatives who are fuming at the popularity of her books. Ee-hee-hee-hee-hee!

 Email This Post        Print This Post