Probably because the book is a very strong social commentary and well writtne, while the movie is so in your face that for some the shock may override the thought it should provoke. I remember reading Future Shock, Norman Mailer's book about the media, and A Clockwork Orange in the same term in HS. Then, when the movie came out - I was already in college - came home on break, and my Best Friend's big sister had to get us in to see it (I was 16, Sally almost 17). For about 2 weeks the "X" rated version was out - before they pulled it, re-edited and reissued the "R" version. Some years later - maybe 7 or 8 - Sally & I went to see it again at a late night show - and were stunned to see idiot young men comeing in dressed as Droogies. Evidently they had totally missed the point of the movie, and were thinking it was more of a Rocky Horror Show event.
The banning magicians, etc just sounds ridiculous, but then, I'm almost always been in more urban areas, with likely a more liberal bent. Although, last election there was some bizarre woman running for county supervisor on the "ban Harry Potter" platform. While the county I live in is a pretty conservative one, I was glad to see she had virtually no votes (and as an election precinct chief - who gets to certify precinct counts, and then help the county board - I know whereof I speak).
Certainly ignorant - not necessarily a matter of intelligence. Don't get me going on this topic.....It's only the few at this point that seem to be interested in working to actually learn something and acquire a skill that needs fundamental knowledge. IF there's a quick way "just show me how to do it" most seem oriented that way - and I think this lack of fundamental knowledge, and the ability to build upon it is certainly starting to bite us in the proverbial ass.
Ellice