And It All Comes Down to This...

This post is for Chapters 25 through 27 of The Hunger Games...


     Abby, I totally agree with you that this book may strongly show violence is the way to handle being angry, and there are many examples within the book that support our agreement (as you said). I think that children would strongly be influenced by how the characters in the story react to their problems through violence instead of being calm, especially since the entire plot is a dangerous one and Katniss makes some bad decisions that seem to somehow work out for her. Children may start to think that making hasty and violent choices is not that bad of a thing in the long run, when the truth is the exact opposite. On the other hand, you are also right that people can learn to enjoy the life that they have because it is most likely better than the lives of those in The Hunger Games, and this can be a very important reason to take the ban off of this book.

     One other big reason associated with violence that could have been used to get this book banned is that suffering is thought to be a form of entertainment in this world. When Cato is slowly dying after being mauled by wolves, his pain and moaning is pushed for so long that Katniss starts to wish he would hurry up and die; the only reason the Gamemakers wouldn't give him a quick death is that his suffering was entertaining. "And I do. No viewer could turn away from the show now. From the Gamemakers' point of view, this is the final word in entertainment." (pg. 339). Not only is this pictured as wrong in our society, but I also see it as absolutely evil and disgusting to leave someone  hanging in the middle of life and death in order to enhance the interest of others watching. This could also influence readers in thinking that it is fine to watch others in pain and not do anything because one is enjoying it, which isn't right even in a situation of revenge.

      Now for a reason that this book is too good to ban is it shows that love prevails and can overcome anything, and that as long as one has love, no problem is too big to face. Peeta and Katniss are so in love and care for each other so much that they aren't willing to kill one another or let either kill him or herself, so they both decide to die together instead. "If Peeta and I were both to die, or they thought we were..." (pg. 344). Of course, this doesn't mean that dying is the best solution to a problem, but it is the only option the couple had that held equal results for both of them, and that is what love is all about:  compromise. When you love a person, you automatically look at what is best for him or her before what is best for yourself, and this shows sacrifice is a big part of love that can hold people together so that problems are faced side-by-side, making them almost easy to get through. 

Berries! Killing! Ohhh the horror!

Surbhi! I am so suprised by Katniss. She killed a person and felt little regret at all. She was rambling on all throughout the whole book about how she hated the government, she hated the hunger games, she hated her life. And she hated the Hunger Games because of what they were about. They make innocent children fight eachother to the death! I think she would have felt more impacted then she did. It kind of seemed like she felt sad for about five minutes, then got over it. I was kind of expecting a whole mental breakdown from her. Were you Surbhi?
Also, I'm seeing a theme coming along here! I see fight anger with violence. Katniss was angry, so what did she do? She blew up the careers food source. Katniss was angry with Peeta about the whole love thing so what did she do? She pushed him over and made Peeta's hand bleed. It's kind of getting the message across that it is ok to act like that, when it's not. Katniss is kind of life a role model to many people. She's brave, strong, and hardworking. Almost everything that a person wants to be. And she's a bad example. This could be a huge reason why this book could be banned.
As I have said before in Harry Potter, children and teenagers are easily influenced. They are influenced by movies, media, celebriteis, magazines, and even books. And this book is not a great example to be influenced by! It just leaves people irritated and kind of depressed. And now here comes the reason why the Hunger Games should not be banned! This is good! Katniss's life can suck to our bennefit! It can open our lives to how good we have it in the land of the free and home of the brave. We should all be grateful that we don't have as awful as government as the one in Panem. What do you think Surbhi? What is one big reason why this book should be banned? What is a big reason why it shouldn't be banned?

Killing, threats, saving lives!

Well, Surbhi, Katniss and Peeta are starting to get down to business now aren't they? But they are risking their lives by doing so! When Katniss put those berries to her mouth, she defied the capitol in one of the worst ways possible. In front of a whole entire country who is already in distress! This one thing could set the whole country off! Haymitch knows what was happening right after the games ended. He said on page 356, "Listen up. You're in trouble. Word is the Capitol's furious about you showing them up in the arena. The one thing they can't stand is being laughed at and they're the joke of Panem." Oh my. This is big, isn't Surbhi? Haymitch said "the word is." So he must have heard it from someone else. Who do you think? Other mentors? Is her rebellion against the government that obvious? When I read the part where she took out the berries, I didn't think much of it. I thought they were really going to die, because neither one of them could live without the other one. But the gamemakers stopped them! I don't understand why they have to have a victor. I think it would have saved a bunch of messy trouble if both of them commited suicide. But what they both have gone through with it? What do you think Surbhi? Would Katniss and Peeta both have killed themselves?
That last paragraph could have been taken as a theme in itself. Rebellion, the good and the bad. Rebellion isn't always good, it can cause a lot of trouble, just like Katniss and Peeta has done for themselves.

Lies...and the Truth?

This post is for Chapters 21 through 24 in The Hunger Games...

     These few chapters of the book are a complete mixture of emotions, making it hard for the reader to know exactly what is true and what isn't. There is a lot of deceit not only because Katniss and Peeta continue to fire their "romance" in order to get food, but also because they have to convince themselves at the same time that they are not in love with each other. This certain situation can be seen as both a good and bad thing to people; good since it provides an excuse to get away from the violent side of this book and experience blooming romance, and bad because betrayal (even if to yourself) is usually considered a negative concept. Even though this is probably not powerful enough a reason to ban the entire book, it can be seen as an influential idea to some who might not want teens reading it, especially since these lovey-dovey parts are also present.

     It seems at first that Peeta and Katniss are doing what they have to in order to get food by showing affection to one another, but as the story moves along, things get much more intense. "This is the first kiss where I actually feel stirring inside my chest. Warm and curious. This is the first kiss that makes me want another." (pg. 298). As both characters start to express how they really feel about each other (they themselves not aware of their own feelings), such as when Katniss knocks out Peeta so that she can get him medicine from the feast, the reader is able to see just how far this love story can go. The two are still uncomfortable with the fact that they might actually feel for one another, and this is something that makes their romance all the more interesting. Some adults might think of this situation as unacceptable because the two are hiding their true feelings from each other and instead giving more importance to entertaining the people watching them. This book is now saying that love is not a good thing if it happens at the wrong time, and falling in love in a bad situation can cause great pain and even death, when instead love should be revered at all times.

