122
HumorThe REAL Terf Dogwhistle in "Harry Potter"
Spoilers for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
It’s interesting how TRAs are constantly looking for evidence in Rowling’s books that she was a bigot all along. The most widespread theory of theirs is probably that ridiculous bit about how the Goblins running Gringotts are supposed to represent Jews.
I don’t know how looking at the Goblins in the Harry Potter movies could make you think “Jews” unless you’re a massive antisemite yourself. But I do think I have discovered the REAL Terf dogwhistle in “Harry Potter,” and that is in its primary antagonist.
Tom Riddle was a lunatic who hated being who he was – a half-blood – despite the fact that it obviously didn’t matter as much as he thought it did. So what did he do? He changed his name. He came up with a stupid made-up name that was meant to cut ties with his previous identity and command the respect of those around him.
And it worked, on those who feared him at least. The people who feared him treated his new name with reverence, most were afraid to even speak it. But the real heroes of the book series – characters like Albus Dumbledore – they didn’t give a shit. They named and deadnamed Voldemort with impunity.
And all this comes to a climax with the final battle between Harry Potter and Voldemort. In the final moments, as Harry calmly explains to Voldemort how all of his master plans have gone terribly wrong, he proves he’s not afraid of Voldemort anymore either by throwing this final piece of disrespect:
“You don't learn from your mistakes, Riddle, do you?"
"You dare"
"Yes, I dare," said Harry. "I know things you don't know, Tom Riddle. I know lots of important things that you don't.”
That’s right, ladies and gents. He deadnames Voldemort. And doesn’t Voldemort react just like a trans person? The outrage. The “you dare.” The entitlement. He thinks the elder wand is his, but it will never be his. It was Harry’s all along.
It wasn’t as prominent in the movies, but it’s prominent in the books. Because remember, folks: it’s all just magic words. They only ever have the power that you give to them. So reject their power. Reject the “they who must not be named” shenanigans. When it comes to malevolent psychopaths insisting that you use their new titles, do what Harry and Dumbledore do: just say “no.”
I don't actually mind the bird. At least he's not gonna try to rape me.
that may be the scariest bird I have ever seen and I would still take 100 of them in a girls' bathroom over a single male
Haha I have met that very type of bird. I remember seeing one once in the company of a local (for whom English was not his first language) and saying 'wth was that thing?' He thought long and hard, and then announced, 'chicken.'
It appears to be one of these:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marabou_stork
I just googled it and one of the form-filling phrases was 'marabou stork nightmares'.
Marabou storks are known to attack people who don't give them a handout, just like trans dudes!
☹😭 as if I didn't have enough reasons to be terrified of encountering strange birds in the bathroom
Can we employ these birds to peck at TIMs who try to enter women's bathrooms?
If you ever see a TIM in a bathroom it would be a very good idea to flow the bathroom with other males you, so the TIM can learn not to be a bigot.
Can we PLEASE have every single TIM in women's spaces replaced by this exact bird?? 🤩