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Why Couldn’t Rowling Just Let Dumbledore Be?

'Pathetic' closeted wizard does nothing for equality, writer argues

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 23, 2007 2:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – The outed Dumbledore is loveless and pathetic, says Time’s John Cloud. He sees no progress for gay equality in JK Rowling's revelation, but rather a role model as problematic as Larry Craig. Shouldn’t the writer be happy with the news about Harry Potter’s heroic mentor? “Yes, except: Why couldn't he tell us himself?”

The closeted Dumbledore, Cloud posits, must have seen his sexuality “as shameful and inappropriate.” To be sure, fantasy lit has lacked proud gay role models: C-3PO was desexed and effeminate, and readers had to turn to fan fiction for hot and heavy scenes between Kirk and Spock. But the celibate Hogwarts headmaster isn’t much better, Cloud argues: a martyred, "lisping weakling" whose closest relationships were with child wizards.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, right, watches as Professor Dumbledore, played by Richard Harris, feeds Fawkes the Phoenix in Warner Bros. Pictures' "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. (KRT Photos)

Author J. K. Rowling waves to children while signing a copy of her book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in New Orleans, in this Oct. 18, 2007 file photo. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy... (Associated Press)

Dumbledore as played by Michael Gambon in the series of popular films spawned by the fantasy phenomenon. (KRT Photos)

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Why Couldn’t Rowling Just Let Dumbledore Be?