Abstract (eng)
The “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling has been one of the best sold series in fiction worldwide. Since the publication of the first novel in 1997, Rowling has created a universe that is simultaneously full of magical as well as real-world problems which readers can relate to. One of the themes that consistently appears throughout the series is racism. In the fictional universe of Harry Potter, the characters are confronted with numerous concepts of racism, such as purity of blood, slavery and institutional racism. Some people may think racism has vanished; however, this thesis will present some racist ideologies and practices which are still present in our contemporary society. This thesis aims at discussing various racist concepts that have been used throughout history, and up to this day, in order to dominate certain groups of people. It is analyzed if these concepts also occur in the Harry Potter universe. Instances of discrimination and racism are located in the text, and the series is examined regarding its racist ideology. It will be shown that racist beliefs are, likewise, a part of the real world and the world of Harry Potter.