Harry Potter = evil?

shabina921
By shabina921

Heyo :)

Writing a story about the debate over Harry Potter. Do the books and movies corrupt young minds or enrich them? Any parents out there who want to chime in one way or another, please shoot me a private message. Perhaps we can chat on the phone tomorrow.

Thanks!
Shabina
Freelance reporter, New Era magazine

By popeye• 2 Jul 2007 05:34
popeye

I havent had a TV (and therefore a playstation) for about 10 years. But I do have lots of books, software, mind-building games and scrabble! Our little one doesn't even think about TV or playstation. He just goes about his normal life loving every minute!

His favourite pastime at the moment is going through my education books, finding the pictures and then telling stories from the pictures. Not bad for a 3 year old!

Thank you diamondgirl, I was beginning to think I was alone.

By charmed• 1 Jul 2007 15:16
charmed

Harry Potter evil ? Laughable notion – television is the root of all evil if you ask me!

Diamond Girl how amazing you are! That’s exactly what I will do if I ever have children! No tv ( only as a treat – and then controlled tv ) no playstations and such amazing! I grew up without a tv and spent my whole childhood lost in books it was amazing!

I have heard this about Harry Potter being evil – purely because it features magic and can be fairly dark! Madness! ( Wicca is in fact the oldest religion which some of Harry Potter is based on).

Harry Potter is amazing – anything which can make children read nowadays has to be commended! It’s a shame its been turned into a whole moive franchise which destroys the Childs ability to see Harry in there own way – now everyone sees Harry and Warner Brothers intended it to be seen wrong

I cant even begin to explain how amazing Harry Potter is! How can a book which teaches children right from wrong be bad? How good verses evil goes on inside us all and that we should choose the good correct path? How can a book which features the importance of exams and learning and school be evil? How can anything which makes children look at the world with wonder and excitement be wrong? Madness I know.

[img_assist|nid=13270|title=Love Life|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=180|height=113]

love life!

By Scarlett• 1 Jul 2007 14:04
Scarlett

back to you for good in the long run. I've even had my eldest tell me a few years back (when he was in college) thank you for not giving me everything I asked for, even though you could afford to. Seems his friends were totally spoiled and their parents always got them out of trouble..even serious trouble. That way they never learned to take responsibility for their actions. Kids are MUCH smarter than parents think!!!

By diamond• 1 Jul 2007 13:57
diamond

Scarlett, thank you!!! I get ribbed from some people (from my children only every now and then!) for not having PS/video games in the house. But I can't give them everything!!! They already have so much...their own cinema for example!!! I totally agree with you about children having to use their imagination. They do have computer software for their classrooms (my childen are fortunate to be taught with their sublings and relatives in classrooms on the family grounds) which I have bought in consultation with their teachers so they are developing the appropriate IT skills. I don't think they're missing much by not playing these games. I really don't want to spoil them. The cinema is used only if they invite other relatives or friends to watch...they can't just roll up anytime and watch a movie. I try to allow them these priviledges when they earn them, as treats.

By Scarlett• 1 Jul 2007 13:21
Scarlett

has a very good head on his shoulders and does what is almost always right? Finding out the consequences when the bad choice was made. The basic good vs evil. My sons loved it and they were way above the targeted age group when it first came out.

Video games...never allowed my kids to have any video games growing up. They could play them at other's houses tho. They used to say I was a horrible mommy. BUT...point in case...when my eldest was 9, he came to me and said he was glad I never let them have video games because all his friends couldn't use their imaginations to play games outside. They were only interested in video ones. My kiddos loved to play in the creek behind the house, making up their own games as they went along.

By shabina921• 1 Jul 2007 11:54
shabina921

about hijacking :) but i'd still love to talk to parents who are fans of the books for their kids. and parents who aren't!

By Majnoon Ajnabi• 1 Jul 2007 04:55
Majnoon Ajnabi

I commend you.

It's a good thing you aren't in the U.S., your kids would have already called 911 and you would be in jail for torture and maltreatment. I would not buy my sons a digital watch until they could tell time on an analog watch/clock and I was considered the meanest parent on earth (by my wife also).

By Sheikhsiva• 1 Jul 2007 01:50
Sheikhsiva

Agree with you on that, ever wonder why the best selling games are the ones with violence as the theme. Is it our way of letting off steam or a response to our inner nature. Hmmmmm

Sorry for the hijack....

" I have a mind that ticks like a Clock, and like a clock it regularly goes Cuckoo "

By Cornellian• 1 Jul 2007 00:10
Cornellian

I'm not against video games, I remember when I used to play them. They're loads of fun. But some children have become obsessed with them. And now there are ALOT of violent and inappropriate games for children. So parents should be careful of what their kids are playing.

By Sheikhsiva• 30 Jun 2007 23:59
Sheikhsiva

Cornellian, like I said in my last thread, I'm a book addict, but I do have to stand up for video game rights, I'm not saying all games are great, but there are lots of games out there that really contibute to a child's development, association skills, dexterity, knowledge, and they are fun.

That being said, books fill all the little gaps in one's life. And theres nothing like curling up with a good book with a hot cup of chocolate on a rainy day. Amen.

" I have a mind that ticks like a Clock, and like a clock it regularly goes Cuckoo "

By jauntie• 30 Jun 2007 21:48
jauntie

I was happy someone else was paying for the wine!!!!!

By Rock The Casbah• 30 Jun 2007 21:41
Rock The Casbah

I am going to miss Doha though. I really like it here.

I haven't heard one bad thing said about Muscat yet so that can only be a good thing.

You had a good weekend? How was your meal?

