Emma Watson has accomplished more than the average twenty-three year old woman. Watson has starred in the widely successful Harry Potter series, and has gone on to play leading roles in other film productions. Her portrayal of Hermione Granger, the lead heroine character in the Harry Potter series, was magnificent, and she has received many accolades for her acting. Hermione Granger is the epitome of standing up for beliefs, fighting for the better cause and improving the livelihood of all beings in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. The character of Hermione Granger was embraced by wizard fans worldwide, and her ways of seeking the greater good are well revered.

Hermione Granger stood out in a peculiar way. Whereas her fictional partners in crime, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, were more laid back, Hermione routinely took charge. She was constantly fighting for the greater cause, and pushing her fellow classmates to join her in the quest for brilliance.

Hermione always had the lookout for those less fortunate than her, and throughout the Harry Potter series she was consistently helping others. Hermione’s shining moments came in her fight to free the house-elves, a group of mythical creatures destined to clean and cook for richer families and organizations. The house-elves were a race that accepted their fate; they were content with the life they lived. However, Hermione pursued their freedom because many of them had never understood the concept of freedom.

Hermione faced much criticism during her quest to enlighten the house-elves about freedom. Many students attempted to dissuade her, yet she persisted because she believed in the fight for the greater good. She constantly reminded others that they accepted their life because they had never had freedom before. Whereas her attempts to free the elves fell on many deaf ears, she continued to fight for what she knew was the right cause.

The way Hermione refused to adhere to the criticism of her peers is an important lesson. Hermione stood out because of her beliefs that life could be equal for all. This same mindset can be used to fight worldwide poverty. Many Americans turn a blind eye to these struggling third-world nations, too timid to speak out or take actions. However, characters such as Hermione do exist in the real world, and they are the people who strive to make a difference for those less fortunate then themselves.

Should more people face the issue of poverty in a manner similar to Hermione’s stand against house-elf inequality, the results could be momentous. Her drive and perseverance to accept nothing but civil rights equality is admirable. The potential for poverty diminishment could expand exponentially if more individuals take a “Hermione Granger” stand against it.

– Zachary Wright

Sources: Accio Quotes, Goodreads
Photo: MTV