• pdxfed@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    I just finished reading Harry Potter 4, goblet of fire to my kid. The last chapter, despite all the evidence and good people telling him Voldemort has returned and (spoiler after 20 years?) killed Cedric, etc. the minister of magic, Fudge, struggles mightily against their statements and eventually, instead of admitting the truth and accepting what he must do, decides to make enemies of those who wield the truth to shelter himself from the discomfort, fear and pain and decides to pretend Voldemort isn’t real. It’s a pivotal moment in the series and one that sets the tone for the rest of the books, the very adult/political/media battles of the mind, perceptions, and propaganda…by a leader who was a good person overall I think but couldn’t face the music.

    I was explaining to my kid that sometimes people just want to avoid reality, and when they are in important roles, it can be devastating. I also told her all people have the same instinct, to avoid conflict, pain and discomfort, but that by learning to go through it you realize it’s far better than the alternatives.

    • This is fine🔥🐶☕🔥@lemmy.world
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      7 months ago

      sometimes people just want to avoid reality

      This is what I have accepted in the last 5 or so years. No matter how much information I can provide about climate change, people just brush it off like it doesn’t matter.

      • pdxfed@lemmy.world
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        7 months ago

        It’s a defense mechanism. When you think about the amount of things they would have to learn and change their mind on, and then weigh those against “do whats easy”, it’s not surprising people change their minds less as they age.

        Fudge specifically says how terrible it would be to upset the order and calm that has been built in Voldemorts absence. Keeping his safe place is his priority.