British cultural differences (was Lupin and physical contact)

[Jinx]

No: HPFGUIDX 2716


> Another example of differing interpretations is peoples attitudes
> towards the harshness of Snape and the bullying of Draco.  Most of
> the Americans seem appalled that this sort of behavior would be
> allowed.  While that sort of behavior IS certainly appalling, it is
> possible that it is simply more acceptable in Britian than in the
> U.S.  It is certainly the type of behavior commonly depicted in
> novels about British boarding schools.

Not wishing to be patronising in anyway, but I must state that the
overwhelming majority of Brits do not attend private boarding schools, but
state-owned day ones.  The standard of education varies a lot, but I doubt
Draco's bullying, assuming it came to the attention of the teachers, would
be tolerated for long in most British schools.  He's started fights,
persistently used racial abuse and doesn't even have high academic
achievement and/or sporting potential to make up for it (it wouldn't save
him from getting disciplined, but might make teachers less willing to expel
him unless all else failed).

Snape, OTOH, would probably be allowed to stay - I've been taught by a fair
few Snapes myself before now.

As for boarding schools, I can't comment as I never went to one, but the
Snape comment holds true,  I think.  As for Draco, once upon a time, he may
have been upheld as a shining example.  Now, I'm not so sure.  I think his
brazen bigotry and support of Voldemort would be too much even for Eton.  In
fact, thinking about it, even back in the 50's, he'd have been in for it - I
can't see any school wanting an open neo-nazi  around.

Also, there were some posts
> from people saying that Hermione should not have been allowed to take
> so many classes in PoA, but that attitude seems to reflect a very
> American attitude towards education (where we treat kids like idiots,
> spoon feed them garbage that they regurgitate on standardized tests,
> and then we are shocked when they dont know how to read).  Of course
> that is an exaggeration, but the traditional British attitude seems
> to lean more towards *force them to study themselves to death or
> theyll never learn a thing*.

Bear in mind that Hermione is an exceptionally bright student.  And very
bright students often have exceptions made for them.  I guess McGonagall
thought that Hermione was smart enough to manage it all and should have the
chance to learn all she could.

Jinx