Between the Lines

You mention Crash, despite its flaws, as an example of a film that gets it. But Crash didn't just have a couple flaws, it has one of the most problematic themes that you mentioned in your post at its heart: the "White Savior" is central to the story in Crash where the racist cop who sexually molests the black woman and who humiliates her and subjugates her with his power is seen as ultimately rescuing her from the car wreck.

Since you discuss the importance of looking at symbolism in films, it is crucial to recognize how this is heavily symbolic of black white relations. African people were brought to this country traumatically on slave ships; amongst other atrocities, slave women were raped by white slave owners. The oppression of the descendants of the slaves continued and continues. But as Crash would have it, it is still the white master with the good heart who will save the descendants of the slaves from themselves, from their own wrecks. You raped us and oppressed us for hundreds of years but thank you oh white master for pulling us out of the wreck that is caused by our own impetuous behavior.

Not a very workable message in there, if you ask me.

Apparently the author has seen the movies but has not read the books. The moral behind the HP story is that racism and prejudice is wrong. Also, it is important to remember that the story is told from Harry's perspective. In the end , thestory is about Harry's journey to overcome his father and godfather's prejudices in order to see the truth.

Numerous times throughout the books (and movies) the adults have said that all Slytherins are bad. Their shared trait is a strong sense of self-preservation and a drive to succeed. In the most recent movie, Prof. Slughorn, who is a Slytherin, proves to be a good person in the end. This is further amplified in the final book and, hopefully in the final movie ,when he goes to get reinforcements to help fight the battle of Hogwarts.

Also, the story is not without prejudice or "unracism." Instead of focusing hatred towards blacks or asians, the hate is focused on Muggles or Muggle-borns as well as other lesser magical beings such as Elfs and Centaurs (see Chamber of Secrets & Order of the Phoenix) They are the group that is most prejudiced against.

MAJOR SPOILER

In the final book, Severus Snape turns out to be somewhat of a hero and not nearly the villian Harry believed he was. In the epilogue it is clear that Harry has overcome his prejudices against Slitheryn. Harry tells his son, who is nervous about which House he may be sorted in, that he will be proud of his son regardless of which House he ends up in. By the way, his son's name is Albus Severus Potter, in recognition of two of the greatest headmasters who ever served at Hogwarts.

Dr. Lyubansky,
Thank you for your kind and patient response ...it has helped me better understand your position on Syltherin house. I have downloaded your article and look forward to reading it tomorrow.

I would agree with your premise if we were referring to a single Harry Potter film such as "Chamber of Secrets" but I still have some reservations about it when looking at the film series as a whole.

Maybe the problem is that some metaphors/comments in the book are so subtle that they don't translate well to the big screen especially when the directors & producers are more focused on the action. For example, in the Half-Blood Prince film didn't Lupin criticize Harry for inheriting his father's prejudices against Slyterins at the Weasley's party? The scene is so fleeting that its unlikely most viewers thought much about it.

Also, I would be very curious hear/read your thoughts on Peter Pettigrew.

Mary