Sunday, October 21, 2007

Dumbledore

Was gay.

Interesting, I'm not sure what it has to do with anything, but interesting nonetheless.

A few questions. Why is it necessary to sexualize Dumbledore when it didn't come up in the seven books? Is making him gay just something trendy to do?

Sometimes I am a little put off by the current fashion of including a stock gay character for whom sexuality just comes up constantly. I realize that people focus on the sexuality of gay people naturally because it's what makes us different, but there's more to me than my bedroom activities. I guess I just don't want to be seen merely as "the gay guy." However, the more people define characters by their sexuality the more I worry that people will define me that way without getting to know me.

On the other hand, it is nice to see gay characters because perhaps it helps normalizes homosexuality. Maybe I'm just too sensitive. Damned if they do and damned if they don't.

(H/t matt-CNS)

Update:

I realize that it is probably better to have Dumbledore be a beloved and important character. Let him have his role in the story independent of of his sexuality, and then reveal casually that he is gay.

Nonetheless, the reaction to the revelation (both positive and negative) just worries me that Dumbledore will go from being a great wizard character to a great gay wizard character. His sexuality will be inextricably tied to his identity and take on an importance not really warranted by his role in the Harry Potter stories.

If we could look at him as a great wizard character (who happens to be gay), it would be fine. I suppose what really bothers me is that we can't. I'm not mad at JK Rowling for outing him, I'm mad that we care so much that she did. Me included.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

So, when Severus Snape killed Dumbledore, was that a hate crime?

Java said...

LOL jonathan!

Dumbledore's sexual orientation wasn't mentioned in any of the books, so it obviously isn't significant to the story. Now it's just "and by the way, he's gay." I also find it interesting that she brings it up now, when that opus is finished.

andrew said...

She brought it up in response to a direct question from an audience member about whether Dumbledore ever found love. It's not like this was part of some grand plan for J. K. Rowling to reveal Dumbledore's sexuality only after she made her millions.

Pink Elephant said...

Deep down I can't escape the feeling that I'm overreacting. Nonetheless, I'm saddened that Dumbledore will now become the great GAY character, and the fact that he is gay will come to overshadow his importance to the story.

Let's see if i can find more molehills to turn into mountains...