My fifth-grade granddaughter, Margo, is hit and miss with reading. In the beginning of her early reading years, she enjoyed books. Then she gravitated to graphic novels. And then she didn't read. Perhaps because she plays the violin and has a demanding softball team schedule.
I don't think she ever read the book I gave her for Christmas.
But just last Saturday, she spent four hours reading the first book in the Harry Potter series. She loved it. She was proud of herself and happy to re-learn that she could enjoy reading.
My initial thoughts were thank you JK Rowling for creating an enchanting book that will send a child to her room for four hours.
I could share the thought with my daughter, but it wouldn't be safe to praise the author in certain circles.
In my MFA program, JK Rowling is as vilified as her evil protagonist Voldemort. If she is ever mentioned, the speaker apologizes for bringing up she "who should not be mentioned."
If you don't know why, lucky you.
Briefly, the problem came when the author spoke out about gender issues and gender change. Because she has power and position, and an opinion, and dared to speak out, she became a villain.
Was Rowling wrong to do so? What was her intention for speaking out? I believe she spoke out to protect children. It is the same reason, other people in opposition to her opinion speak out. They both want to help children. Should people who believe what they are doing is right, be vilified? Or should we allow them to speak freely without public shame? Doesn't every issue of controversy need two sides? At least? To silence one side of an issue is wrong.
We are in danger when we don't listen to and respect both sides.
IF our position is right, hearing the opposition will strengthen our stand. In listening, we still may not change, but we will understand and empathize. And in listening, we may know we need to speak up.
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