By jauntie• 30 Jun 2007 21:37
Rating: 2/5
jauntie

get up man! It's becoming embarrassing ;D

PS Muscat was my husband's first overseas assignment back in the early 70s. It remains his favourite country (Oman)in the Middle East to this day.

Maybe he's just an old romantic.

By Rock The Casbah• 30 Jun 2007 21:36
Rock The Casbah

Evening Jauntie.

I am standing up. I'm just a bit short.

By Rock The Casbah• 30 Jun 2007 21:32
Rock The Casbah

My son will hopefully be going to the British school.

By shreeya• 30 Jun 2007 21:31
Rating: 4/5
shreeya

Muscat is very nice place to live. It is greener. You can get a large beautiful home in beautiful area just for OR 250 to 450/- (i.e.2500 QR to 4500 QR)surprised? But it is true.

About household expenses , the difference is negligible, slightly less in Oman.

Traffic congestion is not much. Roads a wide.

People are friendly and co-operative.

[img_assist|nid=22259|title=*|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=135|height=180]

By Rock The Casbah• 30 Jun 2007 21:26
Rock The Casbah

Does that count?

By diamond• 30 Jun 2007 21:24
diamond

R t C...only if you are a bonafide charity case and also a child!!!

By Rock The Casbah• 30 Jun 2007 21:18
Rock The Casbah

I am away to move to Muscat end of July. Can you give me any info on the place?

Diamond girl "more money than they will ever need"? Can you adopt me?

By shreeya• 30 Jun 2007 21:13
shreeya

When we were in Muscat my son was attracted towards the video games which are quite costly every body knows. So I started giving him a fixed pocket money and I gave him a choice either to spend it on video games or save it for another year and buy a PS himself.

I am very happy that he had chosen the second and better option and last week only he bought a PS2 for himself.

[img_assist|nid=22259|title=*|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=135|height=180]

By diamond• 30 Jun 2007 20:57
Rating: 3/5
diamond

Yes, Shreeya...my children have a lot but I don't give them everything. They are blessed with private incomes even at their very young age but they still have allowances given to them and when they spend it there's no more until next month! We are trying to show them that although they have more money than they will ever need there is wisdom in spending it wisely and that it is their duty to apportion their money for charitable causes. They have to make a plan for how they want to spend their allowance every month which is approved by me or their father. That's how I was brought up.

By missmoneypenny• 30 Jun 2007 20:55
missmoneypenny

i just realized that may have been a hijack, i'm so sorry shabina, i hope it wasn't too far off topic.

xmp

By Rock The Casbah• 30 Jun 2007 20:54
Rock The Casbah

play his playstation.

By missmoneypenny• 30 Jun 2007 20:53
missmoneypenny

my mum's best friend has a son who is 12, and he still believes in santa claus...

my mum thinks its atrocious that her friend hasn't told him yet, & tells her so! But the friend doesn't want to destroy the fantasy for the boy! My little brother reports that all the kids at school think its quite hilarious. *sigh* there comes an age when the parents have to let go of the fantasy too...hehe

As for harry potter - the poor boy is perfectly innocent! He was just born that way ;0)

x mp

ps. Lisa Nova does a good little sketch featuring a certain president & santa...

By shreeya• 30 Jun 2007 20:46
shreeya

Diamondgirl,

Its really amazing that you don't have PS at your home. I just read this loudly to my son.

I just try myself not to get any violent PS games for him. And of course there is a time restriction on his watching TV and playing games.

[img_assist|nid=22259|title=*|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=135|height=180]

By shreeya• 30 Jun 2007 20:38
shreeya

Every body needs a Santa who can show the glimpse of brighter and positive side of life while growing up. Children love dreaming a lot, thats why at a certain age children love reading contemporary fairy tales which can appeal to them in today's world, like Harry potter. My son likes reading it very much. And me too keen on getting him the newer versions time to time.

[img_assist|nid=22259|title=*|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=135|height=180]

By diamond• 30 Jun 2007 20:36
diamond

Agree Rock t C...my current treat for my kids is Planet Earth and The Blue PLanet DVDs. Amazing!

By gypsy gal• 30 Jun 2007 20:33
Rating: 4/5
gypsy gal

Ofcourse these kids get influenced by these super heros. They try to visualize themselves in the place of these charecters.

Diamondgirl..thats really good to know that your kids dont watch TV or play playstation games.. all these violent scence in these games and TV effect kids adversely.

By Cornellian• 30 Jun 2007 20:30
Cornellian

That's great diamondgirl. I know some kids who are video games addicts, it's sad really to see how brainwashed they are. As for Harry Potter, I read most of the books but then lost interest cause of college, etc but I loved H.P ! Very recommended for children and adults. I definitely think the books and movies enrich the kids mind, I mean any kind of reading is good for kids(and adults) especially in today's world.

By Rock The Casbah• 30 Jun 2007 20:29
Rock The Casbah

I am not saying all telly is wrong. We have baby einstein dvds that my son watches and he really seems to benefit from them.

By diamond• 30 Jun 2007 20:24
Rating: 4/5
diamond

Harry Potter = a great yarn.

My children don't watch TV except as a treat which is about once a week. They are all bookworms and we have managed to foster a love of reading (yay!)in them. A bedtime story is a must every night, often all together snuggled up in bed.

No playstations/video etc games in our house.

By Rock The Casbah• 30 Jun 2007 20:14
Rating: 5/5
Rock The Casbah

in this day and age is commendable in its own right. I haven't read the Potter books personally so wouldn't like to comment. I read to my son every night and I shall encourage him to read books such as Phillip Pullman and J.K Rowling when he reaches reading age. I think too many kids get lured into watching TV and playing video games nowadays through peer pressure and sometimes through idle parents. Children should be encouraged to read books.

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.