I didn't jump on this bandwagon immediately. There's a very predictable sequence of events that occurs when it comes to me and cultural phenomena.
- Ignore it.
- Rant about how everyone is obsessed with this book/movie/artist/musician.
- Take a look at it because at this point it has become so all-pervasive you can't not give it some attention.
- Become head-over-heels obsessed. This level of fandom can last for a really, really long time.
I say years, because... well, seven books. And some of them are really long.
I remember when people were completely up and arms about Harry Potter as being completely evil because "it has witchcraft." **rolls eyes** "It is turning kids to witchcraft." **heavy sigh** "JK Rowling is the devil." **scream** "Let's hold book burnings." **dies**
Madness I tell you.
And now that all seven books are published, we have people debating on the Christian allegories in the story.
And in my personal opinion, I felt how these allegorical events played out in the end of this series were more dramatic and impactful (word?) than anything you'll find in something like, oh, The Chronicles of Narnia.
This series really should be included in language arts programs. Kids are so inspired by this series. They draw pictures in response to reading these stories. They go outside and play quidditch. Can you imagine? Kids wanting to go outside again? It's wonderful to see some imagination again.
Here's a trailer parody for your enjoyment. =D
This would be great to use when teaching parodies too! How might you bring something like this in your classroom and/or how can you create something like it?
ReplyDeleteOk you have to know about Wizard Rock, right? Harry and the Potters? We have all of these bands/songs. My favorite is from The Whomping Willows, O Christmas Tree.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I've heard of Harry and the Potters, but I haven't gone to great lengths to look into their music. Sounds like something completely appropriate to blast in the theater parking lot in anticipation of the midnight release!! **screams** IT'S GONNA BE EPIC! **dies**
ReplyDeleteAmy, I think it would be a really fun project for art students to parody something in pop culture. Like they would have to create a whacked out movie poster or something. But I'd want the kids to do some research on what a parody is. Describe some examples they've seen in the media. Plenty of the stuff online. Encourage them to write out their findings, their inspiration, their process of creating this parody poster. OMG, that's such a cute and witty phrase.... alliteration FTW!! All the while recognizing that parody is really our way of questioning why a particular cultural phenomenon is popular in the first place.