One thing I like about the Harry Potter books: they're anti-materialism

[Coventina]

I've noticed this throughout the series.

Maybe it has something to do with the socio-economic background of the characters. But I've always noticed that birthday and Christmas presents tend to be practical and homemade things like hand-knitted sweaters, food and such.

Aside from the two expensive broomsticks Harry received as presents, the focus does seem to be on simple gifts, given from the heart.

The two children who consistently get lavish gifts, Dudley and Malfoy are the two most unpleasant children in the series. Pretty obvious that they are "spoiled".

[PATRICK]

1. Why do you think

that these have been instinctively singled out as moral challenges the RW
crowd? Besides her singular success and following(and getting kids to read, always a danger)they know when someone is against them. It could be instinct or plan, no matter. The real reason the religious moral crowd of the RW tackles the Potter series is that it goes against their real values and personality types. And I think the plan of the series is homing uncomfortably on the core evils of our times.

And it ain't terrorism or liberalism.

[MN ChimpH8R]

2. Rowling's politics aren't upfront

but they seem to be clear enough. The constant message of the books is the power of love and that we are defined by the choices we make and that we can always opt for good. These are not the messages of modern "conservatism." Her subtle digs at Chimpy in Half Blood Prince are clearly intentional. And given that she was at various times in her life a teacher and financially strapped leads me to conclude that she ain't no Tory backer.

[Lisa]

3. plus, Harry doesn't get hung up on his possessions

The broomsticks may have been top-of-the-line, but he regarded them as tools to be used. He took care of them, but didn't let them come between him and his friends. A photographer friend of mine treats her gear the same way -- it's meant to be out there in the rain and the mud, not kept in a glass case to impress folks. And if it gets busted, she doesn't mope or put the blame on someone else.

Dudley has a lot of expensive consumer junk which he never uses (let alone thinks of passing along to anyone else). It's basically a bunch of trophies for him (the only reason why he wants to hang onto that stuff, I think). And it doesn't compensate for not having a loving family like Ron -- or Hermione, for that matter.

My landlady recently talked her daughter into allowing some of her old clothes and toys to be donated to the Goodwill, by using the argument "look at all the space this is taking up -- you don't want an extra bedroom like that kid in Harry Potter, do you?"

I thought it was neat how Rowling shows some of the traits of the really old-school Tories who don't get along with the neo-cons at all -- she's nostalgic for the old world of non-metric currency and cluttered shops in the high street, yet rebels against class barriers and welcomes diversity and internationalism (Hogwarts students from all different ethnic groups, and B and F getting engaged).