Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: News

Expressing two different viewpoints on whether Harry Potter is a positive or negative influence Ann Brownson and Jocelyn Tipton give their opening arguments Wednesday night at the Two Sides of Harry Potter event. The discussion in the Booth Library's Conference room was then opened up to the audience for debate.(Danny Damiani/The Daily Eastern News)

For some, the Harry Potter series is filled with stories of bravery, loyalty and friendship. For others, the book is thought to be inappropriate for young audiences because of the many references to witchcraft.

"The Two Sides of Harry Potter" was held on Wednesday in the Booth Library conference room. The program helped examine both sides of the controversial issue through a structured discussion.

Jocelyn Tipton, instructor of political science, argued the viewpoint that Harry Potter and the books' context is inappropriate. On the other hand, Ann Brownson, a professor and reference librarian, sees little wrong with the books.

Booth purchased the Harry Potter books around 2000, when it first became popular in the U.S.

"I believe that there are good moral qualities that are addressed in the book," Brownson said. "Harry Potter is able to show children that everyone has different gifts in life."

However, Harry Potter has become one of the most challenged books of the 21st century. As Tipton explained, some of the controversy is related to religion.

"If parents are Christian-based believers, than they will most likely have a problem with the witchcraft revealed to their children," Tipton said. "Christians believe in witchcraft and wizards and are aware that it is evil."

Harry Potter is categorized as fantasy fiction and since has triggered many students to take a liking in the genre, Brownson said.

"Parents need to realize that Harry Potter is fiction, so therefore nothing in the book is real," she said. "All parents need to do when their children are reading the books is to explain that it is not real life."

Both Tipton and Brownson agreed that parents need to be aware of what their children are reading and should even read the book before or along with them.

"Parents should have a critical role in their children's reading, but they should not have the right to limit the access to children's books," Brownson said.

The Harry Potter series is put in many libraries' children sections. However, some people believe children are too young to be reading the book's heavy context.

"I think that the later volumes of Harry Potter should not be kept in children's libraries because they are dealing with issues when Harry is 17-and 18-years-old," Brownson said.

Both Brownson and Tipton hoped the discussion helped answer questions or brought up areas of question on the Harry Potter series.

Samantha Masterson can be reached at 581-7942 or DENnewsdesk@gmail.com.

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