When Harry Potter Becomes Relevant in Life
I promised myself I’d go on a full-blown Harry Potter marathon after the board exam but ended up watching only one (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). Hahahaha my laziness and attention span knows no bounds
Surprisingly, I garnered a lot of insights from the film. Who knew Harry Potter could be enjoyed on such a relatable level.
For instance: education. In the film, the Ministry of Magic tried to meddle with the educational program of Hogwarts and instituted laws which made learning very... not fun. The ministry placed emphasis on teaching “theories” of magic instead of using a practical approach to learning magic which really strained the students’ zest to learn (assuming that there is a “zest to learn” because who wouldn’t want to go to school if they’re teaching you how to harness your magical abilities).
Sounds familiar? Because it is.
I think the main problem with the educational system in the non-magical world of muggletopia is not the lack of magic, potions, and charms-based lessons in the curriculum (however I still believe this would highly enhance the learning process), but rather the lack of practical methods and opportunities in applying what students learn in school. We’re given hours and hours of droning lectures discussing theories that have an applicability-to-the-real-world-factor of close to nil. Tell me, since when am I ever going to be able to apply my knowledge of calculus and trigonometry aside from in answering exams? You can’t expect us to buy from the market using long formulas riddled with integers. In a nutshell, we’re taught about the whole idea of fishing without actually learning how to properly hold a fishing pole or reel the fish in for the catch. Theories are important, but without applications then who knows how students will get to fend themselves off in the real world. Plus, studies and past experiences have shown that learning is a lot more fun when the students are more engaged in practice as opposed to being passive listeners all day.
Also, I’ve never really realized this because I was still way younger back when I watched Order of the Phoenix and all I cared about was the magic and the special effects, but the fifth film tackled some serious concepts like government.
Over his paranoia of being possibly replaced by Dumbledore as the head minister of magic (which was highly unlikely), Cornelius Fudge did everything in his power to shield the public from knowing that Voldemort was returning. At first, you’d think it was valiant until you knew the deeper reason behind why he did that. He even went so far as to indict Harry Potter for treason and lying.
This shows how power and position can influence distorted thinking which is still very evident in the world we live in today. Corruption, I guess, runs in the veins of both muggles and wizards. Many government officials try to twist the story around in order to stay in position and save face. And the icing on the cake is the various means they use to try to win the public over. These include a) using pathetic sob stories that highlight their rise from travesty to triumph; b) ridiculously priced giveaways; and of course c) media masking or asking the media to either sugarcoat their images or acid wash their opponents’. Whatever it is, the government will always have an insidious agenda and so many books and novels have put this special concept in the spotlight. As for me, I’d rather they consume themselves in the fire that their sparks have ignited than let myself do.
In spite of the serious shades that the Harry Potter films have painted, it is undeniable that the boy who has lived has truly lived on to be a legend of our era. I will not deny myself the chance to express my pride for having experienced such a marvelous and magical saga of adventure, friendship, bravery, and heart. I grew up with Harry Potter and I’m thankful to have spent the last 10 (? not sure I kept track anymore haha) years or so riding the amazing ride and seeing how he and his friends grew up and fought the tides. I truly wish JK Rowling would have expanded on the series, but as with everything, all things must come to an end. Deep down though, I know inside of me that the magic lives on.
Finite incantatem.