     Although many adults in the United States are accustomed to being open to things like young love and cheating others for eventual benefit for society, there are also some that are not. For those who find these topics a little too much, it might be uncomfortable to have younger generations reading about them. Having Indian parents, I personally know the kinds of things my parents feel uneasy for me to be exposed to, but I also want to include that they are accepting once they find out that hearing and reading these things will give me more reasons not to participate in them. They know very well that dating and deceit for happiness of others that depend on you aren't bad things, but they just grew up in a different way than I am right now. My parents are totally fine with me reading books such as The Hunger Games even though it has content about killing others to defend one's society and young romance, so it is a bit odd that less strict U.S. parent would feel that these topics are distracting.

A Moment of Tears...

This post is for Chapters 17 through 20 for The Hunger Games...

     Not only was it heartbreaking to read this section of the book, but it also brought tears to my eyes. Almost everyone in the world has experienced the loss of a loved one, and even though neither Katniss nor the readers were very attached to Rue, her death caused shock. A death that painful and terrifying should not be experienced by anyone, especially a child as young as Rue. Now is the time one can see that The Hunger Games is a book that can not only provide an entertaining story, but it can also send some powerful connections through its audience that at times is heart wrenching. It is now agreeable that this book might have a good reason for being banned, but that doesn't mean it should since this sad event still has a lot is can teach to young adults.

     One can learn from the tragic death of this little girl that a loss can inspire a person to stay determined and reach his or her goals, meaning that good comes out of something that at the time may seem the worst pain ever. The same way that Rue's last words compelled Katniss she had to win the games for her, a person in the real world can achieve great things through pain. "'I'm going to. Going to win for both of us now,' I promise." (pgs. 233-234). One can see that life will always have obstacles, but the only way to move on with life is to make sure those obstacles don't cross your path again. It is not that a person should ignore when he or she is hurt, but the book teaches one that he or she should have the strength required to get over it. So even though this section might be very violent and emotional for some, it is also a part that teaches an important lesson of life.

Instincts and Compassion...

This post is for Chapters 13 through 16 for The Hunger Games...

     Abby, even though you warned me that your most recent posts were spoilers, I couldn't help but read them anyway. Now that I have read further into the book, I am starting to disagree with my opinion from before that the beginning of the games would be the most violent part of the book, the one you agreed with only halfway. The more the games go on, the more intense everything gets, and it is very hard for a reader to describe just how much detail is put into this book, making it all the better. Like I have said before, The Hunger Games is a story that should be fine for teens to read because the content is not scarring for kids of our age group, but it should be kept away from little ones.

     What I want to mainly focus on that can be both a reason that this book should be banned and one that shouldn't, is Katniss trusting her brain more than her instincts. Whenever Katniss thinks of Peeta and of her own survival, she seems to first act on what her mind tells her to believe instead of the messages her body sends her. For example, Katniss was never able to trust Peeta before the games started because her mind told her he would end up killing her, even though her feelings sometimes considered that he might actually want to get attached to her. Trusting one's thoughts is a good thing when one is in a moment that requires careful thinking, but it can turn out to get a person into deep trouble when one is in grave physical danger. Of course Katniss does listen to her instincts sometimes, like when she needs to fight to survive and shoot her arrows, but her thinking-based actions affect the story much more. It is true that the mind can often times be right too, because Katniss turns out to have guessed well that Peeta would join a big group in order to defeat others during the games, and he did join The Career Tributes. This very example shows just how deceiving the brain can be as well since Peeta ended up saving her life when his troop caused her to be put into danger, showing in a way that the former notion of him wanting her dead is false, unless he wants to kill her himself (in which case, it would be unlikely he endangered himself to save her). "Sick and disoriented, I'm able to form only one thought:  Peeta Mellark just saved my life." (pg. 194).

     This part of the story also shows that one should have compassion for others that are not as able to take care of themselves, because Katniss helps Rue by giving her food and staying with her. It can be seen that it is human nature to want to have power and kill to survive, but getting attached and helping those who can't manage is an instinct that kicks in at times where teamwork is needed. Katniss and Rue plan to get further into the games using each other's trust and abilities, and Katniss takes on multiple challenges and faces many problems in order to keep Rue safe because it seems like she reminds her of Prim. "'Have you gotten anything yet?' I ask. She shakes her head. 'You will, though. Watch. The closer we get to the end, the more people will realize how clever you are.'" (pg. 201). Connection brings love with it, and that is a valuable lesson that one can learn from reading this book. Compassion, love, and sacrifice will never humiliate a person, but instead will raise the respect he or she has in the eyes of those healed and treated. 

Inside the Games

I half agree with you Surbhi. The beginning of The Hunger Games, the actual games not the book, could be possibly called the most violent in the way that the most people died on the day. But it's later on, as we have seen, where the real violence and scary stuff has begun. Take Katniss and Clove near the Cornucopia as an example. She was ready to trace her face with a knife and make her death as painful as possible before Thresh appeared and smashed her head in with a rock. I feel that this part of the book is way more violent then the beginning because the events are actually being described more in depth. Katniss was far into the woods when the blood bath was happening. What do you consider worse, many deaths or more violent deaths?

Now because I have this irresistible urge, I have to talk about Peeta. To say it short, he's quickly becoming my favorite character in the book, but a part of me still distrusts him. There's still a chance that he's doing the star crossed lovers thing to get Katniss to trust him and betray her, but it's just so hard not to like him! Do you like him Surbhi? He saved Katniss's life. What is greater then that. Look at this scene from page 193, "'What are you still doing here?' he hisses at me. I stare uncomprehendingly as a trickle of water drips off a sting under his ear. His whole body starts sparkling as if he's been dipped in dew. 'Are you mad?' He's prodding me with the shaft of the spear now. 'Get up! Get up!' I rise, but he's still pushing at me. What? What is going on? He shoves me away from him hard. 'Run!' he screams. 'Run!'" And then on page 194, Katniss realizes what has just happened. She says, "Peeta Mellark just saved my life."

