Harry Potter, Christ figure?

            

Through the release of her first novel of the Potter series (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone) J.K. Rowling sparked an international Pottermania craze. The Potter series brought people together in a large international and informal community.  Despite the large fandom, J.K. Rowling’s internationally popular phenomenon was critiqued and viewed with skepticism by various groups. In particular, religious sects reacted negatively towards the Harry Potter series due to the dominant role of magic within the series. Magic is associated with occult activities and it has been argued that such references would encourage impressionable children to participate in similar behavior. Religious conservatives felt Rowling’s stories encouraged children to embrace witchcraft. The fallout from this controversy included lawsuits, book burnings, campaigns, book bans in school environments and the American Library Association to place the series on the banned books list.

With the release of the final novel in the series, underlying Christian themes and imagery unfolded. After years of averting questions on whether Christian themes were present in the Potter series, Rowling affirmed the Christian allegory in her final book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It has been argued Potter is treated as a Messianic figure as he dies a sacrificial death, is tortured using the Cruciatus curse, and has an afterlife experience at “King’s Cross.” Potter resurrects and triumphs over Voldemort. Upon considering these parallels many Christians question whether Rowling crafted the Harry Potter story according to the Passion and death of Christ. But is Harry Potter representative of a Christ figure?

Using Kozlovic’s 25 structural characteristics of the cinematic Christ-figure as a framework, Harry Potter can be identified as a Christ-like figure. Potter displays Savior qualities every time he defends the wizard world from the evil (Devil figure) Voldemort. Harry Potter sacrifices his own life in order to save the world (which occurs on multiple occasions, and by doing so, he is able to destroy the evil wizard). In comparison to Christ’s scars on his hand and feet, Potter has a scar on his forehead as he withstood the killing curse (and temporarily defeats Voldemort). As described by Kozlovic, Christ-figures in films are simple, generally distinguished by a lack of wealth. Harry Potter is raised in humble circumstances. After the death of his wizard parents he lives under the stairs of the Dursley’s. Harry also has the physical traits of a Christ figure as argued by Kozlovic- the blue eyes.                 

                                             

Another common identifier as described by Kozlovic is a decisive death and resurrection. Potter spends three days in a coma after battling Voldemort. Potter is the object of Voldemort’s wrath and attention in comparison to Christ who is the object of Satan’s wrath. Harry descends into the Chamber of Secrets, and endures the Cruciatus Curse (pain and suffering paralleled with Christ enduring suffering on the cross).

Upon considering these factors and drawing upon discussion on this topic from a course I took last year, I can’t help but question whether young Christian readers easily identify Harry Potter as a Christ figure or simply a fictional character that engages in magical quests and combats? I also question whether the intended young audience can easily identify argued symbols, signs and metaphors present in the Harry Potter series as allusions and aspects of the Christian gospel message?

Response to Felicia’s post “Make Yourself-Nike Ad”

Response to Felicia’s blog post: http://305upinflames.blogspot.com/

I find this campaign very interesting. I was aware that Nike has been accused of having a history of using sweatshops.  This campaigns aims at empowering women and making them feel comfortable in their bodies. I agree that although Nike tries to communicate a positive message Nike’s use of sweatshop degrades their message. The environments in sweatshops are dangerous and difficult. Workers, usually women, are exposed to harmful situations and materials and abuse from employers. Sweatshop workers often work long days and make way lower than minimum wage. On one hand Nike promotes female empowerment and on the other it abuses women in Third World countries. As you stated, it creates an environment where women cannot be strong outside the sweatshop environment. 

I find it interesting that in one of the advertisements for this campaign the image portrays a female surfer (Laura Enever) engaging in a male sporting event (Gymnastics rings). The rings are an artistic gymnastics apparatus traditionally used only by males (due to the demand for extreme upper-body strength). Throughout the commercial athletes are portrayed as achieving their goals despite presented conditions or barriers (“Rain or shine I push myself to the limit everyday” – Julia Mancuso). Despite restrictions woman can break boundaries and prove both their physical and mental strength. 

I am not sure if this is part of the same campaign but this reminds me of Nike’s “My butt is Big” advertisements. “My butt is big” is just one of Nike’s attempts to promote self-acceptance amongst women of different body shapes and sizes. The advertisements range from depicting pictures of legs, hips and shoulders. The advertisements feature female body parts modeling Nike gear. As I discussed in my blog post, images of the female body and body parts are used to sell everything from food to cars to clothes. The female body has been used in several advertisements, commonly in a sexual manner as sex sells. 

