'male-identification' and Snape at DE meetings

[Susan McGee]

No: HPFGUIDX 3558

> 
> I have found this interesting, this idea that "support" includes 
the concept  of sideline. A quarterback is a dynamic "doer." 
Cheerleaders are sideline  support, nice but expendable. But running 
backs, tackles, etc., are support,  too--and there can be no game 
without them. Support can and often does  includes a hell of a lot of 
doing. So does effectively assisting.
> 
> I think there's quite a few really strong female roles, and the 
wizarding  world is apparently incredibly open for females who want 
to achieve. The  actual action of the books focuses on Harry, but 
even if we get no windows onto it, there's a lot implied about the 
strength and ability of the female
> "supporting" characters.
> 
> --Amanda

Agreed that there is a lot implied AND stated about the strength and
ability of the female "supporting" characters. But it's a 20th 
century concept (hee, hee) that women are better at, more inclined 
to, and relegated to the "supporting" role...I know many very 
charismatic, public, strong women whose male partners are in 
the "supporting" role. Nothing bad about the supporting role, it's 
just a problem assigning it to one gender. Nothing wrong about having 
male stars; there should be some female ones, too.