Now I just have to keep talking about this. Peeta was with the careers from the beginning, and the careers of course are strong and cunning. I think Peeta obviously new what he was doing when he teamed up with them; he was protecting Katniss. This is when I really fell for Peeta, he risked his life to save his. Even if he was trying to play up the love for the sponsors, he couldn't have done that if he was dead because the careers killed him. What do you think Surbhi? Was his actions sincere? I just can't stop thinking about this scene. His complete devotion to Katniss, even though he has never really talked to her, breaks my heart. I sure hope Katniss will see this soon.

The Hunger Games

Well Surbhi, I think it's pretty clear here what a main reason to ban The Hunger Games is. It's violent, it's scary violent. There's so much detail in this book. For example, read this quote on page 150, "A boy, I think from District 9, reaches the pack at the same time I do and for a brief time we grapple for it and then he coughts, splattering my face with blood. I stagger back, repulsed by the warm, sticky spray. Then the boy slips to the ground. That's when I see the knife in his back." I feel that could be a pretty rough scenes for kids to take in. Movies often leave people with nightmares, this book could potetionally do the same exact thing.

Now for some more reasons why I think the book should never ever be banned! All through this book this huge theme has hit me, and I wonder if you have noticed it yet Surbhi. What I saw is do what you're good at. Katniss is excellent with a bow and arrow, and that's her strength that got her such a high number in training. Peeta is great with paints and dyes. He camoflauged himself perfectly in the mud, Katniss didn't even realize he was there until he spoke and opened his eyes. And I even saw it in Prim. Katniss said that she cared way to much about the animal's deaths to kill them, so Katniss focused on her caring for her goat. I can see that even going into real life. We should do what we are good at, play up our strengths. Of course we need to venture out and new learn things like what Katniss and Peeta did during training, but we do have our individual skills. I think that this is a great theme to apply to our own lives. What do you think Surbhi?

Survival and...Death

This post is for Chapters 9 through 12...
Abby will post soon, there was a misunderstanding.

     The main event that with it brings the most evident reason for the banning of this book has begun in this section, the Hunger Games have finally kicked off. Just a couple chapters into the games, there is so much torture and violence that can already be seen, and it feels as if young children do not need to read this kind of material. The thing, though, is that The Hunger Games has actually been banned in high schools, and teenagers should not have a problem handling this kind of concept. There are multiple incidents so far where Katniss herself has been in danger or when she has witnessed the killing of a fellow tribute, but none of these things are intense enough to keep from teens, since many teenagers are already fully aware of situations in which violence is a result. In fact, it might just be that the tough conditions that these tributes face, such as when Katniss has to search for water in order to survive, can give teenagers the motivation they need to know that determination can help them through any situation. Plus, the way that Katniss describes the horror of seeing others die can possibly inspire violent teenagers to see just how much their actions can hurt others.

     The beginning of the Hunger Games is most likely going to be the most violent part because there are the most possible targets there will ever be since everyone is just getting started out. When the projector in the story shows that no one has been killed at the end of Chapter 12, the reader can interpret that the calmer yet more unexpected part of the games has begun. "I feel remarkably better. There are no faces tonight, no tributes died today." (pg. 171). It is very likely that the violence in this portion is the worst it will ever get, and if people are able to learn even from this part, this just shows how much this book can positively impact its readers. Even if this part of the book is very intense for some, it is a good learning experience as well as entertaining for others.

Deeper into the Story...

This is the post for Chapters 5 through 8 for The Hunger Games...

     Abby, I have to say that although I had at first thought the relationship between Katniss and Peeta was a good thing, I now think just as Katniss and you do that Peeta is just being nice to get to her. It's just that, at first it felt like Peeta was doing the kinds of things that a true friend would do, and I seemed to ignore the worries Katniss threw in our direction about her safety in the games. It must have felt a little weird for the two to hold hands as they did in the beginning or this portion, and it is good that Katniss is able to keep reminding herself to not get carried away. I am pretty happy that you agreed with me when I said the reason for banning this book could possibly be that it shows a negative Utopian society in which the main character is a sort of rebel and realizes the things that are really going on. The bonding of the characters and their close relationships are a very bright part of this book so far, and that should be a big reason of why The Hunger Games is a book that should not be banned.
    
     I want to say that a small yet powerful reason this book might have been banned that can be seen in this portion of the reading is that beauty is shown in order to achieve popularity and the love of people. Katniss and all of the other tributes are blossomed up and made gorgeous whenever they have to make an appearance in public, and this want for publicity by showing beauty is not necessarily something that the contestants get to choose to do. Professional beauty artists are kept aside just for the games' tributes to have, and that fact alone is enough to tell the reader that publicity is everything if these contestants want to make it out of the arena alive (of course only one will, though). "'But don't worry,' says Venia. 'By the time Cinna is through with you, you're going to be absolutely gorgeous!'" (pg. 62). This can be a bad influence to children because later childhood is the stage when most start feeling that the only way to be popular is to be pretty, and that the outside of a person is what counts in determining their fate, not the heart. Children could start to believe in this even more after reading the book, because this section of it is basically talking about getting love through physique and using that love to determine whether the outcome will be life or death. This book could get more kids worried about how they look and how much others like them for the sakes of their careers and lives, and that is not a good thing since appearance can build up ego in a person as well as lower his or her self-esteem.

     Of course, there is also the fact that this book has mostly been banned because of the violence it contains, and some of this can already be seen as the tributes start training and the talents of all of them come forward so that they can be expanded on and countered by each other. And even though beauty and popularity are everything in this new world Katniss has entered, it is still very sweet how she was able to keep her mother's braid in the beginning of chapter five, this shows how much understanding the people of these Districts have for one another (especially since Cinna approves of it, and he is from District 12, just like Katniss). 

