J.K. Rowling may weave wondrous worlds in her books but she is realistic when it comes to engaging less knowledgeable ideas spouted by politicians on Twitter-and United States (U.S.) President-Elect Donald Trump is no exception.
Rowling shared her opinion on Trump's words, actions, and Tweets throughout the campaign and election period and, despite receiving a backlash from many of Trump's supporters, the Harry Potter author never backed down. It is actually not that surprising for Rowling to speak up despite being perceived negatively since she does see herself as the Hermione Granger type and we all know that the Muggle-born witch is undoubtedly the brightest-and bravest- witch of her age.
Rowling shared chunks of wisdom in her books through Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and Professor Minerva McGonagall but, on Twitter, the author also shares truths about power in reaction to Trump's own tweets. Below are seven instances she proves Trump's weakness in understanding leadership.
Campaign and Debate Season
It was already apparent during the campaign and debate season that Rowling was not a fan of the executive turned Republican presidential candidate. In one instance, the author reminded Americans how the president is a reflection of the citizens and not the other way around as a reminder to really think about the kind of person who should lead the nation.
The key question, right there, for voters in every democracy. Not 'who is he?' but 'who are we?' #PresidentialDebate
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 10, 2016
Rowling received backlash from Trump supporters not so gently reminding her that she is not American and that she should keep her opinions to herself. Rowling responded with sound logic why she and the rest of the world are speaking up and should be involved.
When a man this ignorant & easy to manipulate gets within sniffing distance of the nuclear codes, it's everyone's business. #RestOfTheWorld https://t.co/yHBIIuhYEN — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 10, 2016
Of course the person responsible for calling Rowling out like that deleted their Tweet soon after getting burned because no one can even deny the importance and urgency of the author's concern.
She also Tweeted her casual and objective observation on how the presidential debate went down on Oct. 19, 2016.
Well, there you have it. A highly intelligent, experienced woman just debated a giant orange Twitter egg. Your move, America. #debate
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 20, 2016
Trump in 2017 We have not even ended first half of January but President-Elect Trump is at it again with his outrageous Tweets so, of course, Rowling spoke up again to set him straight. Veteran actress Meryl Streep spoke up about Trump's improper behavior during her speech at the Golden Globes where she was given the Cecille B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award and this earned her an uncalled for tweet from President Elect Trumo calling her over-rated. To this, Rowling dished out another burn.
Never forget that some people's good opinion would be more insulting than their abuse! pic.twitter.com/XYRCHTijQz — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 9, 2017
There is also Trump's allegation that CNN released faked news for ratings which earned another burn from Rowling as she recalled her childhood.
Keep having flashbacks to a little girl in my class at primary school, whose go-to insults were YOU'VE GOT FLEAS and YOU SMELL. https://t.co/Ej4lSCDg1L
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 12, 2017
Must be telling the truth. He used caps. https://t.co/KtLD1x7nwQ — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 11, 2017
Perhaps it would be best for the PEOTUS to actually take Rowling's observations into consideration, especially when dealing with people and media.
At least Rowling is better at handling criticism and she knows where to draw the line, especially when dealing with more civil Trump supporters. It's all about respect and attacking issues rather than the people affected by them.
Sweetest thing I've ever received from a Trump supporter. I can't and won't ever appreciate a man like him, but you're rather lovely. pic.twitter.com/o7YnHwW3pV
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 12, 2017
"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open," Headmaster Albus Dumbledore said towards the end of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and it is a knowledge that will serve everyone well. Not even Professor Trelawney-she's cooky but she prophesied great things-would be able to foresee a bright future if the head of the nation serves as a dividing rather than a unifying force.
