As the protests in Hong Kong continue, one viral image, referencing J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, speaks to many readers and fans of fantasy literature.
The image shows a student wearing a face mask, construction helmet and a robe similar to those worn by characters in the books. He holds a sign that says, "If the Student of Hogwarts Can Defeat the Death Eaters HK Student Will Defeat HK Police," in a font referencing the lightning–bolt inspired font familiar to Harry Potter readers.
The sign has resonated with many fans of the series, as the student compares Hong Kong's police force to the Death Eaters, the army of Potter antagonist Lord Voldemort. The image also shows how large of an impact students and young adults are having in the Hong Kong protests, as well as the strength that many people draw from Rowling's novels.
In a post sharing the photo, one Reddit user offered a paraphrased quote from British writer and philosopher G.K. Chesterton: "Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed."
CBC reporter Sasa Petricic tweeted a different photo of the student in September and wrote, "What would Harry Potter do?: Students across Hong Kong strike for the second day in protest against the government, skipping classes and, apparently, conjuring up potions and spells."
Harry Potter has been a popular reference point in many protest signs in recent movements, according to Bustle and the BBC.
What would Harry Potter do?: Students across Hong Kong strike for the second day in protest against the government, skipping classes and, apparently, conjuring up potions and spells #CBC (pic via @KongTsungGan) pic.twitter.com/UoFIkb3Q7f
— Saša Petricic (@sasapetricic) September 3, 2019
The support for the Potter-inspired student comes shortly after professional Hearthstone player Ng "Blitzchung" Wai Chung made a "liberate Hong Kong" statement during an online tournament, following Hong Kong's institution of a ban on masks in an attempt to stop the protests. The South China Morning Post reported Friday morning that almost a third of all those arrested in the Hong Kong protests have been 18 or younger.
The demonstrations in Hong Kong began this past June to protest a proposed extradition bill, which is seen as a threat to residents. Many suspect the bill will be used to extradite to mainland China not just criminals but also political activists who oppose the Communist Party, according to The New York Times. Protests have increased in the past months, and earlier in October a teenage protester was shot. He was charged with assaulting a police officer and rioting and may face up to 10 years in jail.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