First Post About The Hunger Games

Surbhi, I'm sorry but I have to disagree with you once again. In your last post about The Hunger Games, you said that Peeta and Katniss were doing sweet little things to show that they care about each other. I didn't see any of that. I saw Peeta doing nice things, but I think Katniss has the right idea. He's doing it to get on her good side, and then kill her in the games. He's just the perfect person for everyone to love. A kind person gets all the attention, and it sounds like the sponsors attention too. On page 60, a quote says, "Which also means that kind Peeta Mellark, the boy who gave me the bread, is fighting hard to kill me." He's just doing it for the popularity. Surbhi, do you think his actions are popularity or is he just kind?
But don't worry, I don't just disagree with you in every post. I actually agree with you too! A great reason why The Hunger Games shouldn't be banned is that it does bring people together. The citizens in the town clearly care for each other, shown when the whole town gives thanks to Katniss. The Hob seems especially close, though it might just because of Katniss's dad and that they all feel sorry for her. But she needs the love. Clearly her Dad's death has left her in a state of misery. She deserves better.
Now for the reasons why The Hunger Games could possibly be banned. For one, it shows a corrupt society. We've been reading books about bad societiess, Anthem, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and they all directly point to the societies being bad. The Hunger Games also shows this inside of the book. Katniss and Gale are clearly against the government, especially in the woods when they blurt out everything. This book shows that the government could possibly be wrong, which could be a huge problem. Also, this book is geared towards young adults who are easily influenced. It is a possibility that the book could give youth thoughts in their heads about their governments being wrong. It's a little far fetched, I know, but the societies in the books we read in class basically did the same thing. Also, we see those books coming to life now.

End of Harry Potter

It's the end Surbhi, and quite a nice ending too if I might add. To answer your question, I think that Harry Potter is so popular because it is interesting. It deals with a topic that many kids just love, and dream about. I don't know about you, but I wish I had magic powers, and so do many other people in our world. This makes the book very popular because it brings to life a fantasy. Also, the book is funny. In chapter 17, Dumbledore says, "What happened in the dungeon between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret. So, naturally, the whole school knows." I also feel that the idea of gossip like Dumbledore is talking about makes the whole magic matter seem more real because gossip is a huge part of children's lives, and ours too.
Because this is the last post about the challenged Harry Potter, I feel that I should finish off about why it should be banned. I've been collecting quotes to be able to do this post! For one, it teaches loyalty. Hagrid is crazy loyal toward James and Lilly Potter, also Dumbeldore. In chapter four, a quote says, "If he wants ter go, a great Muggle l ike you won't stop him," growled Hagrid. "Stop Lily an' James Potter's son goin' ter Hogwarts! Yer mad. His name's been down ever since he was born." Also, the book teaches courage. In chapter 13, a quote says "You've got to stand up to him, Nevile!" said Ron. "He's used to walking all over people, but that's no reason to lie down in front of him and make it easier." What Ron is trying to do here is make Nevile stand up for himself. This is something that everyone needs to do, and is a great life lesson. Well Surbhi, this is the end of my post. I'm really looking forward to reading the Hunger Games, it looks great.

First Impressions of The Hunger Games

This is the first Hunger Games post, Chapters 1 through 4
Abby still hasn't posted yet this week...

     One of the main reasons that this book is said not to be suited for children is because it is filled with death and violence. Having heard about some of this book, it is understandable that there would be quite a lot of fighting and such for this kind of plot, but there is not much of that yet since the society is mostly being introduced to the reader right now. While learning about how the society functions and how the people are suppressed, there are so many connections that can be made to books such as 1984 and The Giver because a whole new world is shown to the reader that can make him or her feel dread and sympathy for the people living in those societies. Even though it can be seen that a greater power is hiding things from the people to gain more power within all of these books, the events and festivals of the people differ for each one, since the governments or leaders are hiding different things from each group of people. This may possibly be another big reason for banning this book, because it goes against either certain types of beliefs or certain types of governments as well as shows using force to make others have faith in one side, especially since it is the side that would be "wrong" in most modern day thinking. What do you think are some big reasons for the banning of this book, Abby?

     There is a bit of a warm side to this book when it comes to the people still having feelings for each other, even if they don't know it, and this is a pretty good reason that the book shouldn't be banned since human emotions are valid in it, and very strongly so. This can be seen with Katniss and Prim, because from the very first page Katniss starts talking about how enchanting her younger sister is, and how much she cares for Prim is shown most significantly when Katniss volunteers herself as a tribute in Prim's place to protect her from what can be in the games. "With one sweep of my arm, I push her behind me. 'I volunteer!' I gasp. 'I volunteer as tribute!'" (pg. 22). This move on the part of Katniss is almost equivalent to her doing suicide, but she is willing to give up even her life to make sure that her sister stays safe. Also, it can be seen that Peeta and Katniss start to have an uneasy yet sweet relationship with each other, doing the smallest things to show that they do care for one another. Even after finding out that they have both become tributes and knowing that one of them will have to die sooner or later in the games, their former and friendlier relation from when they first met and went hunting never really changes deep in their hearts.

The Climax and Resolution

This post is for Chapters 16 through 17 (or the end) for Harry Potter...
For some reason, Abby hasn't posted yet this week!

     Abby, in your post from last week, you said that this series should not be banned because it is very popular; I have to say that I agree it is popular, but not that it shouldn't be banned because of that. In fact, there are many people that believe this series being popular is the reason it should be banned since children are preferring to read it over other books they can learn more from. What do you think is the main reason it is popular, and why do you think so?

