Americanism Quote by Boris Johnson
““In the words of Mr Thierry Coup of Warner Bros: 'We are taking the most iconic and powerful moments of the stories and putting them in an immersive environment. It is taking the theme park experience to a new level.' And of course I wish Thierry and his colleagues every possible luck, and I am sure it will be wonderful. But I cannot conceal my feelings; and the more I think of those millions of beaming kids waving their wands and scampering the Styrofoam turrets of Hogwartse_STmk, and the more I think of those millions of poor put-upon parents who must now pay to fly to Orlando and pay to buy wizard hats and wizard cloaks and wizard burgers washed down with wizard meade_STmk, the more I grind my teeth in jealous irritation. Because the fact is that Harry Potter is not American. He is British. Where is Diagon Alley, where they buy wands and stuff? It is in London, and if you want to get into the Ministry of Magic you disappear down a London telephone box. The train for Hogwarts goes from King's Cross, not Grand Central Station, and what is Harry Potter all about? It is about the ritual and intrigue and dorm-feast excitement of a British boarding school of a kind that you just don't find in America. Hogwarts is a place where children occasionally get cross with each other—not 'mad'—and where the situation is usually saved by a good old British sense of HUMOUR. WITH A U. RIGHT? NOT HUMOR. GOTTIT?””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public comment on Warner Bros. theme park plans, 2023
The speaker envies the commercial success of a British cultural icon adapted for American amusement, highlighting cultural differences and consumer costs.
In simple terms: He feels jealous of Harry Potter's US theme park, noting cultural mismatches and high expenses.
Recognize cultural origins and consider equitable access.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- tourism
- family entertainment
- cultural preservation
- pricing strategies
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do creators have when adapting cultural works?
- How can fans balance appreciation with cultural sensitivity?
The critique may overlook the joy such experiences bring to fans.