THE RACIST AND SEXIST STEREOTYPES IN HARRY POTTER

The Harry Potter series is a series that most people heard of or grew up with. It can be said that it is impossible to ignore the success of this series. It is currently the best-selling novel series in the world. About 500 million copies of the series have been sold. The best-selling book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", was released on June 26, 1997. This book has sold more than 120 million copies on its own. There are a total of 7 books in the series, and his last book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", was published on July 21, 2007, making it the fastest-selling book in the series. Of course, there are complaints behind so much success and reputation. These complaints are generally related to the racist and sexist stereotypes used by the author of the books, "Joanne Kathleen Rowling", in her books. In this article, I will tell you about these racist and sexist stereotypes.

The points that most people who read the series notice are usually the author's behaviour towards other races in the book. The groups of people in the book are divided into two. Sorcerers and people who can't cast spells, or "muggles" as they are called in the book. In the course of the book, we always see the differences of opinion between wizards and "muggles". Even if there is a conflict in the subject of the book, the perceptions of "good" and "bad" used in the book are used to disparage a certain group throughout the series. But the racist stereotypes in the series don't end there. In the series, where the majority are British, it is suggested that characters from other countries are characterized by racist stereotypes. These complaints are usually due to the characters' names, behaviors, or cultures being misrepresented. An example of this is the name of the character "Cho Chang". The fact that she is the only east Asian character in the series and has a Korean surname despite being a Chinese character has led to criticism from east Asians. Another thing that frustrates fans has to do with the fact that the cultural dress code in the movies has nothing to do with reality. For example, in a prom scene in the film, the Indian dress of two south Asian characters called "lehenga" was described as a robe in movies and books, and the fact that the clothes worn in the film version had nothing to do with cultural clothing also annoyed south Asian fans.

Sexist roles and stereotypes in films have captured the attention of viewers and readers. When we look at the characters who are important for the progress of the series throughout the series, it is impossible not to realize that male characters are more important throughout the series. Since the author wants to create this series as if it were a new world, we are confronted with institutions such as "ministry" etc. throughout the series. However, when we pay attention to books and films, it is impossible to see female characters in important institutions and organizations. And throughout the series, "gossipy" traits given to the few female characters also received a lot of reaction. Another point that draws attention throughout the series is that the female characters are described as "powerless". One of the most important characters, "Hermione", who has been one of the most important characters in the series since the first film, is helped and rescued by "Harry" and another character, "Ron", many times. In short, the harmful and stereotypical traits given to the characters have frustrated fans.