Nike attempts to showcase the athlete’s body but portrays it in a sexual manner. Nike attempts to combat the conception that big butts are bad or “manly” shoulders on females are ugly. Although Nike portrays a positive message, there are still negative messages surrounding the ads (attainability of the body images depicted in the ads, “realness” of the females depicted in the photographs- photoshop or not). Through these advertisements Nike tries to eliminate the stereotype that athletic women are too masculine. Nike returns to the “sex sells” notion. For these ads, sex sells whether it’s an athletic model or curvy model. Although these images may empower women to accept their bodies, I think these ads also build on the ideal body image making viewers want the bodies advertised. Although many women may not be able to relate to the “butt” advertisement, many can relate to having issues with their body and embracing everything about themselves (“thunder thighs,” broad shoulders, hips).

"Sex sells but not for me"

We would all like to claim that we purchase products simply because we need them for survival as they fill certain needs in our lives. We live in a world in which consumer goods link us to certain groups. We are always trying to keep up with the latest fads. This fostering of desire to purchase certain goods and services has a profound impact on all ages. Reflecting back on my elementary days, the Tamagotchi or Nano handheld digital pet was extremely popular. Everyone in the schoolyard had one, including me. When something new came out we all quickly ran to the toy store to buy it as we didn’t want to be the only ones that did not have the “it” things.

Whether we are in public or in the privacy of our homes, walking across campus or watching TV we are heavily influenced by advertising. Advertising is part of the world we live. This is a world in which it seems normal to be addressed as a consumer in virtually every aspect of our lives. In some sense we have become walking advertisements by wearing clothes that plaster their brand name on t-shirts, sweaters, and pants. Advertising has many important functions including differentiating the “new” product from competing products, communicating general information, creating demands and generating profit. As noted in lecture, in order to capitalize sales, consumer capitalism employs the religious notion of desire into their advertisements. Similar to the religious desire for God’s love, the desire for products advertised are assumed to help individuals live better and fuller lives.

This desire becomes problematic, especially in relation to religion, when advertisers turn to sexual appeal and desire to generate products. As stated in “Consuming Faith: Advertising the Pornographic Gaze and Religious Desire” the central expression for advertising is that “sex sells.” Although most of us agree with this statement, we also feel it does not apply to us. Images of female bodies are everywhere- women and their body parts sell everything from food to cars. 

Magazines are filled with advertisements for quick weight loss in order to have it all- the perfect career, marriage, relationships. The unattainable body image (available through airbrushing and photo shop) is being imposed on women and young girls. This unattainable image is also presented in children’s toys such as Barbie.

Children are becoming more aware of the ideal body image and compare themselves to the extremely thin models in advertisements. As stated in the article “female beauty is seen as the epitome of feminine objectives” (page 59). Young girls are taught to be beautiful and desirable. This is extremely evident in shows like “Little Miss Perfect Pageant” or “Toddlers and Tiaras.” Children are becoming increasingly more competitive, pulling out all the stops to be crowned the most beautiful, “perfect” girl at the pageant. A lot of the children enroll in these pageants to fulfill their parent’s fantasy.

TLC’s show Toddlers and Tiaras has generated a lot of controversy. It follows the lives of multiple young girls who compete in beauty pageants around the United States. Pageant parents spend a lot of money on “wow wear”, pageant gowns, makeup, fake eyelashes, hair extensions, hair stylists, makeup artists and fake tans. Parents even invest in “flippers” –fake teeth if they feel their child’s teeth haven’t grown in perfectly.

Before sending their children on stage to “perform” parents often pump up their children with energy drinks and encourage their children to “shake what they got.” Not only are contestants fighting for the title and tiara, but they are also competing for thousands of dollars. Pageant contests glorify the commercial value of female beauty. Many children that lose these pageants view themselves as less desirable or beautiful. A child’s self-esteem is lowered and as the article states, the contestants in these pageants view their self-worth in relation to how desirable they appear in the opinion of the often male judges. It was interesting that the article pointed out most of these Pageants occur in very religious and conservative states. Assuming these parents are Christian and religious (which some are as you see parents praying before their child goes on stage), whatever happened to loving and respecting the body God blessed you with? On this quest to achieve beauty, how far will individuals go?

