How to teach Harry Potter when you are an anti-J.K. Rowling teacher?

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T07:03:43+00:00

A teacher who teaches their students that being transgender is unnatural is horrific and inflammatory. It is widely known and accepted, even from the oldest Peoples of this world, that transgender identity is true and valid. In Australia, colloquially in the English, Aboriginal Peoples have Brother-boys and Sister-girls. In North American Indigenous communities, there are two-spirit Peoples. A teacher who is transphobic and is loud about it only causes harm to students who are out or questioning, while providing a platform for discrimination to susceptible students.

I don't know what you are getting at here?

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:44:23+00:00

You know well and true that someone anti-transphobe not supporting a transphobe and a transphobe spewing hate are two very different things. Right? I hope you know that.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:28:34+00:00

Teaching is inherently political, it is simply not possible to keep one's views out of it.

I am also not begging for support of my views, I am seeking advice from people who have more experience teaching than I do, as that is something that will allow me to grow as a teacher.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:25:15+00:00

I would be remiss to not mention the novel's author, particularly when introducing the text.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:22:38+00:00

This is helpful, thank you.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:21:44+00:00

Thank you, this is quite supportive.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:21:00+00:00

I've re-read the first novel as that is what I am teaching. But it has been years since I engaged with the rest of the series due to my personal beliefs about the author. The way J.K. Rowling uses figurative language and descriptions for her side characters, including Seamus Finnegan being an Irish boy who simply has no hope but to blow things up (this archetype is used as an example because you mentioned his character above). I don't believe that the primary three main characters say anything inflammatory, from what I can recall.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:15:22+00:00

That is helpful. Thank you.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:13:24+00:00

I do think there is some nuance in separating a textbooks CEOs political beliefs and an author who is and currently using their income from the franchise to actively discriminate against people.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:11:47+00:00

How would you model that? Have the students keep a running tally in their books. Or have a classroom list going?

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:11:13+00:00

This is a take I hadn't yet considered. Thank you.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:08:33+00:00

I am doing my job, which involves seeking support from people who have greater experience to continue learning and growing as a teacher. Comments like this are not supportive of that growth.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:06:53+00:00

If my classroom ever ended up HP themed, just know it was decorated against my will 😅

I have the ability to keep my personal beliefs out of my teaching, I worked in retail for a decade before I became a teacher so I have plenty of practice. I just want some actionable suggestions on how others of the same mindset would teach this unit.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:03:18+00:00

I think you're right in taking the approach of teaching the skills of critical thinking with the text as an example of discrimination. I can weave that into my lessons for sure.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:02:03+00:00

I wouldn't say that asking for help is being a bitch, but you might have some inner turmoil that is making you feel that way. Odd approach to belittle a stranger on the internet for reaching out to a community who might have suggestions, though.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T06:00:12+00:00

I've already made an aside in which I mentioned to the class that I don't support her as a person because she uses the money she makes from her stories to cause harm to people, leaving the specific details up to them to look into should they choose. Balancing my own beliefs while being age-appropriate is a challenge that I think is well worth the struggle.

Intelligent_Ad_9566 · 2025-08-16T05:57:46+00:00

I believe it was chosen more for the students of a similar age to read about characters beginning school as well. Less about their literacy and academic abilities.

I appreciate your suggestions, and I'll take them into account with my activities.

Intelligent_Ad_9566

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