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Harry Potter's Affect on American Culture

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Harry Potter's Affect on American Culture
The series, “Harry Potter”, penned by British author J.K. Rowling, offers more than just a quick read for young and old readers alike, it now has become part of American culture. Created in 1997, with new releases in the seven book series every couple years, its intrigue with American culture has lasted 14 years. It has reached across many media types, making it available to large groups of people in different genres. Though this series has been touched by controversy, bringing up issues of religion, witchcraft, occult practices, and not being appropriate for children, it has not stopped individuals from purchasing the novels. Headlines from The New York Times said it was the fastest selling book in history (2007). When a new book in the series gets released, individuals will wait in lines for hours to receive their treasured copies. It is also not uncommon for readers, and fans to stand in line at all hours of the night to view a movie that is being released. Readers might find themselves attending parties held in the books name, dressing up as characters from the book, even serving food mentioned by the author in her literary works. The influence of Harry Potter goes well beyond just reading for simple enjoyment. The lessons in the books are life lessons most can relate to, which may be why readers seem to stay interested. A simple keyword search on the internet of “Harry Potter” will for tell just how engrained in our culture this book is. You will find everything from the books themselves, to party favors, to numerous websites devoted to the phenomenon, Harry Potter.

Works Cited: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/complete_coverage/harry_potter/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=harry%20potter&st=cse http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/business/worldbusiness/23iht-potter.4.6789605.html
Foster, Julie. “Potter Books: Wicked Witchcraft?” LexisNexis . Update News Journal. (October 2001): Joyner Library, City of Greenville, NC. March 2004.
http://www.partycity.com/product/harry+potter+party+supplies.do?sortby=ourPicks&pp=60&size=all&navSet=170031

Cited: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/complete_coverage/harry_potter/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=harry%20potter&st=cse http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/business/worldbusiness/23iht-potter.4.6789605.html Foster, Julie. “Potter Books: Wicked Witchcraft?” LexisNexis . Update News Journal. (October 2001): Joyner Library, City of Greenville, NC. March 2004. http://www.partycity.com/product/harry+potter+party+supplies.do?sortby=ourPicks&pp=60&size=all&navSet=170031

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