In the spirit of the opening week of Harry Potter (5 more days!), I decided to start to re-read the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Originally, I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but suddenly, around the middle of the book, I began to notice some connections to what we were discussing in American Studies! (Crazy, I know.) It all started with the break in to the Ministry of Magic. Harry and friends were all breaking into the Ministry of Magic and stumbled in on a court case involving a Mrs. Mary Cattermole, who was under suspicion of being a Mudblood (A wizard or witch born from two non-magical parents). This was one of many court cases involving thousands of Mudbloods who were accused of stealing their powers (rather than being born with them) and who were considered a threat to society. As I continued to read, I began to see some civil liberty violations going on. These people were citizens like everyone else, the only difference being they were born from two muggles. Yet, they were being put in Azkaban (prison) for something that was clearly out of their control. However, some may argue that this was a time of war and the imprisonment of Mudbloods was merely a precaution.The situation in Harry Potter somewhat resembles the Japanese Internment Camps during World War Two. Japanese Americans were put in camps across the west coast after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in order to ensure national security, but many thought that that was a complete violation of the Japanese American's civil liberties. But once again, it was a time of war, so many considered it essential for the safety of America. However, both situations bring up an important question that we have been discussing in class. Should civil liberties be limited in times of war? In my opinion, they should not. Rights are rights, and they should not be taken away under any circumstances, but it is definitely something to think about.
Kristin-
ReplyDeleteSuch a great connection! The mudbloods are who they are; no one chooses who they are born to. Same goes for the Japanese during WWII, guilt by association strikes in both cases. It is safe to say that legislation reflects fear: fear that something MIGHT happen. During war, it seems anything (including violating people's rights) will be used to prevent POSSIBLE threats. History continues to repeat, as my (War on Terrorism) group and I learn that potential terrorists, often targeted for their religion or ethnicity, are treated with the same disrespect.
PS- 4 Days! :)
Hey Kristen-
ReplyDeleteSo I just read this and thought OH MY GOODNESS I JUST BLOGGED THIS MORNING ABOUT THE SAME THING but actually, almost the same thing except I felt like that ministry scene was more Nazi-ish than Japanese interrnment-ish because the Japanese were sent to camps in the US out of fear, and Jews were sent to concentration camps out of hate and to create a superior race (like the death eaters).