Media Ethnography

Working at a bookstore, I am surrounded by people who are passionate about books. On a daily basis I am faced with masses of teenage girls searching for all things related to the Twilight series of books. Before this phenomenon, a young wizard named Harry Potter was the must have item in any bookstore. Harry Potter continues to be extremely popular among many different age groups and still has a devoted set of fans that read the books, see the movies, and do many other things related to the world of Hogwarts. I count myself as a member of this group, as does one of my co-workers, Brooke. Our shared interest in the series was one of the first things I remember us talking about when I first started my job. I have seen her chat with many customers about their shared love of Harry Potter. This creates an immediate connection between the two of them. To this day, her knowledge of the book series continues to astound me. I recently asked her a series of questions to attain a deeper understanding of her interest in Harry Potter.

For many diehard fans, a piece of pop culture that they are obsessed with may be hard to describe. In a few sentences, I could not explain to you why Star Wars is so fantastic, I just know that it is. End of story. Brooke was originally turned on to Harry Potter by her college roommate. She states that the "phenomenal character development and magical release from reality make this series an adventure that anyone can enjoy. Even though it is a fictional world, it deals with realistic issues and feelings. JK Rowling has inspired a generation that wasn’t reading to rediscover the worlds that await them in books."

Love of all things Harry Potter does not just involve reading the books. The series has become a part of Brooke's identity in a multitude of ways. Facebook groups, fansites, and release parties are all ways that she uses the book series as a way to connect with a larger community of fans. ""Potter-heads" are everywhere and I definitely identify with them." "Potter-heads" are also not on monolithic group. Referring to JK Rowlings website and the somewhat hidden content, she says there is a group of "super-nerds" that she definitely feels a part of.

Being a "super-nerd" as she calls it has even had an effect on her interactions with others. "It depends on the person. Strangers and friends who aren’t familiar or don’t like (gasp!) the series will definitely tease and make fun of me. I had a harry potter bridal shower for my wedding, which ROCKED, but I ended up having to have it separate from my real bridal shower because parts of my family and friends who had no idea what the hell I was talking about were totally weirded out by it. Other fans of the series get very excited to talk about it and share their opinions."

That a form of media helps shape someones identity is not a new phenomenon. "Trekkie's" have been around for more than one generation and many other series have devoted fans that will attend conventions, dress up in costume, or devote websites and books the specific brand of pop culture that they love so dearly. In analyzing a case study such as this one, it is clear that pop culture choices and identity are closely linked. Many friendships are based upon a shared interest in certain bands, books, or films. In teaching students about media literacy, it is important to study certain things will become more popular that others. In general, i don't think students would complain about reading a Harry Potter novel as part of an English class. Using this as a tool to discuss friendships and relationships in their own lives is a great way to use pop culture as a source of self reflection.