     It is interesting that even though Harry and his friends are breaking rules by trying to sneak out past Fluffy, they are still showing us the good qualities within a person that I have mentioned in previous posts such as true friendship and courage to do the right thing. The ultimate goal for these characters is to stop the stone from falling into the wrong hands, and anyone with a sense of duty would stake his or her life to save others if a chance came to him or her to do so. This means that Harry, Ron, and Hermione may be defying rules, but their motives are such that would make even the most strict people grateful that they had the courage within them to go against orders. Sometimes there is nothing more important than doing what one thinks is right, and acting how the heart tells one to. The trio stumble into objects that would stop anyone in his or her tracks, and all of them show their individual talents and bravery by sacrificing themselves when the time comes to face something that isn't easy to take down. "'That's chess!' snapped Ron. 'You've got to make some sacrifices! I take one step forward and she'll take me - that leaves you free to checkmate the king, Harry!'" (pg. 283). This shows an example of determination since every single one of the three knows that it is most important for Harry to get to the stone over everything else, and they stop at nothing to make sure this happens.

     This book also shows a sort of tribute to parenthood  and purity when Harry is told by Dumbledore that his mother's love is what saved him from Voldemort. "'Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign...to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.'" (pg. 299). This small yet valid detail would help children realize their parents are always important, and no matter what mom or dad does or says (even if he or she isn't alive anymore), he or she will always stick up for them in the end. There is nothing more clear than the love of a mother or father, because this love can protect a child from even the worst of dangers. Also, by stating that Harry's pure will of achieving the stone for safety and not for its powers can teach children that doing something to make a difference in the world is much more valuable than being the most powerful person on the planet.

Life... and the Real World

This post is for Chapters 14 through 15 in Harry Potter...

     Abby, I found it extremely interesting how you referred to this series being positively influential because Harry Potter is a very good friend. It is indeed very hard to imagine what would have happened to Harry's character if he had become friends with Malfoy, but I believe that his personality would never have allowed him to do this, and if it had, the friendship wouldn't have lasted long.

     Something that you also mentioned in your post was whether the dangers that are present in these books should be taken too seriously as a reason of bad influence since most of them aren't even possible in the real world. I think that these dangers should not be considered as harmful, but it also seems that Harry is facing more and more of them with every new event that occurs in the book now. When Harry and Malfoy witness a mysterious figure drinking the blood of a unicorn (later found out to be Voldemort), it can be said that he was closest to danger ever since his parents were killed. Parents might think that this could send violent images and such into the minds of children and even scare them, but parents should know that fear is a natural phase of growing up, and that none of this is actually true, so a little fear generated by this book is not going to change much for children.

     Tell me one thing, don't parents want their children to respect life no matter what form it exists in? When it is revealed in this portion of the book that Hagrid wants to raise a dragon even though it is illegal, the reader can see just how much the giant values the lives of not only fellow humans, but animals as well. "So now they had something else to worry about:  what might happen to Hagrid if anyone found out he was hiding an illegal dragon in his hut." (pg. 233). The law doesn't change Hagrid's decision, and some might think that this influences young ones to break the law, but if a small detail like this is enough to influence a person, the person is young enough that it is not likely for them to try breaking laws. It is more possible that this kind of event would help children think more about how they treat others and life, and it could be enough to have them ponder what they would have done if they were in Hagrid's shoes. If not anything else, a child can learn more about him or herself from this kind of context. Even though Hagrid has to end up asking Ron's brother to take the dragon before it grows too big, the fact that he cared enough to even let it hatch at his house, and this is enough to tell the reader that caring is all that matters in the end, because more important than the separation of the two is that Harry, Ron, and Hermione gain much respect for Hagrid because of the risks he took.  

Harry Potter-Self Confidence

Self confidence is a thing that everyone says we should have. It's kind of punched into our brains, and if you don't have it you're worthless. I agree with you that when Harry told Nevile that he is worth more then Draco that was the right thing to do. Nevile was made fun of all throughout the book, especially by Draco. Malfoy even stole his ball, but Harry got it back. This also shows what true friendship is. Harry Potter is geared toward children. One thing that is really common to hear is that it is hard to know who your true friends are-and Harry is a true friend. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stand up for Nevile at multiple times. They are great friends, and I believe that kids need to learn how to tell who their real friends are because people can be easily influenced. Just think about this: imagine at the beginning of the book when Draco offered to be Harry's friend if Harry said yes. Where would Harry be? He would not be friends with Ron and Hermione, and he certainly would not standing up for Nevile. More then likely he would be bullying Nevile. This quote in chapter 17 really proves the point of what I said above, "It takes a
great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up
to our friends." I think this whole paragraph is full of great reasons why Harry Potter shouldn't be a banned book.

I have another reason why Harry Potter shouldn't be banned. It is insanely popular and kids love to read it. Parents and teachers are always talking about how kids don't read enough, why get rid of their favorite book? The way I see it is if it makes kids want to read, it won't be a problem. What do you think Surbhi? Do you thinking having books like the Harry Potter series makes children want to read more?

And now for reasons why it should be banned. As I'm nearing the end of the book, I am seeing less obvious reasons for banning the book, but here's a big reason right here. They put themselves in danger! Instead of avoiding the three-headed dog they go and try to get past it. Then they continue on through everything. I could see this as being a problem with adults. I don't think parents want their kids walking through creepy ally ways to find the magic rock. But, it's just a book. I feel that they just need to get over it. Do you think the danger in the book is influential to youth Surbhi?

Deeper Into the Realms of the Wizard World

This post is for Chapter 12 through Chapter 13 in Harry Potter...

     Abby, I think that Dumbledore did the right thing by telling Harry Potter not to ponder what can't happen in the last section. I feel that children need to have an imagination, but they also cannot spend all of their time in unreal worlds; Harry would have wasted so much time and sense in believing his parents would somehow come back if he wasn't told to focus on reality. Imagination is only good as long as it doesn't keep one from seeing what is really happening and what can never happen. It is better not to believe in something than to hope for it a long time just to find it was never possible at all. It is a good thing that Harry is able to see that having his parents by his side is just a desire that he can see in the mirror, and it won't become real just because he wants it to.

