How Books Influence Consumers Perception Of The World

One of the theoretical foundations for this study is the notion that books are cultural products and impact individuals and society by influencing intergroup relations and perceptions of different groups of people. According to Collins, the “images and discourse used throughout media outlets provide a framework with which its consumers may construct representation of the world in which they live” (2016). In this way, books can influence consumers’ perception of the world they live in, in part by affecting how they view people from marginalized groups with which they may not otherwise be able to identify. Additionally, by affecting how people construct their world, media influences society, its attitudes and the actions of its members. This framework also contributes to the construction of discourses, through which certain ways of talking …show more content…
Some studies argue that Rowling takes a stance against racism and negative race relations in the books. Horne concluded that Rowling has a multicultural antiracism approach in the books and believes she advocates for it through metaphors with other species (2010). Aside from species, there is also blood purity to take into account, or what percentage of a person’s background is magical. In terms of blood purity, Macneil argues that Harry and his friends, portrayed as all white in the films, have varied racial backgrounds (2002). Other studies discuss direct racial representation and are more critical of how Rowling writes race. Messinger cities that Harry is a white, British male and that none of these characteristics are paid particular attention to because they are not considered remarkable (2012). Different studies are all in agreement that race and related issues are relevant in the Harry Potter books, but various approaches are taken, leaving room for open-ended research and analysis in this