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

[Rowena Grunnion-Ffitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 26573



--- Ebony <ebonyink at hotmail.com> wrote:

   I am arguing Hermione should *listen* to what the
House elves have to say for themselves instead of just
going down there and telling them what *she's* decided
is good for them. 

> but JKR keeps making parallel statements about the
> status of 
> creatures and beings in the magical world in her
> work.  Subjugated 
> house-elves.  Werewolves believed to be dangerous. 
> Giants believed 
> to be bloodthirsty.  JKR's narrative seems to
> critique those who 
> discriminate others because of who or what they are.
>  House-elves are 
> no exception... Dobby's saved Harry's butt a couple
> of times.

    Werewolves *are* dangerous, even Lupin says so.
And giants probably are bloodthirsty, but no more so
then Humans. And House elves really do need to work,
even Dobby says so. 
 
> Another point you made is of concern from a
> historical perspective.  
> It was the position of those who profited from the
> "peculiar 
> institution" that the enslaved were happy in bondage
> as well.

    Which was of course crap and we have plenty of
slave testimony confirming it was crap. No human being
is 'happy' about being a slave. Resigned and making
the best of it yes, happy no. And I can promise you no
group of slaves ever turned hostile at the suggestion
they should be freed. Slave testimony again
demonstrates freedom, with all its problems, was still
considered desirable. Human slaves with few exceptions
wanted to be free. Which is obviously not true of
House elves. 
   I still hold House elves are not Human and
projecting Human needs and desires on them is a
mistake. Hermione, if she really is interested in
improving House elves lot, should find out exactly
what their needs and desires are and work out ways
whereby they can be met while providing them with more
dignity and independence.



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