Extra Blog #2

                One of the best criticisms of Rowling's writing is that the character of Cho Chang is a racist stereotype. While I love Rowling, her writing here is very problematic. First, let's look at the stereotypes that Cho portrays. People of Asian descent are often expected to be smart, and excessively so. Of course, the only Asian at Hogwarts would be put into Ravenclaw house, where all of the smart people go (speaking generally, of course). Cho is also portrayed as fairly quiet, though charming girl: another stereotype. Rowling's writing also plays into the cultural narrative that sexualizes women of Asian descent, but also expects them to feel lucky for the attention that they get, which is a widespread narrative for women in general. Poet Rachel Rostad does a great job of elaborating on this in her poem "To JK Rowling, from Cho Chang." It is also pointed out that the name Cho Chang is made of two surnames, both Korean. She says this would be like calling a Frenchman "Garcia Rodriguez." This seems to be an area where Rowling definitely could have improved her writing. While I don't peg Rowling as a racist, she should have included more diversity in her books and they should have included more in the movies as well. (A personal favorite of mine is Hermione as a Black woman- it makes sense!"