The Politics of the Wizarding World.

[Matilda]

I'm quite intrigued by the political structure set up by JK Rowling throughout the Harry Potter
series.

On one hand, I think I can detect a distinct anti-establishment theme that seems to be a take on the
post 9/11 mentality that dominates Britain, the US and Australia - the Ministry of Magic ("the
Government") is into spin and hype in a big way, desperate to look good by putting a gloss on its
activities, which consist of either demonising those whom it deems to be awkward (such as Harry)
or arresting the completely innocent (Stan Shunpike), who have no high connections to come to their
assistance. Meanwhile, the terrorists, in the form of Voldemort and his Death Eaters, are not only
running around loose but infiltrating the Ministry itself.

By refusing to play the official game, Dumbledore puts himself and Hogwarts firmly in the Ministry
sights as a hotbed of subversion, while the media in the form of the Daily Prophet (presumably run
by the wizarding version of Rupert Murdoch) faithfully spouts all Ministry propaganda. Not a sign
of investigative journalism anywhere, only dirt-digging by Rita Skeeter.

All these things seemed to point to a rather anti-fascist and even left-wing attitude on Rowling's
part, but on the other side, the wizarding world seems to be run on old-fashioned feudal lines
by a small group of elites for their own benefit. In seven years, there is no word of wizarding
elections, and on more than one occasion, a new Minister is simply appointed by a power group which
includes Lucius Malfoy and probably consists of other pure-bloods. Anyone falling foul of the
Ministry is lucky if they get a trial; others, like Sirius Black and Hagrid, are thrown into
Azkaban on flimsy evidence without trial. Meanwhile, petty bureaucrats are allowed to torture
schoolchildren and are rewarded by promotion (Umbridge).

I wondered whether Rowling was trying to educate young readers on the evils of a government that is
never held to acocount, but although Rowling has said that Kingsley Shacklebolt made changes in the
Ministry, the system itself wasn't changed.

As for the house-elves - even an enlightened wizard like Dumbledore doesn't seem to be in the least
bit disturbed by their slave-like existence, although I'm sure he would have drawn the line at
the kind of treatment Dobby received at the hands of the Malfoys.

Their education system seemed to be a bit lacking as well - they learned all the skills necessary
for wizarding, but what of their growth as human beings? No attention paid at all to the arts or
literature - they didn't even have to study English. Even witches and wizards would benefit from
being able to write and express themselves clearly.

Just a few pensive thoughts as I go through my third read-through ....