Books
What 'Harry Potter' Says About Resistance
If all you want to do these days is curl up and read Harry Potter, I totally get you. The world is suddenly seeming rather scary and unfamiliar, and if you need to look after yourself by retreating into your favorite book, then you absolutely should. Especially because Harry Potter can offer so much more than just self-care. At its heart, Harry Potter is a story about resistance, about the triumph of good over evil. Reading Harry Potter can comfort us, reassure us, and then inspire us to action.
Ever since Trump's election back in November, fans have been turning to the Harry Potter books for advice. The last few months have been repeatedly compared to the events of the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which builds up to the Death Eaters taking over the Ministry of Magic. Now, it's time for the Battle of Hogwarts.
So yes, hide and the covers and read about the adventures of our beloved Harry, Ron, and Hermione — but then it's time to do something about it. It's time to donate to organizations like the ACLU; it's time to march for reproductive rights and for Black Lives Matter; it's time to resist Trump's presidency in any way we can. And Harry Potter's full of quotes to inspire us on our way.
1“It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well.”
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
2"I'd say that it's one short step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first,' then to 'Death Eaters' ... We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving."
— Kingsley Shacklebolt, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
It's also one short step from 'America First' to 'White Americans First' and then to Nazis...
3“Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.”
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
4“It is important to fight and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then can evil be kept at bay though never quite eradicated.”
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
5"You've got the right to wages and holidays and proper clothes, you don'’t have to do everything you’re told."
— Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
6“Dark times lie ahead of us and there will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right.”
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
7“We must try not to sink beneath our anguish, Harry, but battle on.”
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
8"It’s people like you...who prop up rotten and unjust systems, just because they’re too lazy..."
— Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
9"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
10"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided."
— Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
11"Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve."
— Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