     It was mentioned once in one of my previous posts that this series influences children to be disobedient in a way, and this section of the book shows that one of the major things that causes Harry and his friends to find out as much as they do about their world is because they break some rules. When Harry goes off with his invisible cloak to the books that are restricted in the library, he is not only breaking the curfew rules, but also those of NOT getting a hold of those books. If Harry had never snuck off, though, he would have never found the magical mirror without someone noticing. The most surprising thing is that Dumbledore doesn't get angry with Harry when he is caught, and this can make it seem to little ones that breaking rules can be totally okay.

     One thing that is a good quality if it rubs off on children after reading this series is that one should always be on the look out for what goes on around him or her; this doesn't necessarily mean to go looking for new things out of curiosity, but it means that paying attention to even the smallest things that happen in one's life can be very helpful in the future. This kind of thing is seen when Harry realizes that where he had heard of Nicolas Flamel was on the back of Dumbledore's Famous Wizard card, and without an observant eye, Harry probably would not have even remembered key names or details from the back of a collection card. Also, this portion of the reading was influential in a good way when Harry told Neville that he is better than Malfoy. "'You're worth twelve of Malfoy,' Harry said." (pg. 218). This shows people that one doesn't have to give in to others just because they seem scary, and that who one obeys or what one does should depend upon him or her, not someone else who acts superior. Another thing that looked good in this part was that Harry didn't let Malfoy's taunts ruin what he thought was the best Christmas in his life yet; Harry knew that even though he might not have as great a time as others, he still had more than enough love and laughter that he could share with Ron and his family. "He didn't feel sorry for himself at all; this would probably be the best Christmas he'd ever had." (pg. 195). This just tells the reader that one should be happy with what one has, and not want what cannot happen (back to the Dumbledore concept) just because someone else makes it feel like he or she has nothing.

     Harry shows just how much of team player he really is, and how much he cares for others when he doesn't back down from the Quidditch game after finding out that Snape will be the referee. "'I can't,' said Harry. 'There isn't a reserve Seeker. If I back out, Gryffindor can't plat at all.'" (pg. 217).  

One thing that children are taught to have when they are young is to have goals. Goals are taught to learn how to achieve things in lives, but Harry Potter doesn't have to many goals. There are some minor goals, but not too many long term goals. And that is what kids in our world today are taught. We are all influenced to have ideas for our futures, and are constantly asked what we want to do. Harry doesn't have any really big goals for his later life--and I could see that as another big problem. The same problem has been coming up in the Twilight series. The main character Bella has no goals for her life, and that angers parents. But one thing that parents need to keep in mind is that this is a book. A fiction book. It is not real, and I think that most children would be able to understand this because the reading level of Harry Potter is geared towards slight older children.

I also agree with you that imagination is a necessary thing for children. How are kids supposed to create their own ideas if they have no imagination? Imagination helps with everything in our daily lives, it's basically a problem solver. Also, I believe that how Ron reacted to the troll almost hurting Hermione could be an analogy to our world. The troll could easily be replaced with a criminal or a car, basically anything that could possibly be a threat. But I did find something significant that Dumbeldore said that could dismiss imagination. On page 157, he says, 'It does not do to dwell on dreams, Harry, and forget to live." I think in this quote he's basically telling Harry that the mirror can not make his parents come alive--dismissing Harry's imagination. He wants Harry to accept what his life is like at the moment and not to dwell on the unreal. Do you think Dumbeldore is right here, Surbhi? I feel like this is a really important quote in the book, and it will make a huge impact on Harry.

Not Just Wizards...But Trolls Too?

This post is for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 10 through Chapter 11

     Many of the people that have suggested banning the Harry Potter books can be seen as extremely religious, since their main reason for the banning was based around religious influence. The bishop and St. John's school is a very strong believer that this series is bad for children to read, and even though he mostly wanted to ban it because of how it exploited magical spells and potions, he also wanted to ban them because of how their content required too much imagination. The bishop thought that children should focus on their studies during their youth because they have the rest of their lives to dream (I don't agree, imagination works best when one is young and doesn't have many responsibilities on his or her shoulders). The Harry Potter series not only shows wizards being a reality, but also other wondrous creatures, such as the troll seen in Chapter 10, within it. People like the bishop view introducing imaginary concepts and organisms as filling the brains of young ones with rubbish where knowledge can be instead, because they give students reasons to day dream during class as well as when handling situations in the outside world.
     Although I cannot see the true meaning of this reason for banning, I do see that people who grow up in fantasy worlds of fairies and wizards usually turn out to ignore true responsibilities later in life. Reading is an activity for fun and learning, though, so it is not very likely for children to get so carried away from only one series. If Harry Potter should be banned for influencing too much imagination, why not books such as The Phantom Tollbooth or movies like Peter Pan? Also, it is not unlikely to grow out of intense imagination, and imagination is what inspires people to try new things and risk a chance for something that they want more than anything else. The troll in Chapter 10 of this section inspires Harry and Ron to save Hermione, and without the presence of this imaginary creature, Ron would have never been able to see the mistake he made by insulting as talented a girl as Hermione. Imagination has a big role in realizing the potential one has as well as others around them; if people like Gandhi had not imagined a free world, then maybe countries like India would have never gained their freedom. "But from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend. There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them." (pg. 179). A student can learn even from a monster as ugly and menacing as the troll about friendship and accepting others for who they are. It seems, though, that people like the bishop at St. John's never look at this series from that angle because they are blind about everything other than what they want to happen.
     I would have to say I agree with you, Abby, when you say that people are just overreacting about banning the series. I mean, seriously, no one is being forced to read it, and censorship can only go so far... I think that banning this series is mostly just a way for people to let children know that they need not to pay attention to such things, but is it right taking out the elements of fun in children's books? Books are just a way to express ideas, and everyone, at least in America, has the right to learn about what others think of life if the person sharing doesn't mind. Creative writers such as J. K. Rowling should be acknowledged for their talent rather than taunted for their childishness.

