Constructing a distinct other: Harry Potter and the Enchantment of the Future

Wiktorin, PierreLunds Universitet,History of Religions and Religious Behavioural Science,Religionshistoria och religionsbeteendevetenskap (författare)

Constructing a distinct other : Harry Potter and the Enchantment of the Future

The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015. The record was previously connected to the following departments: General History and Anthropology of Religions (015017030)
In this article I argue that the Harry Potter series could function as a critique or commentary to the ordinary contemporary society. Rowling’s construction of the Wizard world bears resemblance to a distinct Other, which is frequently used by the tourist industry and various religious traditions. While the main purpose for the tourist industry to invoke a distinct Other lies in its promoting abilities, the religious traditions often use the distinct Other to show their ethic supremacy. The last, I believe, is the case with the Harry Potter series as well since the books promote a meritocratic, causal orientation towards the world. When arguing for a meritocratic and causal orientation towards the world, Rowling disenchants the past and enchants the future. She lets the main characters in the series conduct a crusade against participation oriented attitudes and characters. Contrary to what certain Christian groups seem to think this is by no means hostile towards religion as we find it in Northern Europe and North America. Only traditions with a participatory orientation are under attack.

Lunds UniversitetHistory of Religions and Religious Behavioural Science (creator_code:org_t)

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