The "Harry Potter" series has captivated millions worldwide with a classic tale of good versus evil. J.K. Rowling's best-selling series is, of course, fictional, but in the stories there are several relevant lessons we could all learn. Here are 10 political lessons from the wizarding world for the real world:
Labor standards matter: House elves are treated poorly in several instances in the Harry Potter installments. Hermione Granger even goes so far as to start a group called the Society for the Protection of Elfin Welfare (S.P.E.W.). In the book, it is the slave treatment of Dobby that causes him to betray his masters, the Malfoys. The dementors of Azkaban also align with Voldemort after he more effectively bargains with them. Both instances could have been avoided with strong labor representation and contracts.
Often times, it is not those directly in government that affect politics: The Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters represent two groups not directly in the political arena that still have an effect on the political outcomes of their society. These two groups could be compared to groups like Americans For Prosperity or the AFL-CIO based on their influence in politics. These outside groups often dictate policy and agenda to their supporters, much like the Death Eaters or the Order of the Phoenix.
Cooperation among governments is crucial: Cornelius Fudge makes a point to visit and inform the sitting British Prime Minister of "muggles" while he is in office. Transparency between governments, especially in times of crisis, are crucial. The same holds true in the most joyful of circumstances, as well. Fudge also made a point to notify the British PM about the importation of Sphinxes for the Tri-Wizard Tournament, probably to avoid customs issues I suspect. Speaking of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Barty Crouch must have had to coexist with other foreign officials in putting together the event, much like our officials in real life and the Olympics.
No justice system is perfect: Sirius Black was convicted of aiding in the murder of James and Lily Potter, as well as the murders of Peter Pettigrew and several "muggles." Eyewitness accounts placed both Black and Pettigrew at the scene, but a finger of Pettigrew's was all investigators ever found of him. In the end, it is revealed that Black is innocent and it was actually Pettigrew who committed the murders and betrayal. This story translates all too well to the real world where, according to The Innocence Project, 297 wrongful convictions have been overturned on DNA alone since 1989.
Teachers help develop the next generation: Whether it is the guidance of Albus Dumbledore, or the firm hand of Minerva McGonagall it is clear throughout the Harry Potter series that teachers play an important role in the development of society. In "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", it is professor McGonagall that steers Harry towards quidditch and ignites a passion in him. It is with the guidance of Albus Dumbledore that Harry is aided with what is right and wrong in life. And it is Rubeus Hagrid who plays an uncle type role in Harry's life by giving him someone to rely on and bond with in a less professional manner. While the students are at Hogwarts, it is clear that the teachers take the place of traditional family members to aid in the rearing of the young witches and wizards.
Public transportation is a must: Could you imagine trying to get everywhere on a broom? If you think rush hour is bad now, try it at 4000 feet on a stick in a rainstorm. Proper regulation of the Floo Network, Portkeys, Apparition, and the Knight Bus allow witches and wizards to travel with ease and without congestion. Like subways and buses, the Ministry of Magic is obviously aware of the immense benefits public transportation networks provide.
Corruption in government cannot be rooted out by magic: Unfortunately, even in fantasy the government can be corrupted by the undue influences of money. Cornelius Fudge is famously seen cavorting with Lucius Malfoy, to which Mr. Weasley replies that it is probably about gold changing hands. This exchange allowed Malfoy to remain influential, a problem all too familiar to our current political environment.
For any government to function properly, there must be reputable media: Rita Skeeter is analogous to the reporters at the National Enquirer. Indeed, it is Skeeter's thirst for that which is sensational versus that which is fact that complicates matters in the wizarding world. When the facts about Harry are distorted, the public quickly turns on him and sees Harry as unhinged. When the Daily Prophet covers up the return of Voldemort, the citizens are left ill-prepared and duped by their government. It is clear J.K. Rowling understands the need for an independent and reliable news media.
Class and racial discrimination tear society apart: "Mudbloods" is the term in Harry Potter for those with a mix of magical and non-magical blood. The Death Eaters and their supporters advocate for a pure blood rule and basically a genocide of the "mudbloods." It is this difference in ideology that eventually leads the wizarding community into a civil war. Also, the giants are cast into the mountains to live in solitude away from the rest of society. In the end, it is this discrimination that leads them to align with Voldemort.
Torture is unjust: Torture pops up quite a few times in the Harry Potter series. Notably, Neville Longbottoms parents were tortured into insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange. Not only do her actions leave a child to be raised by his grandmother, they instill in Neville a desire for revenge at all costs. It is also no coincidence that the Cruciatus Curse is one of the "unforgiveable curses", reserved for only the most egregious curses.
Too much government can be a bad thing: When the Ministry of Magic begins to interfere at Hogwarts, it quickly becomes evident that their actions are devious. Instead of focusing on a proper education, Cornelius Fudge via Delores Umbridge institutes his own agenda. When the government doesn't focus on it's main job, and instead is used to promote ones person agenda, then it has gone a bit too far.
"Harry Potter" has been more than a book for many, myself included. Looking past the entertaining story, the underlying lessons are evident. Life is often imitated in literature, and vice versa so we would be foolish not to take notice, no matter how fantastical the story. Now, if only I could learn to transfigure this stack of junk mail into $100 bills...
