[HPforGrownups] Wizarding Caste System [was: In Defense of Hermione]

[Rowena Grunnion-Ffitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 26555

    My poin is House-Elves can't be validly compared
to low caste Hindus or African slaves or any other
Human group.
   They are *not* Human Beings but magical creatures
with very different emotional and physical needs. Do
they get tired? Do they age? can they get sick? We
don't know. What we do know is they have a very strong
need to work, (even Dobby acknowledges this). 
   It would seem that House-Elves are unhappy when
they are abused and despised, (who wouldn't be?) but
are perfectly happy when they are kindly treated and
their work appreciated. Winky is extremely happy with
the Crouches because she she is needed and trusted.
   She is sitting in the high bleacher not because her
master unfeelingly ordered her to do so but because
she herself has begged him to give this treat to his
captive son. She is punished not for 'being in the
wrong place at the wrong time' but for letting Crouch
jr. get away from her. There is no evidence she is
ever mistreated the way Dobby was and considerable
evidence she was highly valued and esteemed. Which is
of course why she is so devestated at being 'freed'.
   
   Hermione's crusade is based on a false premise,
that House-elves are just like Human Beings. Their
legal and social position may indeed be in need of
reform but she should get a clearer idea of what
House-elves are and their needs and wants before she
starts agitating for changes.

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