Let’s Be Like Neville
Dear Fantastic! Readers,
Three nights and three days ago, Trump was elected president of the United States. There was a day of mourning and then the public took to the street to protest. Being loud, fierce, and having our war cry can bring about change. But what else can we do? When the world tells us that women are not qualified to ever take a “man’s space” and hatred against our fellow humans is the new currency, what can we do?
If growing up with the Harry Potter books has taught us anything, it's that the fight for human rights is often long, arduous, and seemingly hopeless. It's that being a hero, like Harry Potter, is a damn difficult job--and not every one is up to (or has the privileges to be up to) the task. We cannot all quit our jobs, and run off to save the day. We cannot all be loud, brash, and decorated full-time activists. But here's the thing: we don't all have to be heroes.
Instead, we can be brave. We can be like Neville Longbottom.
When the inimical Carrows took over Hogwarts, Neville valiantly stood against them, giving his fellow students hope. When they were threatened, beaten, and abused, Neville stayed standing, his belief in a better world supporting the fight even at their weakest moments. When he was reminded that he was not a part of the oppressed group and would have a perfectly safe place in the Deatheaters' cruel society, he stuck with his conscience, never betraying his friends.
But his bravery did not separate him from his community; he did not go off into the night on a long journey. He stayed and created a safe space for other people who believed in the good of the world, so they could fight as well. In doing this he built a community, bent on keeping others safe and fighting the good fight for the betterment of the world.
To those who argue that we cannot stop a Dark Lord once he has taken power, that to attempt to fight is foolishness, we ask you to remember that the fifth book, in which Voldemort took over the Ministry of Magic and manipulated the Daily Prophet, had to happen in order for the seventh book to, in which he was defeated by a band of people who knew that human rights are always worth fighting for.
To everyone feeling devalued, scared, and alone in the wake of the election, we ask you, not to be heroic and take the burden of the whole world on your shoulders, but rather, to stand bravely with friends, united against hatred. To stand up for what you believe in, no matter what the media may say or who is controlling the government.
Together, we can fend off the racist, sexist Deatheaters of today and defeat the hate-mongering Voldemort and help protect our communities. And should you ever falter or doubt, remember some of the many wise words of Dumbledore: first, that "happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light", and second, that "if there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love". Today, we get to be that light. This time, we get to write those last two books for ourselves. And if we stand bravely together, there is no amount of hatred in this world than can defeat our love.
In Solidarity,
Your Fantastic! Magazine Team