Appropriation Controversy

Every writer’s worst nightmare is being branded as a Plagiarist. When Harry Potter fans found the children’s book, The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson, to contain details that seemed suspiciously similar to the later written Harry Potter series, they began to question the originality of author J.K Rowling’s ideas. What constitutes as plagiarism when radical writers like David Shields, who believes “borrowing” from other thinkers and writers has been the foundation of culture since man first learned to read and write? (qtd. in Kennedy) I feel that the boundaries for appropriation should be based on whether an author, artist or creator is able to express a similar idea in a meaningful, thought-proving and inspirational way. The rules for musical and artistic pieces shouldn’t be as rigid because it is so difficult to define, but there should be appropriation rules for literary works. I believe that when appropriation problems arise, there should be a panel of judges from various backgrounds, such as literary scholars, famous artists or musicians, educators, etc to deliberate whether or not the author has overstepped his boundaries.

In Ibbotson’s book, which was published three years before Philosopher’s Stone, an orphaned boy with unknown magical powers lived with a family that treats him like a servant. The family spoiled their own overweight and intolerable son, and later the orphan boy discovers a doorway to the magical world through platform 13 at the London Station. Without a doubt, it seems very likely that Ibbotson’s book may have inspired Rowling’s Harry Potter series. I believe that although Rowling may have lifted some background details as a starting point for her books from another author, she has mastered the art of story telling by creating an entirely different and imaginary world with her words. Rowling’s in-depth development of the main character, Harry Potter, her captivating writing style, and her conception of all the magical characters and plot twists in her seven book series was entirely her own. Rowling had taken an idea and made it come alive. In the end, after carefully analyzation, it’s obvious that there are many more differences than similarities.

One of the authors mentioned in the Free Appropriation writer, David Shields, strongly believes that originality does not exist anymore. He supports his theory by quoting Terence, a famous playwright in second century B.C.: “there’s nothing to say that hasn’t been said before” (qtd. in Kennedy). I disagree with him, and feel that even though some ideas may not be original, the expression of these ideas can still have personal meaning and be innovative. A panel of literary and field experts would be a great way to shed some light on the subject. A few things the panel should consider when appropriation issues for literary works come up are: Is the work in question substantial enough to stand on it’s own without the borrowed ideas or materials? Does the author differentiate himself from the borrowed work in a meaningful way, whether it’s with his own writing style, strong personal opinions or views?

Some artists may have gone to the same art school, learned the same fundamental concepts, or been taught by teachers with the same school of thought, but real innovation is how they apply this skill in expressing themselves through art. For instance, I was listening to Lady GaGa’s The Fame Monster the other day, and came across the song Alejandro. I immediately recognized the melody in the chorus- it sounded a little too similar to Ace of Base’s early 90’s hit Don’t Turn Around. The beats in Alejandro’s chorus sound like it was taken straight from the beats that plays thoughout the entire Ace of Base song. Lady GaGa sings “Don’t call my name, don’t call my name Alejandro,” instead of the “Don’t turn around, or you’ll see my heart breaking,” as is the chorus in Ace of Base’s song.

I realized that this was exactly what the assignment was about. Although the beats and parts of the melody of the two songs are quite indistinguishable, the similarities end there. Lady Gaga has managed to embody an entirely different character in her song. She is the Spanish girl with a heavy accent who is breaking up with her lover Alejandro. Lady Gaga’s dramatic attitude and juvenile lyrics has almost a humorous effect-something that Ace of Base lacks. Therefore, I’ve concluded that Lady Gaga has not violated any copyrite laws and shouldn’t be branded a “copycat”.

Everyday, we are exposed to all different sorts of ideas, messages, people, and movements. Every book that we read, every bit of dialogue overheard, every conversation spoken, every message read on an ad or billboard is like water that goes into a pool inside our minds. The only way to continuously grow, improve and flourish is to add as much water as possible (Kern). The boundaries of appropriation will always have gray areas, and will never be black and white. What we can do is set guidelines, and ask experts in all areas to offer their opinions on whether some credit should be given to another fellow author or creator. I believe that sharing ideas and drawing inspiration from one another will help the cultural and creative world continue to flourish.




Works Cited
Kennedy, Randy. “The Free Appropriation Writer.” Nytimes.com. The New York Times. 26. Feb. 2010. Web. 21 March 2010.
Kerns, Michelle. “The Plagiarism paradox and 10 Famous Authors Accused of Plagiarism.” Examiner.com. The Examiner. 21 April 2009. Web. 20 March 2010.