"Secretary-General to take part in London Olympics torch run" UN.org
"Innocence Project Case Files" The Innocence Project
Labor standards matter: House elves are treated poorly in several instances in the Harry Potter installments. Hermione Granger even goes so far as to start a group called the Society for the Protection of Elfin Welfare (S.P.E.W.). In the book, it is the slave treatment of Dobby that causes him to betray his masters, the Malfoys. The dementors of Azkaban also align with Voldemort after he more effectively bargains with them. Both instances could have been avoided with strong labor representation and contracts.
Often times, it is not those directly in government that affect politics: The Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters represent two groups not directly in the political arena that still have an effect on the political outcomes of their society. These two groups could be compared to groups like Americans For Prosperity or the AFL-CIO based on their influence in politics. These outside groups often dictate policy and agenda to their supporters, much like the Death Eaters or the Order of the Phoenix.
Cooperation among governments is crucial: Cornelius Fudge makes a point to visit and inform the sitting British Prime Minister of "muggles" while he is in office. Transparency between governments, especially in times of crisis, are crucial. The same holds true in the most joyful of circumstances, as well. Fudge also made a point to notify the British PM about the importation of Sphinxes for the Tri-Wizard Tournament, probably to avoid customs issues I suspect. Speaking of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Barty Crouch must have had to coexist with other foreign officials in putting together the event, much like our officials in real life and the Olympics.
No justice system is perfect: Sirius Black was convicted of aiding in the murder of James and Lily Potter, as well as the murders of Peter Pettigrew and several "muggles." Eyewitness accounts placed both Black and Pettigrew at the scene, but a finger of Pettigrew's was all investigators ever found of him. In the end, it is revealed that Black is innocent and it was actually Pettigrew who committed the murders and betrayal. This story translates all too well to the real world where, according to The Innocence Project, 297 wrongful convictions have been overturned on DNA alone since 1989.
Teachers help develop the next generation: Whether it is the guidance of Albus Dumbledore, or the firm hand of Minerva McGonagall it is clear throughout the Harry Potter series that teachers play an important role in the development of society. In "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", it is professor McGonagall that steers Harry towards quidditch and ignites a passion in him. It is with the guidance of Albus Dumbledore that Harry is aided with what is right and wrong in life. And it is Rubeus Hagrid who plays an uncle type role in Harry's life by giving him someone to rely on and bond with in a less professional manner. While the students are at Hogwarts, it is clear that the teachers take the place of traditional family members to aid in the rearing of the young witches and wizards.
Public transportation is a must: Could you imagine trying to get everywhere on a broom? If you think rush hour is bad now, try it at 4000 feet on a stick in a rainstorm. Proper regulation of the Floo Network, Portkeys, Apparition, and the Knight Bus allow witches and wizards to travel with ease and without congestion. Like subways and buses, the Ministry of Magic is obviously aware of the immense benefits public transportation networks provide.
Corruption in government cannot be rooted out by magic: Unfortunately, even in fantasy the government can be corrupted by the undue influences of money. Cornelius Fudge is famously seen cavorting with Lucius Malfoy, to which Mr. Weasley replies that it is probably about gold changing hands. This exchange allowed Malfoy to remain influential, a problem all too familiar to our current political environment.
For any government to function properly, there must be reputable media: Rita Skeeter is analogous to the reporters at the National Enquirer. Indeed, it is Skeeter's thirst for that which is sensational versus that which is fact that complicates matters in the wizarding world. When the facts about Harry are distorted, the public quickly turns on him and sees Harry as unhinged. When the Daily Prophet covers up the return of Voldemort, the citizens are left ill-prepared and duped by their government. It is clear J.K. Rowling understands the need for an independent and reliable news media.
Class and racial discrimination tear society apart: "Mudbloods" is the term in Harry Potter for those with a mix of magical and non-magical blood. The Death Eaters and their supporters advocate for a pure blood rule and basically a genocide of the "mudbloods." It is this difference in ideology that eventually leads the wizarding community into a civil war. Also, the giants are cast into the mountains to live in solitude away from the rest of society. In the end, it is this discrimination that leads them to align with Voldemort.
Torture is unjust: Torture pops up quite a few times in the Harry Potter series. Notably, Neville Longbottoms parents were tortured into insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange. Not only do her actions leave a child to be raised by his grandmother, they instill in Neville a desire for revenge at all costs. It is also no coincidence that the Cruciatus Curse is one of the "unforgiveable curses", reserved for only the most egregious curses.
Too much government can be a bad thing: When the Ministry of Magic begins to interfere at Hogwarts, it quickly becomes evident that their actions are devious. Instead of focusing on a proper education, Cornelius Fudge via Delores Umbridge institutes his own agenda. When the government doesn't focus on it's main job, and instead is used to promote ones person agenda, then it has gone a bit too far.
"Harry Potter" has been more than a book for many, myself included. Looking past the entertaining story, the underlying lessons are evident. Life is often imitated in literature, and vice versa so we would be foolish not to take notice, no matter how fantastical the story. Now, if only I could learn to transfigure this stack of junk mail into $100 bills...
"Secretary-General to take part in London Olympics torch run" UN.org
"Innocence Project Case Files" The Innocence Project
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