Most of us who grew up in the 2000s are very familiar with the worlds of “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Both fantasy series are, at their roots, very similar: kids going on adventures, making new friends, magic, saving the world, etc. They were both deeply loved by kids all over the world and each has their own sizable fan following. So why is it that while “Percy Jackson” becomes more beloved as time goes on, “Harry Potter” and J.K. Rowling are facing more and more scrutiny?
The “Harry Potter” books themselves have not aged particularly well. The magical world is filled with racist and prejudiced ideology. From naming an Asian character “Cho Chang,” to anti-Semitic caricatures, to a blasé attitude toward slavery, these books ultimately alienate many non-white readers who might have once gravitated towards the series.
It certainly doesn’t help that J.K. Rowling, the author of the “Harry Potter” series, continues to alienate marginalized groups, especially trans communities. She has denounced trans communities numerous times, specifically trans women, all in the name of feminism. She has demeaned the idea of transitioning, written books demonizing trans people and posted tweet after tweet filled with transphobic commentary.
While J.K. Rowling has been busy making people feel uncomfortable, Rick Riordan has done the opposite. The author of the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series took the fame and attention that came from this original series and used it to uplift marginalized voices.
The upcoming TV show adaptation of “Percy Jackson” features both Black and South Asian main characters. His later books include characters from a variety of different racial backgrounds with different sexual and gender identities. He has even created a publishing line so that other authors have a platform where they can write stories drawing on mythologies or legends from their own cultures. The original “Percy Jackson” series itself was written to uplift children with learning disabilities.
Books like these make children who are non-white or exploring their sexual and gender identity feel validated and seen. Their races aren’t just reduced to caricatures or side-characters — they can be the heroes too. Their identities aren’t something weird or strange, it is just a natural part of them. I remember being a kid and reading so many books and yet not one of them had a main character that was Indian like me. It’s easy to feel small when you never see yourself as the hero of a story.
Diverse media helps make people more empathetic and kind. A lot of times, media like books or TV shows are the first exposure to other perspectives that children get. If white kids only consume media about white characters, then whiteness is reinforced as the norm. The same goes for media with only straight or cisgendered characters. Diverse literature teaches kids to see from other perspectives and understand that not everyone is like them. This allows them to develop empathy and not always equate “other” with “wrong.”
While J.K. Rowling continues to tarnish her own legacy with her hateful views and comments, Rick Riordan is using his platform for good. He is using his reputation as a well-known author to create diverse books that his loyal audience will read. He is using his fame to give authors of color a platform to tell their own stories. Rick Riordan’s books are not at all a substitute for media by marginalized authors. But by uplifting voices that have historically been ignored in mainstream media, he is helping kids grow to be more confident and empathetic people.
“Harry Potter” never stood a chance.
