Harry Potter behind the scenes spoilers

[Darklord Dave]

I think in this entire debate we are forgetting that this was all started by a kids question "Did Dumbledore ever find true love?" and she gave an honest answer according to the back story she had written for the character. Anyone that has really followed the development of the books knows that JKR actually has boxes upon boxes of back ground and unused material that to her is still cannon, enough to fill an encyclopedia (which to me cannot be written and sold soon enough). This wasn't a drawn out thought process to create controversy. It wasn't mentioned before becuase it wasn't important to HARRY'S story. A child asked a question about who I would assume was a favorite character and then all hell breaks loose.

Excellent point. Someone asked a question and she answered based on the backstory she had created for the character. As was also mentioned previously - it wasn't brought up in the books because it wasn't essential to Harry's story.

And we don't need to get into whether homosexuality is nature or nurture, but if it is indeed nurture how could 2 siblings with essentially the same environment growing up grow up with different sexual orientation?

And I had a crush on a girl when I was 6 - so I do think people know this stuff at an early age.

 

[Fubeca]

Matter of fact I have one. And no, she is not gay. (God I wish she were, though! My greatest fear isn't her coming home saying, meet my special friend Jennifer. It's her saying, I don't know who the father is, but I'm knocked up.)

I can't believe you just said that?

 

[Fubeca]

My issue is her timing of the revalation. Why now - after all the books are done?

If she'd "really" wanted to give kids/adolescents a strong gay rolemodel, then
why not reveal that fact earlier in the series? Answer: Because it would have
potentially (likely) cost her several hundred million of dollars. That's what bugs me.

JS

Amen!!!!!


Oh btw Chewbacca is gay too, we wanted kids to feel comfortable with more famous gay rolemodels!

 

[ProgMatinee]

And we don't need to get into whether homosexuality is nature or nurture, but if it is indeed nurture how could 2 siblings with essentially the same environment growing up grow up with different sexual orientation?

Thats about as equal argument as saying that it can't be genetics because (unless there's a test tube baby involved) all the homosexual persons ancestors were conceived through heterosexual behavior so where did the genes come from. LOL.

 

[Darth Caedus]

I just wonder is if someone asked this questions BEFORE all the books are out, I wonder if she would have had the same answer.

 

[RoboDad]

I think in this entire debate we are forgetting that this was all started by a kids question "Did Dumbledore ever find true love?" and she gave an honest answer according to the back story she had written for the character.

Actually, that is one of the biggest reasons I question the "revelation" in the first place. If a character does nothing over the course of the books that warrant any reference to his or her "sexual orientation", why even bother thinking about it when creating the character's backstory?

I'm sorry, but I see this as a completely unnecessary and sensationalistic announcement, regardless of how anyone feels about the relative merits of homosexuality. I believe it was only done to try to "challenge peoples' sensibilities", so to speak, since most people are more likely to assume a character is heterosexual until told otherwise. Apparently we're not supposed to think that way any more.

 

[ProgMatinee]

Actually, that is one of the biggest reasons I question the "revelation" in the first place. If a character does nothing over the course of the books that warrant any reference to his or her "sexual orientation", why even bother thinking about it when creating the character's backstory?

I'm sorry, but I see this as a completely unnecessary and sensationalistic announcement, regardless of how anyone feels about the relative merits of homosexuality. I believe it was only done to try to "challenge peoples' sensibilities", so to speak, since most people are more likely to assume a character is heterosexual until told otherwise. Apparently we're not supposed to think that way any more.

I definately agree with this assesment. IMO artists and celebrities seem to enjoy "challenging peoples' sensibilities" though they aren't exactly the most pragmatic or down to Earth people...

 

[galactiboy]

Oh btw Chewbacca is gay too, we wanted kids to feel comfortable with more famous gay rolemodels!

Now I know that ones not true... I have the holiday special to prove it.

 

[RoboDad]

 

[Memnoch]

Actually, that is one of the biggest reasons I question the "revelation" in the first place. If a character does nothing over the course of the books that warrant any reference to his or her "sexual orientation", why even bother thinking about it when creating the character's backstory?

I'm sorry, but I see this as a completely unnecessary and sensationalistic announcement, regardless of how anyone feels about the relative merits of homosexuality. I believe it was only done to try to "challenge peoples' sensibilities", so to speak, since most people are more likely to assume a character is heterosexual until told otherwise. Apparently we're not supposed to think that way any more.

The reason to create a back story for a character, however unimportant, is because then it can inform the actions of said character making them more three dimensional and have the character's actions be honest to the character and not use them as a plot device. I believe JKR once said she has full back stories and family histories for just about all the characters that have lines and/or interactions with the principals. Even Seamus Finagin and Dean Thomas have full back stories and histories. It's what makes the world she has created more "real" and fleshed out. The characters are treated as real people within the rules of her world.

 

[RoboDad]

The reason to create a back story for a character, however unimportant, is because then it can inform the actions of said character making them more three dimensional and have the character's actions be honest to the character and not use them as a plot device. I believe JKR once said she has full back stories and family histories for just about all the characters that have lines and/or interactions with the principals. Even Seamus Finagin and Dean Thomas have full back stories and histories. It's what makes the world she has created more "real" and fleshed out. The characters are treated as real people within the rules of her world.

You should note that nowhere did I express any question about the need or value of backstories for characters. But we clearly have differing opinions about whether irrelevant details add any value to a story that never touches on anything even remotely related to said details, thereby making those details pointless in informing the character's actions.

 

[Memnoch]

Except in the case of Dumbledore it affects how he felt toward Grindelwald. It may not have been stated but it was there in the writers mind, therefore it was a fair honest answer and an actual part of the back story. I guess I can't see why so many people see an ulterior motive and are in such a tizzy over a kids question and an honest answer.

 

[gdb]

I can't believe you just said that?

Well there's nothing shameful about being gay. Pregnant and a teen...

 

[galactiboy]

There's something we can all agree on...

 

[Fubeca]

Now I know that ones not true... I have the holiday special to prove it.

That is true and that is where we learn that Luke is instead, sorry I forgot!

 

[gdb]

There's something we can all agree on...

 

[tomandshell]

Next time I see Rowling, I am going to put her on the spot and ask if Madame Hooch was diabetic.

 

[Memnoch]

Next time I see Rowling, I am going to put her on the spot and ask if Madame Hooch was diabetic.

Funny you should mention Madam Hooch as Im watching My Family on BBC America right now.

 

[Fubeca]

Except in the case of Dumbledore it affects how he felt toward Grindelwald. It may not have been stated but it was there in the writers mind, therefore it was a fair honest answer and an actual part of the back story. I guess I can't see why so many people see an ulterior motive and are in such a tizzy over a kids question and an honest answer.

Because just like being gay, IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!

Well there's nothing shameful about being gay. Pregnant and a teen...

Never said there was...

 

[galactiboy]

Because just like being gay, IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!

...then why d'ya have to type, IN ALL CAPS!?!