In defense of Ron

[DrMM]

No: HPFGUIDX 4838

One of the biggest complaints people on this list (especially H/H fans . . 
. but I won't go into that at the moment) have about Ron is the fact that 
he's fundamentally insecure.  As a result, most of these people appear find 
Ron an obnoxious and unappealing character.  However, I find this somewhat 
endearing.  In my opinion, it makes him a much more realistic and 
understandable character than Harry. Thus, I've decided to state my opinion 
as to why I think Ron's insecurities are perfectly understandable and 
realistic (and semi-endearing).

One of the things people don't seem to understand is how *difficult* (if 
not impossible) it is to form your own identity when you grow up 
overshadowed by another sibling.  In Ron's case, he's been overshadowed by 
every single one of his siblings.  As the only girl (and the youngest) 
Ginny inevitably gets attention.  Fred & George get attention because 
they're constantly in trouble; Percy gets attention because he's *never* in 
trouble.  Charlie was the Quidditch star and Bill, the oldest, was not only 
Head Boy, but is quite "cool."

In Ron's case, this leaves him no arena to try that one of his siblings 
hasn't already tried.  As a result, Ron does everything he can to make 
himself as *unlike* his brothers as possible.  His lack of studying is 
probably a result of his attempting to distance himself from Percy -- I'm 
firmly convinced that he has the ability; and he follows the rules much 
more than Fred & George to.  He's commented how he'll never be Head Boy 
(Bill has already done that) and (it appears) he doesn't even consider 
trying out for the Quidditch team (Charlie's already the Quidditch hero).

Add to that the fact that he has a pushy, overbearing mother who lavishes 
attention (and gifts) on "perfect" Percy.  He also has at least one brother 
(Percy) who probably goes, "well, if you did X, Y wouldn't happen."  As a 
result, his insecurities are completely understandable.  I'd be 
*astonished* if he had been able to form much self-confidence at all in 
that situation.  All of us should know how hard it is to form any sort of 
an identity during your childhood without having six siblings that get all 
the attention.

I assure you, I speak from experience.  My entire life I felt (and still do 
upon occasion) feel over shadowed by my older sister, who had the looks, 
the grades and the ability to make friends I never did.  And yes, she did 
tend to go "Well, if you did X, you'd be able to have Y happen" (I didn't 
take it well).  It took me years to gain confidence (now I may have an ego 
problem ;) ) and I didn't really have my own identity until I was 
completely away from my family at college.

A lot of Ron's actions are based on his insecurities.  The fight with 
Harry, his desire for fame, his lack of studying . . . I guess what I'm 
trying to say is that Ron *will* gain self-confidence.  It will just take 
time.  And in his case he has to overcome lack of confidence in himself as 
well as the feeling that he can never measure up to his brothers.

And just to irk the H/H fans . . . Hermione and Ron are both equally 
insecure IMO.  Hermione's insecurities is what makes her such an 
(obnoxious) overachiever.  That's why I can see H/R as a legitimate couple.

DrMM
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DrMM is found at drmm at fuuko.com
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