Why brooms and not carpets?

[Amy Z]

No: HPFGUIDX 45762

psychodudeneo, who frightens me a little (you're not REALLY psycho, 
are you, dude?), wrote:

> The reason given for flying carpets being illegal is that they're 
> considered muggle items.
> 
> Hello?  Brooms are muggle items too!  Heck, you're more likely to 
> find a broom in someone's house than a persian-style carpet.

Furthermore, it's *good* to use an item that one is likely to find in 
someone's house.  QTTA gives that as a reason brooms were such useful 
magical objects; in times of persecution by Muggles, they could lean 
against a corner in a wizarding house without awakening suspicion (7-
8).  That same section implies that carpets would be used in the East 
for the same reason:  because they are inconspicuous.

> I can't think of any reason why the Ministry would choose one over 
> the other.  To be honest, carpets sound a lot more useful than 
brooms.

A family vehicle, yes!  LOL.  In countries where persian-style 
carpets are common, one would think they *are* more useful, even 
aside from the size factor.  (They wouldn't be very good for 
Quidditch.  No doubt different games have evolved in Iran, Turkey, 
etc., involving teams on carpets.)  I think we're seeing a bit of a 
cultural bias here--the British MOM sees them as exotic, and they 
*are* exotic, to them.

But it's an interesting balance, isn't it?  The MOM says no 
enchanting Muggle objects, yet for secrecy's sake, Muggle objects are 
the best ones.  Arthur's department seems to have arisen in a safer 
era than the 10th century, when the concern became protection OF 
Muggles more than protection FROM Muggles.

Amy Z

------------------------------------------------------------
"I don't think anyone should ride that broom just yet!" said
Hermione shrilly.

Harry and Ron looked at her.

"What d'you think Harry's going to do with it--sweep the 
floor?" said Ron.
-------------------------------------------------------------