Harry Potter and the Asian American image in media

Erin Pangilinan, Jul 27, 2005

With the release of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter #6, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” across the world, Asian fans and readers of the book are looking critically at how Asian Americans fit into the Hogwarts world by looking at Asian roles in previous Harry Potter books.

Harry’s romantic relationship with an Asian female named Cho Chang ended in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (Harry Potter #5). The upcoming release of the film this year, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” debuts Scottish Asian actress, Katie Leung, playing the role of Cho Chang.

So far, Asian Americans are paying attention.

Jealous online teens write in their thoughts in forums and ever-popular blogs, as well as popular Asian American watchdog websites like Angry Asian Man. Some Asian teens complain that Leung is “ugly,” while other non-Asian fans are “jealous” that Harry Potter is kissing an Asian, though this is what happens in Harry Potter #5.

Chang rarely speaks throughout the entire book series (until she is in a relationship with Harry Potter). She is always described as pretty and popular. One may ask: Is Rowling attempting to be politically correct by choosing an Asian as Harry’s love interest?....

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