The story seems simple on the surface. A boy’s family is killed by a power hungry evil wizard and the boy trains to ultimately destroy him. So what’s so unique about J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter?
He’s a libertarian.
Okay, so this isn’t explicitly stated in the text, but Harry does exhibit many libertarian values. He rejects the idea of a “master race” which a lot of wizarding families embrace, believing that “pureblood” witches and wizards are superior to those who come from Muggle (non-wizarding) families. He protects his friends and enemies, even saving the life of his nemesis Draco Malfoy twice in the last book. He adheres to a code of non-aggression, disarming the dark wizard Voldemort in a duel rather than trying to kill him. Most importantly, he maintains a healthy skepticism of government:
“Harry laughed; he could not help himself. It was so very typical of his uncle to put his hopes in the establishment, even within this world that he despised and mistrusted.”- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The primary antagonist of the series is Lord Voldemort, the dark wizard who killed Harry parents. Voldemort’s plan is to create an elite magic society to control both the wizarding and Muggle worlds. His climb to power is marked by the torture and murder of Muggles and Muggle-born witches and wizards.
He is the opposite of the good-hearted Harry who treats everyone, from the house elves who act as servants to the Minister of Magic, as fellow human beings.
At least Harry Potter isn’t a progressive like most things that come from Hollywood.
Posted by: Andy Semple | December 13, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Harry Potter does live in a fantasy world so perhaps he is a professional libertarian.
Guess the jury’s out. Is he for open borders and LSD treats for teens?
Posted by: Ben | December 13, 2011 at 02:43 PM
Is he for open borders and LSD treats for teens?
That's the Greens. Libertarians believe in personal responsibility and national sovereignty.
Posted by: John Mc | December 13, 2011 at 05:55 PM
why does everyone try and claim a hidden meaning in Harry Potter. So many Christian try and find hidden gospel messages in the story as well
Posted by: PaulW | December 13, 2011 at 08:07 PM
Harry Potter came from a Labour-voting British author, not Hollywood.
Posted by: liberal elitist | December 14, 2011 at 01:55 AM