the
books depict young people as capable and empowered: Harry and his friends regularly
succeed at protecting the school and defeating Lord Voldemort when the adults
around them fail to take action. The books also depict a commitment to equality. The
villains in the books are wizards who aim to disenfranchise any nonwizard magical
creatures and any wizards born to nonmagical parents. However, Harry, the hero of
the books, befriends Hagrid, a half-giant, Hermione, a witch with nonmagical parents,
and Ron, a wizard who comes from a poor family. Popular culture like Harry Potter
influences our discourses on social and political issues such as equality and gives fans
an opportunity to reimagine themselves and others.