Student+-+Dunkley,+K


 * __Belonging in the 21st Century__**



**__1) Choose a social identity that interests you__**

Pottermania - a community subculture drawn together by J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Pottermania is a term describing the craze Potter fans have over the series. A definition of 'Pottermania' can be found on this link.


 * __ 2) Conduct research into how and why people belong in these particular ways. __**
 * __ a) Why do you think people choose to belong in this way? __**

People choose to belong to the Pottermania subculture, as it is a way for fanatics to express their excitement, theories, and enthusiasm about the Harry Potter series. Fan conventions and parties are held for the release of each book and film, and are organised by those individuals that make up this quirky subculture.

Prior to the release of a new book or movie, Pottermania reaches fever pitch. A new level of hysteria sweeps the world, affecting these fanatics in particular.

Belonging to this social identity creates and opens up a whole new world of excitement, possibilities and fun. University students in America have started playing 'Muggle Quidditch', in which a real live snitch is released for a real seeker to catch. The only difference between Quidditch in the world of Harry Potter and Quidditch in the 'muggle' world, is that it is played on the ground, instead of up in the air.

Youtube video of 'Muggle Quidditch'

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People choose not to belong to this subculture as they may not neccesarily agree with or understand the excitement felt by the members. Older members of society may no longer have the capacity to feel this level of devotion or excitement, whilst younger members of society just may not be intereseted or not understand the concepts involved in the multi-layered culture of 'Pottermania'.
 * __ b) Why do you think people choose not to belong? __**

Individuals may not agree with some of the concepts explored within the books and movies, preventing them from belonging to this social identity.

These barriers prevent individuals to belong to the ever growing subculture known as 'Potter Mania'. However the fact that Harry Potter (books and movies alike) are so well publicized (bill boards, tv advertisements, radio advertisements, trailers online/at movie theatres, posters etc) makes it hard to not associate, and therefore not belong to the craze of Harry Potter. There is even an online shop named 'The Leaky Cauldron' which claims to sell more than 1,200 items of authentic Harry Potter merchandise, including Hermione's earrings and your very own time turner.
 * __ c) What are the barriers which prevent belonging in this way? __**
 * People who are illiterate
 * Haven't been exposed to Harry Potter
 * Not allowed to view any material related to Harry Potter
 * People who are uninterested or may just misunderstand this subculture

The sheer availability of resources associated with this social identity makes it near impossible to stay oblivious.

The aspects of belonging to this subculture reflect and directly link to society and human experiences in the 21st century. The concept and excitement bubbling around Harry Potter is intertwined into society, and millions (particularly Gen-Y) have grown up with this phenomenon. Harry Potter, or Pottermania, enables fans to escape from their everyday world, and into one of magic, where there are no boundaries and anything is possible. Fans are also able to relate to the loveable characters, and feel every triumph, success and failure with the characters in the books and movies.
 * __ d) How does this aspect of belonging reflect human experiences in the 21st century? __**

The fact that Harry Potter is so ingrained within the identity of youth growing up in the 21st century makes it hard to separate or distance ourself from this phenomenom. This is aided by the fact that there are now specific websites aimed at following the three main stars, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley). One example of this is this website, which boasts about being the 'peoples' place for the most recent news...on Rupert Grint!'.

The recent opening of 'Harry Potter World' creates a whole new experience for fanatics and fans alike. This link allows you to go online and check out the magical village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle that have both been brought to life in this new theme park in America.

Merchandise, theme parks, posters, dvds, and publicity all reflect and link us to human experiences in the 21st century. If you are not apart of 'Pottermania' yourself, then someone you know is bound to be.

Pottermania is one such human experience that is isolated to the 21st century. Future generations will not have grown up with the excitement or longing of the next movie or book release, and will therefore not experience the hype that those living in present day have experienced.