Lockhart - Yuck! -- sexism/banality of evil

[Schlobin at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 19723

I think it's interesting that folks are critical of Hermione and 
Molly Weasley for their crush on Lockhart. 

Molly has never even met the man, but is beguiled by his good 
looks...of course so is the newspaper that voted him the smile of the 
week/year, whatever, and Albus Dumbledore (who hired him), and his 
publisher (who printed him).....So I don't think we can blame Molly.

I think it's interesting that literature tends to blame women for 
being manipulative in attracting men,
and blame women for being attracted to good looking worthless men (I 
tend to wonder how much of Gilderoy Lockhart was based on JKR's ex 
husband -- after all, she identifies with Hermione)....

But rarely are men blamed for being attracted to good looking 
worthless women (Veela)...it's the women who tend to be labeled...

anyway, Lockhart was evil. He isn't as smart as Voldemort, or as 
effective. But he was willing to abandon Ginny to V and to kill
Ron and Harry for his own reputation.... that is evil. He had no 
compunction and no guilt. And what about all the other 
wizards/witches from whom he stole memory and reputation?

Those who don't like CoS should listen to it on tape. Jim Dale does a 
remarkable job (including Lockhart saying "harry, harry, harry") I 
love CoS as a result of listening to the tape.

Susan