[HPforGrownups] Re: JKR, Harry Potter, and the Nature of Evil

[marshamoon]

No: HPFGUIDX 19627

----- Original Message ----- 
  Susan wrote :
  I read the Newsweek article and I thought it had some interesting 
  elements but was mostly gibberish.

  I have been thinking about evil......I think evil is conscious, a 
  deliberate choice, planned and calculated. I think that it is about
  an individual getting what they want. That is oftentimes revenge or 
  power and control. They often think they are entitled, that they were 
  treated badly and deserve better, or that they are doing it on behalf 
  of a group that has been treated badly.

  Many individuals have been treated badly (horrendously abused as 
  children, to use one example that Newsweek used) and many individuals 
  are part of a group that has been treated badly (such as Native 
  Americans). Not all individuals who have been treated badly become 
  evil. Some engage in self destructive behavior. Others triumph over 
  their own ill-treatment, and do good.

  Susan


Yes, and the most prevalent characteristic of the individuals who would be labeled as evil is their total lack of empathy.  I believe the Newsweek article pointed this out. It's not that these individuals don't know they're hurting someone else, it's that they don't care.  They minimize their own deeds, and blame their victims.   It appears that when children are abused, they are sometimes able to recover if  they are allowed by adults to express their fears, their hurt, and understand that it wasn't their fault.  Individuals who have been the target of emotional or physical sadism, and who have no support or understanding, often grow up without the empathy skills they have never witnessed.  One of the interesting things about the literary persona of Harry Potter (and I think you have to credit JKR with a bit of research on this topic) is that although he is raised in the Dursley's neglectful home, he had 15 months of apparently wonderful parental care prior to the death of his parents.  Again, there is evidence that children who had a year or two of secure loving care in infancy tend to be more resilient and able to withstand subsequent hardships.  It does seem that JKR was aware of these issues when she constructed Harry's history.  If you compare his childhood history to Tom Riddle's, there are obvious differences in parental care and societal status that support the development of both of their characters; Riddle's as the evil anti-social psychopath, and Harry's as the reserved, determined, observant, and good hero.  

I'm unlurking because this thread is in my area of expertise. I work as a mental health manager/counselor in a forensic psychiatric residential rehab center and provide treatment to those who are not guilty by reason of insanity.  (Sort of a cross between Azkaban and St. Mungo's, although one of my philosophical principles is the provision of hope to those I treat.  It's the only way not to become a Dementor) 


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