Harry Potter to the rescue
Monday, April 19, 2010 at 9:16PM tagged charity, haiti, harry and the potters, harry potter, harry potter alliance, relief Email Article Print Article 
Geeks have hearts of gold.
I wrote some time ago about an effort to aid Haiti relief, spearheaded by an organization called the Harry Potter Alliance, which has long inspired Harry Potter fans to take action on real-world social issues like global warming and Darfur. Recently, it launched its largest fandom action, called Help Haiti Heal, to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Of course, the point was to raise a bunch of money in a time of need. But, on the sly, I think the effort helped show that so-called escapist pursuits like reading fantasy novels like Harry Potter, watching fantasy movies like Lord of the Rings, or participating in role-playing games can actually connect to the real world, too.
Heroic acts and derring-do involving wielding wands and swords and smiting evil-doers are all well and good in a book or movie. What makes this success so sweet is that the forces of gaming and fantasy and fandom can be wielded, too. And fans and gamers can be a powerful body indeed.
The effort is also a reminder that one reason we need fantasy is to remind us how to act in the real world. Perhaps society’s lack of a coming-of-age ritual explains the appeal. We have a driver’s license, and a drinking age, and we get married. But not much else. Fantasy genre fills this void, framing the hero’s journey in right and wrong, good and evil.
Moreover, books give hope in hopeless times --- like when calamity strikes. Fantasy is a genre people can read and retreat to and gather strength to face the real world. Refuge from oppression, personal or political, or wars or natural disasters like earthquakes all lay in the fairy world and the possibility of imagination. Fantasy keeps the spirit alive and kicking, and provides a blueprint for good behavior.
So thank you! Fans of all kinds have come together and raised over $110,000 for Partners In Health in Haiti... We’re chartering three cargo planes packed with 75,000 pounds of critical, life-saving supplies to thousands of people in Haiti.
The planes are going to be named Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
You can still donate here: http://www.thehpalliance.org/haiti/
Thank you!
Ethan Gilsdorf is the author of the travel memoir-pop culture investigation Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks: An Epic Quest for Reality Among Role Players, Online Gamers, and Other Dwellers of Imaginary Realms.
Reader Comments (6)
Thank you for sharing useful information.I has visited your web site, a lot of information I can from your blog, thanks for the information.
gadget and technology updates
The heat Christian Louboutin Shoes plus Pandora Jewelry, become the most popular with summer, in line with the Zumba Fitness DVD or P90X or Insanity Workout DVD video tutorial, the three Fitness enjoy different life.Christian Louboutin Knockoffs,Christian Louboutin Wedding Shoes,
Christian Louboutin Boots,Christian Louboutin Sandals,Christian Louboutin Wedges,Christian Louboutin Platform,P90X DVD,DVD Sales,Vibram Five Fingers,Herve Leger,Cheap Christian Louboutin,Alexander Wang Dress,Alexander Wang Shoes,Alexander Mcqueen Shoes,Giuseppe Zanotti Shoes,ED Hardy Shoes,Jimmy Choo Shoes,Chanel Shoes,YSL Shoes,Manolo Blahnik Shoes,Vivienne Westwood Shoes,Tory Burch Shoes,Louis Vuitton Shoes,Miu Miu Shoes,Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes,Marc Jacobs Shoes,Christian Dior Shoes,Herve Leger,Sergio Rossi Shoes,Lanvin Shoes,Coach Shoes,Prada Shoes,Gucci Shoes,Moncler Jackets,MBT Shoes
I have buyed many products on line.Cool.I found some good sites,whose pruducts have gained popularity among socialites and celebrities.From these sites,several of my friends buyed products.The Website including.
weight loss
diet pills
how to lose weight fast
louis vuitton
replica handbags
lv
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton handbags
discount handbags
lv
discount handbags
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton blog
louis vuitton
replica handbags
lv
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton handbags
discount handbags
lv
discount handbags
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton
replica handbags
lv
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton handbags
discount handbags
lv
discount handbags
louis vuitton bags
christian louboutin
louboutin
christian louboutin shoes
louboutin shoes
bridal shoes
sexy shoes
high heels shoes
christian louboutin
louboutin
christian louboutin shoes
louboutin shoes
bridal shoes
sexy shoes
high heels shoes
ed hardy
ed hardy clothing
ed hardy clothing shirts
ed hardy clothes
ed hardy t shirts
ed hardy
ed hardy clothing
ed hardy clothing shirts
ed hardy clothes
ed hardy t shirts
rosetta stone
rosetta stone software
rosetta
With only two years of occupation, Dri.k already played in several festivals and clubs in Brazil, Argentina, Europe and the United States. Formed by the Scratch DJ Academy in
New York, Dri.k is able to surprise everyone with their sets Hermes Birkin|
Hermes Kelly Handbags|
Hermes New Arrival Vogue|
Hermes Birkin 42cm - Lychee Red| and their mixes precise grooves. With an excellent musical
tastes, can play both a deep house warm up as being at the center of a line-up, mixing in a unique way the Tech House, Techno, and Electro Minimal Tech. Dri.k of, wait for the
insesperado
Call me traditional in this sense, Hermes Birkin but I think dark, birkin bag rich tones are a must for a fall. Even living in Florida, brown, orange and even some deep yellows are a must in the fall. Burberry ukThe Hampton Embossed Python Flap is priced at mulberry alexa while the pumps are Hermes Kelly bag . Lively is sporting the Coach Wool Maude
freelance writer