I see Harry Potter as just another step to accepting what is evil. No, I haven't seen the movies or read the books and I will not allow my children to either. I know many Christians who say there is nothing wrong with it - it is "innocent fun". Well, so was Bewitched - I use to love that show, but if I had tv, I would no longer watch it nor allow my children to. Anything that portrays real evil occurances as being sweet and innocent is just another way to dumb as down and desensitize us.
I have read stories from people who were really caught up in the Harry Potter series and as a result, turned to Wiccan. Christians even.
The acceptance of homosexuality came along in such innocent ways as well. How many numerous shows and movies have had cross-dressers? MASH, Bosom Buddies, Some Like It Hot, even Jerry Lewis in "In The Army Now". No, those guys weren't suppose to be gay, but I believe it was that little step to accepting it.
A few years ago, I had even seen Mickey Mouse Tarot cards!!! And what about Oujia boards in the game section? Just more ways to make these things seem like innocent fun, just like Harry Potter.
Besides all that, why is it that good classics are being burned, trashed or banned (Mark Twain's writings for instance) but Harry Potter is widely accepted? Some people's arguments are that the Harry Potter series gets kids interested in reading. HELLO people!!! There are much better, healthier books out there to peak a child's interest. Little House series, Chronicles of Narnia series, The Three Musketeers, etc... Or, how about pulling up the Newberry Awards list and pick a few from there: Island of the Blue Dophins, King of the Wind, Sarah - Plain and Tall, Lincoln - A Photobiography, The Voyages of Dr. Dolittle.