Nothing magical about this!
Followers of a popular South Asian religion are VERY offended by J.K. Rowling‘s description of a one of their own in The Casual Vacancy.
Sikh leaders are super pissed that the Harry Potter penner portrays a Sikh girl as ├óΓé¼┼ômustachioed yet large-mammaried.”
A spokesman for the group explains that J.K.’s description of the girl is insulting to those who follow the faith, because:
“Sikh believers, including women, are refrained from shaving and trimming their hair. This is a part of our faith and anyone making offensive remarks about it is directly hurting the sentiments of Sikh community.”
The spokesperson added that its leaders would read the book carefully and said:
“If deemed derogatory to the Sikh faith, we will demand a ban on it. We will make sure it doesn’t sell in India.”
Rowling’s publisher has responded to these allegations, saying:
├óΓé¼┼ôIt is quite clear in the text of the book that negative thoughts, actions and remarks made by a character, Fats, who is bullying Sukhvinder, are his alone. When described in the narrative voice, the depiction of Sukhvinder is quite different to this.”
Well, that makes sense!
One of the Harry Potter‘s most prominent themes was accepting, and showing compassion for those from different and less-glamousious cultures and backgrounds.
What the Sikh leaders are accusing J.K. of would be a complete 180 from everything she professed in the children’s series!
Plus, J.K. can’t be a bully! She CREATED Dobby! No one with malicious intent could write a character that pure and loyal and gushing love.
At least… we hope not!
[Image via WENN.]