Scapegoats & The Blame Game (WAS: Snape and McGonagall)

[pigwidgeon37]

No: HPFGUIDX 33533

Luke wrote:

<<Fudge is culpable for what Fudge did or failed to do.  McGonagall 
is 
culpable for what McGonagall did or failed to do.  Snape likewise for 
his own actions or inactions.
I guess I don't see how these can be "compared" to each other, as if 
they can be weighed to see who has the most overall culpability.  To 
some extent, we can argue (albeit unfairly, since we will never 
understand the exact circumstance) whether McGonagall, for example, 
did all that was in her power to prevent the Kiss . . . but how 
this "ranks" her compared to Fudge or Snape, I cannot see.
<snip>
In any case, the consequences of individual actions are simply too 
hard to measure, and judgment too far beyond mere human wisdom.
At least, that's what I believe.
Which is why I don't like the concept of blame in the first place, so 
perhaps I am just being touchy.  :-)>>


Cindyshpynx wrote:

<<But I don't see blame/fault/culpability/responsibility as being a 
black-or-white concept.  Several people often play various and 
overlapping roles in causing a bad event to happen.  Here, Fudge 
summoned the dementor; Snape (perhaps) let the dementor in the 
castle; Snape and McGonagall didn't protect Crouch.  The very 
character of what each person did was different.  Fudge started the 
events in motion.  Snape (perhaps) failed to engage in 
insubordination when he really should have.  Snape and McGonagall had 
the last opportunity to act and did not.  

Luke is certainly right that each person is responsible for his/her 
actions.  However, it seems to me that the person who creates a 
hazardous situation is more culpable than the person who fails to 
diffuse it.  By that measure, Fudge started the chain of events, of 
course.  Snape also started the chain of events if he knowingly 
escorted a dementor into the castle.  McGonagall's culpability is 
only in failing to stop the natural progression of events Snape and 
Fudge started. Snape also failed to stop the progression, so Snape is 
arguably much more responsible than McGonagall.>>

Much as I like this kind of semi-philosophical discussion, it would 
really require English to be my first language. But I hope you'll not 
be too harsh on me.
Of course, the concept of "blame" doesn't sound too appealing, 
because one of the most well-known inhabitants of Blame City is the 
Scapegoat. And as far as this creature is concerned, I 100% agree 
with Luke. Nevertheless, the Blame Game is also a Responsibility Game 
and therefore shouldn't be refused altogether, as it offers the 
opportunity of personal development, insofar as "taking the blame" 
and not "putting the blame on
" is concerned. 
The former certainly doesn't work unless the persons concerned are 
ready to acknowledge
-	the possibilities and thus responsibilities they had to 
prevent something from happening
-	their motives why they didn't or did only partially act 
accordingly
-	their guilt or failure
and hence to learn from their experience.
To exemplify this by way of the Crouch/Dementor accident: If Snape 
really let the Dementor into the school, he first has to determine 
whether or not it was in his powers to do otherwise, without risking 
to be kissed himself. If he had the possibility and thus the 
responsibility of standing up to Fudge, he should admit to himself 
why he didn't (explanations ranging from being overly stressed to not 
wanting to get involved with the MoM, given his rather unfavourable 
records). And, in the end, he would have to decide on how to behave, 
should such a situation ever arise again. That is also why it can 
never be a black- and- white- concept, for nobody ever has 100% 
responsibility.
The latter, namely "putting the blame on
" is what I guess Luke hates 
(am I right?), because it is totally useless and furthers 
irresponsibility and immaturity instead of the contrary. If Snape 
washed his hands of the whole affair, telling Dumbledore "Of course I 
let Fudge and the Dementor into the school, I thought it was all 
agreed with you, and then, she"- pointing at McGonagall- "could have 
said or done something as well!", that would only lead to conflict 
and hatred.

But I agree with Cindy that it's appealing to analyse who of 
Dumbledore/ McGonagall/ Snape/ Fudge had which part of the 
responsibility and why they decided to act accordingly or not, for it 
allows us an interesting glimpse on their personality, after all how 
you handle your responsibilities says a lot about yourself.

Susanna/pigwidgeon37