Summary

A recent pastor-led book burning in Tennessee targeted Harry Potter and Twilight books, sparking concerns about censorship and the importance of free speech.

Abstract

The article expresses concern over a recent book burning event in Tennessee, where Harry Potter and Twilight books were burned. The author reflects on the various historical events they have witnessed, including the Civil Rights protests, Vietnam, women's liberation, and the pandemic, and expresses disbelief that such a dystopian scenario is happening in America. The author also highlights the importance of the Harry Potter series in teaching children about teamwork, friendship, and acceptance of those who are different. The article ends with a call to action, urging readers to join Dumbledore's Army and protect the freedom of expression.

Opinions

The author expresses disbelief and concern over the recent book burning event in Tennessee.
The author highlights the importance of the Harry Potter series in teaching children about teamwork, friendship, and acceptance of those who are different.
The author calls for readers to join Dumbledore's Army and protect the freedom of expression.
The author reflects on the various historical events they have witnessed and expresses concern about the current state of affairs in America.

Incendiary Times

Join Dumbledore’s Army

I never imagined I would see it in reality with my own eyes. In America. In my lifetime.

I’ve lived through the Civil Rights protests and Vietnam, women’s liberation, before/after Roe vs. Wade, the space age, Watergate, 9-11, the assassination of leaders, Iran/Iraq wars, Gulf War, Afghanistan War, War on Terror, and now a worldwide pandemic. I’ve read and seen many dystopian stories. I just never believed it would happen in my lifetime in America.

In case you missed this, the photos are not from a movie. They are from a recent pastor-led book burning in Tennessee. The targets this time were Twilight and Harry Potter, but I am sure there were a few other Da Vinci Code and The Handmaid’s Tale thrown into the fire for combustion.

In PTA’s and school boards across America, cultish followers are demanding control over forbidden intellectual pursuits.

I tried to read each book assigned to my daughter’s curriculum in high school. I haven’t liked all the books and found some of them a waste of space, but I never felt as if they had no right to exist.

I was disturbed by the news, but it didn’t sink in until I saw this photo.

It took a few days for me to settle these images in my mind and the more I see them, the more unsettled my mind is. Last night, I watched Will Smith’s version of Fahrenheit 451 and saw the honor of those willing to die to save their books. (Although I am not sure why they had them all out in plain view to find? I would have definitely separated them out and hid them somewhere in a vault.)

But I digress. I ask myself, am I willing to take a stand right now against book burning in our country. You know the one; the one with the 1st Amendment giving us the right to free speech?

It’s the fundamental right allowing us this platform. It is the right allowing me to write and send this out to you.

This country seems to be headed into the dystopian bleakness of Fahrenheit 451 in rapid decline. “Where they burn books they will, in the end, burn people,” is inscribed on Bebelplatz in Berlin.

On to Harry Potter…

Harry Potter, the series touching children’s lives like no other story since its initial publication in 1997. It has taught the lessons of teamwork, friendship, hard work, strength of family, love for the unloved, hope in the darkness, and acceptance of those who are different. That last one is the kicker. To accept those who are considered “mudbloods” and to allow them to grow to become masters of their own accord. To find value in each individual person.

Harry Potter, the series teaching love can transcend death. Friendship gives us courage to face our darkest fears. Honor and faith are good virtues, and the abuse of power and superiority over others is an evil thing.

I am writing to all of the children who have read the story of Harry and identified with the mistreated and misunderstood boy who doesn’t understand why he doesn’t fit in. He needs to discover his greatness and higher purpose. I am writing to all the adults who have read Harry Potter and said to themselves, “I wish this book had been around when I was going through my horrible, lonely childhood.”

Harry Potter, taught us about all the Harry’s who needed to challenge themselves in immense ways to find out they are indeed great. To all the Ron’s who are brave and loyal, even when they don’t realize it themselves. To all the Hermoine’s who are intellectually brilliant but emotionally distant and inept. To the Luna Lovegood’s, who see life in their own unique way. To all the Neville Longbottom’s, who have been battered and beaten in a former life to rise to glory and bravery when the people he loves are threatened. To fight for something bigger than yourself, and to give the ultimate sacrifice in the quest.

Harry Potter, where imperfect people can do extraordinary things and defeat evil when they work together in unity. Harry Potter, where misunderstood humans and animals are given second chances.

To everyone who likes to read, loves to write, and loves to communicate about what you write, I suggest we become pivotal in the future of books and the freedom of expression. I suggest we become part of Dumbledore’s Army.

We can not take this in our country. The slippery slope has begun and it needs to be stopped before it declines into chaos. For all of us who have voices, do not be silent on this day. Join Dumbledore’s Army!