[HPforGrownups] Re: Ron/ Definition of "Shipper" & "Mary Sue"

[marty at martynet.org]

No: HPFGUIDX 7342


> naama wrote:
> > You know, Ebony, you really hit a nerve here. Only when I read this
> > I realized I have an uncomfortable feeling about Ron too. I'm not
> > sure it arises from the same reason, though. I think its more because
> > of his relative nondescriptness. 

and then Penny said:
> Well, I'd agree more with Ebony that my own discomfort with Ron has to
> do with my growing unease that he may be susceptible to betrayal of
> Harry because of all his insecurities & envy.  And, like Ebony, I guess
> I don't have much sympathy for his troubles.  He has a loving family &
> plenty of talents of his own if he'd quit worrying about what everyone
> else has.  I think he's the weak link.

I agree that Ron could use some development, and I would like to know more
about him.  On the other hand, that's one of his salient character 
features -- he's struggling to define himself.  Psychologically, I like
the idea that Ron feels comfortable in Harry's shadow because he's grown
up in the shadow of his brothers, yet simultaneously feels the need to
act out his conflict about that with Harry, too.

About feeling sympathy for his angst: really, what does Hermione have to
deal with, either?  Her muggle background and her teeth?  I'm more 
sympathetic to Ron's feeling of overwhelmedness and frustration/shame 
about his family's lack of means than that.  Of course, we found that
Neville has some really ugly stuff to deal with, and Harry, it goes 
without saying, so I guess I would place Ron in the middle...but he does
seem prone to self-pity. 

(While I'm talking about this, I want to know why the benevolent folks 
at Hogwarts keep sending Harry back to his abusive home?  They know too 
much to NOT know that the Dursleys actually torture Harry -- depriving 
him of food and locking him up physically -- aside from the emotional 
abuse.  I really have a problem with that, and the message it sends to 
kids who read it.)
 
> H/H shipper is someone who favors a romantic pairing between Harry &
> Hermione.  H/R (or R/H) shipper is someone who favors a Ron & Hermione
> romantic pairing.  D/G - Draco/Ginny; H/G is Harry/Ginny, H/C is
> Harry/Cho, etc.

What do you call someone who would be interested in seeing an adolescent
fling between Harry and Ron?  I think it would be a rather sweet added
dimension to their friendship (future or past).  Given the strong 
feelings that were flying around GoF between them, the jealousy, the 
frustration when they were fighting, the fact that Ron was Harry's
"thing he'd miss most," I don't think it's even too far-fetched.

Now you're going to throw me out, aren't you? :->


Marty