more on stereotypes( WAs role models and gender typing)

[jrober4211]

No: HPFGUIDX 33449

Also, no one has mentioned this lately, and since I am a newby, I 
want to preface what I say with -No, I have not read every listing 
regarding Madam Pomphrey. 

I just want to make this observation about her character.  She is a 
nurse and IMHO is portrayed as hateful, impatient, and bossy.  Now 
working as a nurse in an American hospital ( the role is a bit 
different from English nurses as I understand it from talking with 
them), we over here have to literally turn the other cheek with 
irate visitors and patients.  I would never dream of talking to 
people the way Madam Pomphrey does and expect to keep my job.  Plus, I 
don't see that she does very much.  In this case, I think Madam 
Pomphrey is portrayed more like a stereotypical Nurse Ratchett, and 
there are no nurses, at least in America ( you might get by with it 
on a military base here), that could get away with behaving like she 
does.  I can't remember her ever being described, per se, but the 
image that comes to mind is one of those white uniformed, stockings, 
and little white caps on their heads starched to the hilt, type nurse 
one saw in the old soap operas of the 1950's.  Now what kind of role 
model is that for little girls and boys who want to be future 
nurses ?

Jo Ellen