J.K. Rowling weighs in on the anti-Semitism debate in style
By Callum Gunn
J.K. Rowling stepped into the anti-Semitism debate last week, making sure people knew the real definition and more.
When one Twitter user decided to point out Judaism was a religion and not a race (therefore arguments against Jews was not racism), J.K. Rowling decided it was time to step in. The “Harry Potter” author made it extremely clear that the religion argument didn’t stand, linking her argument back to the Second World War and concentration camps.
During one tweet, she questioned the person believing anti-Semitism wasn’t a race issue whether atheist Jews were exempt from wearing the yellow star in concentration camps. The Nazis only viewed descent, lumping all Jews, regardless of their own beliefs, together as one and they were all treated to the same hostility and horror.
As Jewish people after shouldered the burden of protecting themselves against anti-Semitism, Rowling decided it was time to help. While not a Jew, she made it clear that others need to stand up for what it right. However, that led to arguments over whether Arabs are Semitics too.
The “Harry Potter” creator decided to pull up the definition of anti-Semitism, which is “hostility or prejudice against Jews.”
Split hairs. Debate etymology. Gloss over the abuse of your fellow citizens by attacking the actions of another country's government. Would your response to any other form of racism or bigotry be to squirm, deflect or justify? pic.twitter.com/PPmb4zQWxo
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 18, 2018
Fortunately, Rowling reads her tweets and looks over conversations before she does respond. While getting into the heated debate and calling out racism and anti-Semitism, Rowling received a tweet that stated “How wonderful you’re experiencing it for the first time. Enjoy.”
More from Harry Potter
- Tom Felton is the star of the new Harry Potter x CASETiFY collection
- Create a magical event worthy of Hogwarts with this new Harry Potter-themed party planning book
- Can Fantastic Beasts hold up to the Harry Potter franchise?
- Show off your Wizard’s Chess skills with this Harry Potter set that’s now over half off
- Harry Potter continues to inspire generations – including Jack Harlow
Watch your favorite shows on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
No, this wasn’t directed at Rowling and experiencing anti-Semitism. It was towards a new “Harry Potter” fan, reading the novels for the very first time. Yes, it is wondering a new fan is being welcomed into the family and Rowling made a point that it is important to read and not react first. It’s easy to jump to a conclusion and she could have lost a devoted fan who was simply welcoming another into the fold. Fortunately, she tweeted about her almost-mistake and let us all know how to act first before reacting.
For a second there I thought @jessiebacho was telling me it was wonderful that I was experiencing antisemitism for the first time... then I realised she was responding to somebody who just finished reading Harry Potter for the first time 💞 #ReadCarefullyBeforeCursing https://t.co/PL2X9fhzdc
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 18, 2018
Rowling handled the Twitter debate in style, and that’s not surprising from the international bestseller. While calling out anti-Semitism, she never attacked another religion or race. All she did was point out flaws in an argument.
Next: 7 Severus Snape facts you might not be aware of
Did you follow Rowling’s Twitter debate? Did you catch the tweet welcoming another fan into the wizarding world? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Don’t forget to follow Wizards and Whatnot on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest Wizarding World news and opinions.