Studies reveal that children who read "Harry Potter" are more likely to grow up as better adults. A study published in a journal cites that J.K. Rowling' s series made a positive impact on children's perception and judgment.
News emerged that a study on "Harry Potter" and its effects on its reader points out that the book series improves young people's outlook on groups including refugees, homosexuals, and immigrants. According to Elite Daily, the "Harry Potter" series contains countless metaphors, especially when it comes to name calling, classification and they way they would deal with "mudbloods" or wizards who are born in the muggle world.
The term itself (mudblood) is a derogatory term where children are taught to put an end to discrimination and name calling as the characters from the series would negatively react to the person using the term. The Journal of Applied Social Psychology discussed the correlation of the "Harry Potter" book series and its impact on children and their social prejudice.
Scientific American then pointed out the study led by Professor Loris Vezzali and Reggio Emilia conducted "three related studies." It was concluded that J.K. Rowling's famous book series instills empathy among its readers.
"Bigotry, the researcher's note, is a continuing theme in the series of phenomenally popular young-adult novels. Voldemort, who represents pure evil, makes arguments that have 'rather obvious' parallels with Nazism, they write, noting that he believes all power should reside in 'pure-blood' witches and wizards, as opposed to those born of one magical parent and one non-magical 'Muggle," the researchers said. "In addition, Harry and his friends interact with various sub-human species such as elves and goblins, who regularly complain about being forced into subservient roles, not unlike blacks in apartheid South Africa. Harry 'tries to understand them and appreciate their difficulties."
Are you a fan of "Harry Potter?" What are your thoughts in regards to the book's positive impact towards its readers?
