From: Scott Chase (osteopilus@yahoo.com)
Date: Wed 20 Jul 2005 - 01:59:58 GMT
--- Alan Patrick <a.patrick@btinternet.com> wrote:
> > I'm not convinced that it's a matter of being
> parasitic - well only in the
> > sense that you can't have an
> objecting-to-Harry-Potter meme-set without
> > having Harry Potter in the first place.
>
> I think I buy your overall explanation here, though
> I am becoming
> increasingly intrigued with the idea of memetic
> parasitism, and maybe
> symbiotic memes. I don't know of any detailed work
> in this area, but by
> empirical observation it seems that religion and
> politics are very
> susceptible.
>
There's a religious belief system called Wicca that
might offend some Christians since it's a throwback
(or atavism?) to the pre-Christian beliefs of "pagans"
or "heathens". Not sure how much trouble Wiccans have
with fundies, but it could parallel the opposition to
Potter.
Plus I wonder what parallels there are to the witch
hunts and trials (such as in Massachusetts and some
parts of Europe I think). Similar mindset? Potter is a
fictional warlock, but nonetheless is opposition to
his "existence" as a character popular among kids a
throwback to the days when people were going after
what they thought were real witches among their
townsfolk? The modern day witch hunters are tamer in
their approach it seems, but the root cause of their
opposition could be the same.
BTW I saw a trailer for the Narnia movie due out at
the end of this year. I wonder if it will be as
popular as the Potter movies or if it will re-kindle
interest in the Narnia book series.
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