Rebelion in Harry Potter

I agree with you Surbhi that Harry and Ron are kind of like rebels, but not as extreme. They rebel against the school rules. Hermione is definitely not all right with this, and she sure tells them that too. And I think this could be a huge controversal issue. Children all around the world read this book, and children are easy to influence when they are young. Harry Potter kind of makes it OK to not obey school rules-which is what schools have a problem with already. I can see this as being a problem, though this problem comes up in many other books that have never been challenged. What do you think Surbhi? Also, now that I think about it there a lot of books like Harry Potter. There are tons of books that talk about magic and fake worlds, but are not publically challenged much at all. Is it fair to challenge Harry Potter in the same way? I feel that if Harry Potter wasn't as famous and read so often it wouldn't be a problem what so ever. Tons of books are sliding under the radar of angry parents all the time. But if one of those books were famous, they would instantly get challenged. But this brings up another issue-all books have something in them that could possible be a reason to ban them. What really makes a book worth banning? Anyone could easily find issues in every single book every written.

Relating to more of the plot of the book, I see that wizards aren't trying very hard to cover up their existence. When they are at the train station they just run right up into the wall and go through, anyone could see them and report them. I'm surprised the Ministry of Magic has not come up with a better solution on getting to Hogwarts. Hagrid told Harry on their first trip to the Diagon Alley that the Ministry of Magic's job was to hide magic from the muggles. on page 65 a quote says about the Ministry of Magic, "Well, their main job is to keep it from the Muggles that there's still witches an' wizards up an' down the country." But students that are going to Hogwarts just walk right through the wall, wouldn't people see him? I do not understand this-I think that the Ministry has some flaws in it because of that. Surbhi, do you feel that the wizarding worlds government has flaws in it? Or do you think it is perfectly fine the way it is?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Surbhi, I had to disagree with you on one thing you said in your last post. I do believe that Harry Potter has very big issues inside of it that could be a reason to ban it. For example, the most popular religion in the world is Christianity, and magic can go against that like I said in my first post. Really, I think that people are just overreacting. They need to calm down. What do you think Surbhi? Do you think that the people who want these books baned have enough reasons to do so? I think that books should have some controversy in it. It helps the world think, just like what the government bans in Fahrenheit 451. I think that Harry Potter should not be banned so kids can have a more open mind to different things.
Besides talking about the banning of Harry Potter, I want to talk about Hagrid. Hagrid is a great character, he is really wanting to help Harry out with everything. He said himself that he knew Harry since he was a baby, and I feel that Hagrid has a connection with him. Another huge thing that I want to talk about is Harry and his fame. I think that he is taking it very well, even though the people inside of the Leaky Cauldron kind of freaked him out by obsessing over him. I don't think Harry realizes what a big deal he is in the wizarding world. Right now, I think that he's just feeling overwhelmed and doesn't have enough time to think everything through. He has a lot of information to think through right now, on page 71 he said, "Harry wished he had about eight more eyes. He turned his head in every direction as they walked up the street, trying to look at everything at once: the shops, the things outside them, the the people doing their shopping." I think that it is great that Harry's life is getting a transformation. To be honest, his life kind of sucks. I feel that going to Hogwarts will most likely benefit him. What do you think Surbhi?

Why Harry Potter is Actually Worth Banning (and Not Even Then...)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 7 through Chapter 9
(Abby told me to go ahead and post again because she was late...)

     Many of the reasons I have given in my previous posts for why the Harry Potter series may have been banned are ones that I understand, but not ones that I think were influential enough to have to ban the series. Reading through these most recent chapters, though, I have seen a reason that I would agree might influence children, but I still wouldn't want to ban this series over that trivial matter. One can observe that Harry Potter is faced with many challenges that people see everyday in the real world, such as having to stand up for oneself when he or she is being bullied, but the responses that Harry gives to these challenges are of the sort that can get him into deep trouble. Since Harry is the main character of this book, and the hero in a way, young children would most likely think that what he does is right, and although the outcomes of the problems he has in the magical world might end with good results because of entertainment and satisfaction, it most likely isn't so in the real world. It is not bad if young children want to explore more about their world like Harry does upon reaching Hogwarts, but one has to remember the saying "curiosity killed the cat". Sneaking off from where one is supposed to be at night cannot only cause trouble if caught, but one needs to ponder that rules are made for the benefit of him or her, and bad things can happen if broken.  By Harry, Ron, Neville, and Hermione making it back to their rooms without getting caught when having been walking in the hallways after curfew, children might also think that although they would have some difficulties and scares along the way, they wouldn't get caught easily if they snuck out as well.
     Even though this is not too big of an influential issue, I actually agree that it is likely to happen that young ones can be convinced that breaking rules leads to saving the world (multiple times). Something I liked about this reading portion that makes it seem like the whole sneaking out thing is actually bad is that Hermione is constantly warning Harry and Ron that they shouldn't be doing what they are, and she only joins them because she has limited other options. "The Fat Lady had gone on a nighttime visit and Hermione was locked out of Gryffindor tower." (pg. 156). Hermoine is shown in a bright light of respect to the reader when the four return to their house having gotten nearly nothing accomplished and scared to death. This reminds the reader that the warnings Hermione gave out were of common sense, and messing with the rules might not mean one is necessarily going to get caught, but that not too many things are going to be in one's favor either. Hermione can be seen as wise when she tries to convince Harry that having a duel with Malfoy would be a bad idea, but Harry, still the influential character and main hero, goes off for the duel anyway. "'Don't you care about Gryffindor, do you only care about yourselves, I don't want Slytherin to win the house cup, and you'll lose all the points I got from Professor McGonagall for knowing about Switching Spells.'" (pg.155) - (that was Hermione speaking). Even though knowledge is brought in the story by Hermione's sense, she is often portrayed as a rather annoying character, so it is possible for children to think that actually listening to the sensible things she says in the story would be rather boring and uncool.
        

More Reasons for the Banning of Harry Potter

This post is for Chapter 4 through Chapter 6...

