Why Female “Harry Potter” Characters Remind Me of Famous Feminists
Maybe it’s due to my women‘s studies minor, but whenever I read the Harry Potter books, I can’t help but notice the similarities between my favorite witches and their feminist counterparts. The Harry Potter series has long been praised for its empowering depiction of female characters, so it makes sense that some character traits would match up with real-life women. The more I research the significant role women have had in history, I can’t help but discover more and more comparisons to how witches impact the wizarding world. For example, Ginny’s Quidditch talent makes me think of all the recent press surrounding equal pay for female athletes. Hermione embodies all the women who have studied hard to rise through the ranks of academic institutions, and Luna signifies all the women who dared to push the boundaries of science and creativity.
Going back to Ginny, her feminist counterpart is definitely Serena Williams. Like Serena Williams, Ginny is known for being vocal on the Quidditch field. She demands to be heard just as any man would. Ginny proves time and time again that she is just as talented as Harry, just like how Serena has beaten so many tennis records. Serena Williams is heralded as a feminist icon due to her ability to confront gender bias constantly in her professional career. Likewise, Ginny allows no one to doubt her, and she goes after everything she wants. We’re pretty sure Serena would be impressed with Ginny yelling “Shut it!” when no one listens to her or Harry on the Quidditch field. Ginny and Serena both prove that a woman’s place is on a sports field.
Another feisty feminist we have to talk about is Tonks. Immediately, I knew her counterpart had to be Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC. Like AOC, Tonks is outspoken and strong-willed. Both are young women at the top of their field. While Tonks isn’t involved in politics, she does work for the Ministry of Magic as a talented Auror. She’s the only female Auror we get to know in the Harry Potter series. Both AOC’s and Tonks’s jobs involve bravery and selflessness since both women put themselves on the line to do the right thing.
Speaking of women who are strong-willed and brave, Minerva McGonagall’s feminist counterpart would have to be Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Like Justice Ginsburg, Minerva is the blueprint of modern feminism. Minerva is one of the wisest and most respected women in the wizarding world. Similar to Justice Ginsburg, Minerva holds an extraordinary position of power, having been the temporary Headmistress of Hogwarts. Both of these women are incredibly bright and refuse to give up no matter what. What initially made me compare these two women was that I can also see Justice Ginsburg being a Hatstall, either put into Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. Both Minerva and Justice Ginsburg have used their wit and talent to make the world a better place.
Moving right along, Luna’s feminist counterpart has to be someone eccentric, clever, and unforgettable. Honestly, she reminds me of Hedy Lamarr, a woman who lived before her time. Lamarr was well-known as an actress, but behind-the-scenes, she had a passion for science and invention. Luna is first described in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as blonde and pretty, almost with a pixie, Tinkerbell look. However, appearances can be deceiving, and Luna goes against the stereotype of being a dumb blonde. She’s full of creativity and imagination, and like Lamarr, she’s quite extraordinary.
Another feminist counterpart we have is for Molly Weasley, who I believe shares a lot in common with Meghan Markle. Both Meghan and Molly are loving to their partners and dedicated to their children. However, these women have proved time and time again that they are just as powerful as any man. Meghan worked hard as an actress and continues to work tirelessly as a mom and advocate for women’s rights around the world. Molly never hesitated to duel Bellatrix Lestrange, proving that she is powerful enough to defeat Voldemort’s right-hand witch.
Last but not least, we can’t forget about Hermione Granger. There is no perfect feminist counterpart for Hermione other than the amazing Emma Watson. Like Hermione, Emma is smart, kind, and hardworking. Hermione is such a feminist icon due to her confidence and empowering talent when it comes to spellcasting. While Emma in real life isn’t a witch, she does work hard to educate herself and help others, just as Hermione does by working at the Ministry of Magic.
