Do you think Harry Potter has changed the world

[Removed]

Just wondering if Harry Potter can be considered one of those things like Star Trek (yes it did! :)) that forever has changed the way we look at the world? Or is it just a nice read?

[Cherie]

I think HP jump started kids reading again, and a new generation of young people's authors pumping out books to them, but I do not see it on the same plane as Star Trek. To me, HP was more a nice read but they do not have anywhere to go now, except to hang around and age nicely.

There are still new Star Trek stories being written and there have been at least 3 genre so far. I am still buying new ones and re-reading all of my old favorites from time to time.

[Leigh]

I think HP made reading cool again for kids.

[Linda]

HP certainly changed my world.

[Julia]

I don't think it's changed the world. I love reading them, and I have no doubt that they'll become classics. But I don't think anything has actually changed as a result of these books, not on a world level anyway. I'm sure it has had enormous impacts on many individuals.

Yes, it got people to start reading again. And then the movies came out; then the video games; then the theme park. At that point we're probably right back where we started (or somewhere close).

Star Trek definitely changed the world (or at least the United States). The philosophy behind Star Trek took on cultural dimensions - it was all about how we treat and interact with each other.

The philosophy behind Harry Potter has individual dimensions - it's all about how we think about certain situations. Dealing with death, depression, and fear are very personal matters. Choosing to fight, or run, or give in is a very personal decision (even though it can have world impacts). Falling in love, making and losing friends, growing up - these are all personal matters. Harry Potter provides perspective on all of these things and certainly has the potential to change a person.

I also think most people learn these lessons anyway, it's just a matter of when and how. Suffering with Harry Potter while he learns things the hard way is certainly easier than learning things the hard way.

So, no, I don't think it has changed the world.

[sailor _stuck_at_sea]

I agree with Julia, HP did hasn't changed the world.
I'll also add that the idea that we read less than we used to is outright wrong. We read more than we've ever done.

[Spa]

it has changed the world. it was probably the first thing since lord of the rings, 30 yrs before, to make the impact that HP has.

[Willl]

Julia wrote: "I don't think it's changed the world. I love reading them, and I have no doubt that they'll become classics. But I don't think anything has actually changed as a result of these books, not on a w..."

True it hasn't

[sailor _stuck_at_sea]

Spa wrote: "it has changed the world. it was probably the first thing since lord of the rings, 30 yrs before, to make the impact that HP has."

What impact is that?

[.]

Perhaps not the WORLD, but it has certainly changed Britain, and it has shaped a lot of people's childhoods. I thinks it's here to stay for a VERY long time.

[Theodosia of the Fathomless Hall]

In its way, I think it has.

[Tessa]

Well, I think it has changed the world.
It had a huge impact on me, and many other young girls. And we are part of this world. So maybe it did not change the whole world (is that even possible?), but certainly had a huge impact on a generation. And this gerneration is able to change (and is changing!) this world. Just step by step and not with a bang.

[Laurel]

I don't think it necessarily change to world at large, but it certainly changed the middle-grade fiction genre. It became much more popular and, consequently, grew as more authors wrote for this audience. It also probably helped create a generation of anglophiles.