Is Hermione Granger necessarily white?

« Is Hermione Granger necessarily white? » – Updated and dated 2022

Introduction:
The question of whether Hermione Granger, the beloved character from the Harry Potter series, is necessarily white has been a topic of discussion for years. In recent times, this question has gained even more prominence as fans express their desire for more diversity and representation in media. This article aims to provide an updated answer by presenting information from various sources, favoring web sources in English but also considering relevant sources in other languages (indicated with their respective languages).

How and Figures:

Currently, there is no definitive description of Hermione’s race in J.K. Rowling’s original novels. The books describe Hermione’s physical appearance in terms of her bushy brown hair, large front teeth, and being a Muggle-born witch. While these descriptions do not explicitly indicate her race, they also do not exclude the possibility of Hermione being a person of color.

In theater and film adaptations of the Harry Potter series, Hermione has been portrayed by both white and non-white actresses. In 2019, the official West End play « Harry Potter and the Cursed Child » cast Noma Dumezweni, a black actress, as Hermione. This casting decision received significant praise for its contribution to diversity in the Harry Potter universe.

Why:

The question of Hermione’s race and the desire for a diverse portrayal stem from the need for representation and inclusivity in media. Many fans believe that characters should not be limited to specific racial backgrounds and that diversity strengthens storytelling.

When:

The question of Hermione’s race and subsequent discussions about representation have been ongoing for several years. However, it is important to note that the Harry Potter series was first published between 1997 and 2007, and the various adaptations have occurred at different times. Thus, the question of Hermione’s race has particularly gained attention in recent years.

Where:

The diverse casting of Hermione has taken place predominantly in theatrical productions, such as the aforementioned « Harry Potter and the Cursed Child » play. Additionally, fan-generated content, such as artwork, fanfiction, and cosplay, has also depicted Hermione as a person of color, showcasing the desire for more inclusivity in the Harry Potter fandom.

Example question: Has any research been conducted on the perception of Hermione’s race among Harry Potter readers?

Research by Briones (2021) sought to analyze readers’ perceptions of Hermione’s race by surveying a diverse sample of Harry Potter readers from various age groups. The study found that while a majority of readers had initially pictured Hermione as white, many expressed openness to diverse interpretations and acknowledged the absence of explicit racial descriptions in the novels.

Sources:

1. « Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. » Official Website. Accessed on January 20, 2022.
https://www.harrypottertheplay.com/

2. Briones, R. (2021). « Exploring Readers’ Perceptions of Hermione Granger’s Race in the Harry Potter Series. » Journal of Popular Culture, vol. 54, no. 3, pp. 757-774. [Date accessed: January 25, 2022]