Ever since it was announced that Donald Trump is the new president-elect, it's been all anyone has talked about for approximately 24 hours. With celebrity reactions ranging from disappointment to optimism — and everything in-between — the topic has felt unavoidable. However, on Thursday at a press conference for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, J.K. Rowling shifted the conversation from Trump to something far more important. Referencing the 2016 election and its polarizing results, the author said,
"I think I don't want to say any more specifically about yesterday right now, because we're here for the movie that we've all worked so hard on... I think today might be a day to concentrate on good things and putting good things out in the world."
And just like that, Rowling reminded fans that despite the discouraging things going on, that's not the only thing going on. While it's easy to get caught up in fear, sadness, or anger (and all of those reactions are more than warranted), it's equally beneficial to shift the spotlight and think of the good. It's the kind of mindset that can help us get through hard times, and not only that, but help us get through them together. To me, that sounds like a perfect excuse to re-read the Harry Potter series, or watch the Fantastic Beasts trailer a dozen more times. Anything from the HP universe obviously falls under the umbrella of "good things out in the world."
Plus, can you blame her for not wanting to dwell on Trump while promoting for her brand-new movie? After all, Rowling has already made her comments about the election known multiple times before. From comparing the new leader to Voldemort to standing up to hateful comments from the Republican's supporters, she's repeatedly been advocating for love and equality. And on Election Day, she posted the following tweet:
See? Yet again, Rowling focused on goodness — just like Dumbledore would have wanted. Remember when he said, "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light"? Let's listen to the wisest wizard and Rowling on this one. It's time to focus on the good.
Additional reporting by Rachel Simon.
