Harry Potter and racism: Voldemort as the wizard Hitler

[lucyugfilm]

I have made a connection between the fictional character of Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, and the fascist dictator Hitler, and would be interested to see if I am not the only one.

I first saw the connection in Voldemort’s desire for ethnic cleansing, something that hasn’t been experienced since WWII Germany, led by Hitler. The films are essentially about the fight between good and evil, and the Deathly Hallows films see the climax of this underlying struggle. The fight is against fascism.

I have read interviews with J K Rowling confirming the likeness between Voldemort and Hitler, but less has been said about why there is a likeness.

If anyone has made this connection, I would be interested to hear your responses on a few questions that I have been asking myself:
What do you think the relevance of it is in the films?
Why have such a political symbol in a series of films that is intended for mainly kids and families?
What contemporary significance does the comparison have, what are the filmmakers trying to reflect in our own world?
Why model a film villain on a dictator from 50 years ago, way before the films’ main target audience would have been alive?
What other likenesses are there, if any, apart from their belief systems? Please give examples of these in the films if you know them. Also, can you remember where you learnt about Hitler to be able to see these likenesses?
What does this connection mean to you and the world around you?

I hope this will start and interesting discussion, can you please state where you are from in your responses to see if your view is coming from America, England, Europe etc.

Enjoy!

[jaykays hat]

I see it just as a kids film and have never once thought of it being racist or anything to do with Hitler. I think you need to stop reading the Guardian newspaper.

[morris]

Originally Posted by lucyugfilm

I first saw the connection in Voldemort’s desire for ethnic cleansing, something that hasn’t been experienced since WWII Germany, led by Hitler.

The ignorance in the above statement is so stark and offensive, you'd be better off doing your own homework or research. You obviously need the knowledge more than anyone here.

[jaykays hat]

I reckon she must have slept through the whole of 1995 when the Srebrenica massacre was going on...although she probably would liken Dumbledore to Slobodan Milosevic in her warped mind.

[Jonesy]

Here here, morris and Jay. I'm appalled by that completely ignorant post and its failure to understand the world around them. And what's more, this child has simply posted questions that have clearly been prompted by the teacher. Whatever happened to independent thought.

[Punchbowl]

It didn't get enough 'likes' on Facebook.

[Jeffbiscuits]

You will become one...with the beige.