Free Elves Unite/Harry as Saviour

[grey_wolf_c]

No: HPFGUIDX 37043

Ama wrote:
> Speaking of lack of freedom and abuse, I was just
> wondering what the consensus is on house-elves.  Do
> people believe JKR has set up an analogy for African
> slavery by creating such an oppressed group in the
> HPverse?  Or is our information on house-elves so
> woefully inadequate that we cannot make a case for or
> against that concept?  Canon-based diatribes are
> welcome, of course!

The problem with that paralellism (and any other save <insert here 
oppresed faction> paralellism) is that all known groups that at one 
time or another have been prosecuted *desired* to be free and equal and 
have rights, etc. Hermione believes that the elves situation and 
circumstance could improve by way of her campaign, but the sad reality 
is that that campaign is *against* the desires of the *elves 
themselves*. They feel proud of what they are, and DO NOT WANT TO 
CHANGE. Hermione defends her position by the phrase "it will be good 
for them, even if they don't realise it". ("For your own good" is 
phrase that always fills my heart with fear, because it implies -sooner 
or later- quite a bit of pain. I also find it very shacky moral 
ground.) Hermione also talks about brainwash, but I don't belive that 
idea. The fact is that elves are a happy, proud race both with their 
lives and jobs (except for the occasional exception: Dobby), and I 
belive firmly in not disturbing someone happy just for the sake of 
giving them something they don't want (or possibly need!).

Note: If anyone can find an example of this situation (people who were 
happy with their lives and something we -occidental civilization- hold 
dear was imposed on them, resulting in improved happines for them), I'd 
be happy to hear it. The ones I can think of normally end in disaster 
(American indians and australian aborigenes(sp) sort of leap to mind), 
although my examples aren't about freedom but technology being imposed.

  
> I'm not crazy about the idea of
> Harry dying and living again, he's already the Boy Who
> Lived (and hence the reason why he will continue to
> live, IMO).  And Voldemort has had his little born
> again soiree. 

Neither I am. I have great doubts about Harry's survival at the end of 
book 7, but whatever the outcome, I hope no "magical" solution is 
discovered in the last moment to bring Harry back alive. Unlike 
JesusChrist case, I think that resurrection would only devalue Harry's 
efforts (and the whole siries). However, I can accept that he's gravely 
injured by the end of the figth (I can even see the title of that last 
chapter: "The boy who lived", bringing everything to a nice cycle), 
with some other major charater dying in very useful self-sacrifice that 
helps Harry win. R.I.C.K.'S.T.H.E.B.O.S.S, anyone? (Ron Identified with 
the Chess Knigth: Surpasses his Triunfant, Heroic or Excelent Brothers 
Only by Self-Sacrifice)

Hope that helps

Grey Wolf, filling in for Tabouli's Acronym-machine while she's on 
holiday, and hoping no-one ever comes up with a perfect theory on Harry 
surviving (or not) Voldemort's last hour, since doubting that outcome 
will give so much more enjoyment to the last book.