Link to a clip from "Toddler's and Tiaras": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABzMAuI1vj0

Response to Angela’s blog post “Oh the power of interpretation…”

Response to Angela's Blog: http://jesuschristthesuperstar.blogspot.com/

Angela, your interpretation of the lyrics to Lady Gaga’s song “Bad Romance” is interesting. I also interpret the relationship described in the song as a negative one. I agree the relationship described in this song seems to be an obsessive, dark relationship. When I analyzed the lyrics to this song before watching the music video, the video seemed random but full of hidden messages and symbols. At face value, the song lyrics seem to be about Gaga wanting to engage in a relationship with a psychopath. The obsessive nature in the relationship is seen through the constant repeating of “I want your love,” “as long as your mine.” The relationship does appear as a relationship filled with abuse and a love that she cannot escape. The insistence on having his love despite the ugly side and drama shows an unwillingness to let go, as well as an unnatural relationship and addiction as you stated in your blog.

            When examining the video for “Bad Romance” the connection with the music industry becomes apparent. It describes the dark and ritualistic workings of the entertainment industry, which is depicted with Gaga as a sex slave. I find the corporate product placements in the video particularly interesting, such as the Nemiroff vodka bottles, beats by dre, hp laptops, and carrera sunglasses. The main message of her music is that she is willing to do anything, even sacrificing herself in order to obtain fame. Gaga appears as a victim to the music industry. She wants to live in a bad romance with the music industry despite its cruel, abusive side. It is a portrayal of Gaga the “Fame monster.” 

The video flashes back to scenes of Gaga being forced to do things as a “sex slave” contrasted with her willingness.

I want your ugly

I want your disease

I want your everything

As long as it’s free

I want your love (Love-love-love I want your love)

I want your drama

The touch of your hand

I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand

I want your love love-love-love 

I want your love (Love-love-love I want your love)

In reference to the song lyrics, it is obvious that the love Gaga seeks is wrong and not healthy. Despite being a sex slave for the music industry, Gaga appears to like it. Like the unhealthy relationship Angela’s blog described (Quoted from Angela: “A relationship where the woman understands the damage that he is doing to her, and yet she is so addicted to his "love" that she cannot escape him”) Gaga knows the relationship with the music industry will hurt her and treat her horribly, but she is ready and willing to engage in that relationship.

The Cult of Gaga

Every decade has a pop culture phenomenon that has had a significant influence on their fans. Fans form clubs and conventions in honor of their idol, buy memorabilia, set up chat rooms to discuss their favorite celebs latest whereabouts, religiously attend concerts and mimic the style of their idol. In the 80s and 90s Madonna was at her peak. Her popularity and sexual appeal quickly stretched across the world. Through her multimillion-dollar deal, the “Material Girl” showed the world she offered more than just music with her record company, films, books, merchandise and several albums.

In the early 2000s after launching her recording career Britney Spear’s quickly became an international pop culture icon. With her absence Lady Gaga quickly climbed the charts with her catchy songs, outrageous hairdos and innovative costumes. Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta famously known for her stage name Lady Gaga was born on March 28, 1986. Born and raised in New York City, she attended a private Catholic school in the city (Covent of the Sacred Heart) and briefly attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts before dropping out to focus primarily on her music career. The debut of her 2008 album “The Fame” drew Gaga into the limelight. Her album was both a critical and commercial success that topped charts around the world.

Gaga’s quirky personality and avante-garde sense of style have her fans, commonly referred to as “little monsters,” dying to replicate her over the top costumes and funky hairdos.

 

When thinking about the Gaga phenomenon I can’t help but reflect on Gordan Lynch’s article, Why Should Theologians and Scholars of Religion Study Popular Culture? In class we discussed his four approaches to the study of popular culture and religion in light of Lady Gaga. When thinking about the how Lady Gaga serves religious functions in society we discussed her social function. In reference to her social function, Gaga formed her own society or cult within popular culture. This cult is comprised of followers (“little monsters”) who religiously attend concerts, engage in chat room conversations and purchase Gaga memorabilia, and create over the top explicit costumes in order to mimic their idol.

But is Lady Gaga really a good role model especially for impressionable adolescents? Media role models often have a huge impact on young children and teens. Adolescents are very conscious about the difference between image and reality and desperately seek role models and ground rules to live by. Although Lady Gaga is a common advocator for anti-bullying campaigns, such as her efforts to fight homophobia with her “It Gets Better” videos, are her explicit videos really sending positive messages? Gaga continually attempts to push the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

Her videos often portray her naked or in very skimpy outfits, depict bathhouses, sexual relations, prostitution and drugs. A lot of the content portrayed is too sexually provocative and explicit for children to view. This theme also puts into question are children and teens exposed to too much inappropriate material in the media?

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