Reasons for stereotypes (was Utopian vision vs realism in fiction)

[isabelle_69au]

No: HPFGUIDX 33386

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "sirius_3lack" <sirius_3lack at y...> wrote:
> Is the Potterverse the way it is in regard to gender roles because 
that is how the world of the younger reader is percieved by an adult 
author?
> 
> Or is it written in this way in order to encourage the 
perpetuation of these traditional gender roles in the adult lives of 
the young reader?
> 

Thoughts from a moderately radical feminist (my mother):
    The decision to make the major character a male would be a 
combination of audience expectations and a (possibly sub-conscious) 
marketing ploy.  A book with unicorns and magic where the title 
character was female would attract a mainly female readership.  
Making Harry male and populating the Potterverse with traditional 
roles and stereo-types enables it to be marketed to both sexes as 
boys will not feel confronted and most girls will accept this.

NB : Mum hasn't read the books (this synopsis is based on comments 
in the newspapers, etc.) but I can see some merit in her comments.

As it is, the religious extremists have *MANY* issues with the 
realistic magic portrayed in the books (seemingly a surprise to 
JKR).  Can you imagine the uproar if there was a noticeable slant 
towards strong magical females pushing *poor* little boys around.  
The traditionalists would have a field day.

In view of the many stereotypes, I find it refreshing that 
Hermione's sex was a virtual non-issue throughout most of the 
series.  Ron suddenly seems to realise that Hermione is female when 
she refuses to attend the dance with him in GoF, but even then he 
has trouble thinking of her as "a real girl" until he realises he's 
lost out to Krum.

Despite all the attempts to efeminate Draco (small, blonde, non-
masculin?), whereas "boys will be boys" in the Potterverse, Hermione 
stands out as a driven and highly talented student, who just happens 
to be a female.  After all, there is absolutely no argument that she 
is the best student in her year.

Also, I can't think of any specific instances of discrimation 
against any female, much less Hermione herself.  Having seen her 
willingness to fight on behalf of the house elves, I have no doubt 
that she would be quick to fight for her own (or any other women's) 
rights, if she thought it was necessary.

Isabelle