     I do agree with Abby when she says that the reason that Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia are keeping Harry away from his real self is because they are scared of being different than the other sophisticated people around them. Now that I do think more about it with Abby's view into consideration, I am able to understand that Harry's aunt and uncle may actually be accepting that magic is real, but they are not willing to accept being labeled as weird in their society. Thank you Abby for giving me a chance to see that I was focusing on the wrong topic for the reason why Harry is so held back by the people he calls his "family".
     I really like how Abby related that this series might have been banned because of the difference it shows in society levels, separating people by how they look rather than who they actually are. As I was reading more in this book, I noticed that Harry is not a character who actually thinks of society levels as being a divider of who to interact with. The main people seen judging others by either appearance or how rich or poor are the Dursleys, and this can be seen much by how they react to those like Harry and his family when they see them. One can see that this type of judgement has not rubbed off on Harry when he buys goodies for his new friend, Ron Weasley, because the boy cannot afford them himself. "'Go on, have a pasty,' said Harry, who had never had anything to share before or, indeed, anyone to share it with." (pg. 102). Harry's aunt and uncle would have probably been disgusted if they saw how Harry was spending his fortune and associating with someone so poor. It is easy to see that inequality because of bad judgement could be a reason for the banning of the book, but Harry's aunt and uncle aren't exactly the good guys here, and as long as Harry is showing no segregation in his actions, it shouldn't really matter what they think.
     There is so much that Harry gets to learn about as the book goes on, and some of the things that he learns bring out more points of why the Harry Potter Series might have been banned. One thing that came up was competing for fame, and parents might think that this relates too much to popularity issues already present in most schools. Many times throughout conversations, it is seen that insults of the family and violence are used to prove who is better than whom, especially when Harry first meets Draco Malfoy. Parents might think that children would be influenced to use insults and violence to resolve popularity problems in their real lives by reading these books. There is also the issue, though, that no one really needs books to be too aggressive, but these books make a certain party of the debate seem snooty and evil, and this could fill a child's mind with venom against a person that might be bullying him or her. This is a very possible reason for the banning of this book, but it is most likely pretty minor compared to others, such as that it promotes the Wicca religion and counteracts many popular beliefs of other religions.
    

Acceptance and Religion in Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Chapters 1-4
Acceptance
Surbhi, I have to disagree with you here. I don’t think that the Durseleys believe that if people find out their secret it will hurt them. I think they are just worried that people would think that they are weird. That family is just obsessedwith fitting in and being normal. The book described Mrs. Dursley’s day as, “…a nice, normal day.” (6) And on page four a quote says, “Mr. Dursley, however, had a perfectly normal, owl-free morning.” Another thing that I got from the text is that Mr. Dursley clearly does not accept people that are different from himself. When he went towork and saw all the strange people in cloaks, he had very bad thoughts about them.
This is why I disagree with you, I feel that the Dursleys are more worried about people thinking that they aren’t normal then that finding out their secret will put them in danger. They clearly don’t know much about the wizarding world, as shown when Hagrid so pleasantly enters
the house in the ocean, so they probably aren’t afraid of things that could potentially
be a threat to them from the wizarding world. And what could the muggles do?
Most likely no one would believe them; I would think that their society would just
set them aside as the not normal, crazy ones, just like Mr. Dursley did to the cloaked people.
I think that it is possible that one of the reasons why people want to ban this
book is because of the acceptance problem in it. Our society today is generally
accepting, and we are getting more and more accepting as time goes on. Having a
book like this takes us back to a time when America was completely unaccepting,
like the black and white controversy, and the gay marriage controversy right
now. Lately, children are being taught to accept everything. Books that
students read can completely change their views of thought. Like in Fahrenheit
451, they banned books because they made people think and question what is
right and wrong. The problem of acceptance in Harry Potter could be a huge
reason why these books would be banned.
About the religion you were talking about, I read that Christians believe that Harry
Potter is wrong. As a Christian, I believe that God is above everything, and
that he deserves all power and glory. Magic kind of disturbs that, giving off
the illusion that magic is more powerful then god. This is why a lot of
churches want the books banned.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 1 through Chapter 3

     The entire Harry Potter Series by J .K. Rowling has been a point of serious controversy ever since the books within it were published. Many people, not only in the United States, but also in England, think that these books are influential in the wrong way, especially to young children, because they express the acts of witchcraft and wizardry (also known as the Wicca religion). One of the first schools to take to consideration that these books interfere with the rightful beliefs of the children that it teaches was St. Joseph's in Wakefield; the school bishop banned the series from the school entirely and removed it from the school library.
     While reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I found that not only did the concept of wizardry cause problems outside of Harry's world, but also inside it as well. It is quite easy to see that Harry's horrible aunt and uncle seem to have such a great distaste for Harry and his parents because they know of the danger that comes with Harry finding out his family secret. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon always display the disgust they feel for Harry asking questions and thinking about things in unusual ways, and this shows the reader just how immoral they think practicing magic is. "If there was one thing the Dursleys hated even more than his asking questions, it was his talking about anything acting in a way it shouldn't, no matter if it was in a dream or cartoon - they seemed to think he might get dangerous ideas." (pg. 26). There have been various groups of people in the real world who simply don't believe that there is "nonsense" such as wizards and anyone who believes in them aren't followers of proper religion, and these people have not stepped back when asserting their opinions out into the debate of challenging Harry Potter. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon are almost identical to these kind of people because of how they talk about occurrences and people that are different from the ideal and sophisticated kind like them. The reader is made to wonder whether J. K. Rowling was expecting a reaction from some of hatred and controversy from her books, and if that is one of the reasons the characters of Harry's aunt and uncle are the way they are.

Schedule for Our Posts

Surbhi Ghadia and Abby Jarve will be working together on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. These are both banned books, and we will do seven posts per book and two to compare them each. We will read each book in three and a half weeks so that we have a week left over for our comparing posts; this means we will post twice a week each.