A "Harey" Problem, WAS: Re: Newer UK Edition of CoS Has Three Changes

[naama2486]

No: HPFGUIDX 43931

Haggridd wrote:

> A "harelip" is a cleft lip, which is a birth defect that can range 
> from a mild split in the upper lip to a severe cleft palate.  It is 
> reparable by surgery-- in the WW by magic as well, no doubt.

I know what a harelip is :-). On the same contex, wouldn't a simple razor solve a "hairy 
chin" problem? 
 
> I fear that this is a case of misplaced sensitivity on the part of 
> the American Editors.  One can visualize a harelip without having any 
> desire to ridicule or persecute people with cleft palates.  Why 
> censor this?  Rather than rob the language of any umpleasant images 
> out of misguided paternalism (or maternalism-- musn't offend any 
> gender!) why not look at it as an opportunity for parents to explain 
> what it is in a sensisitve manner, so that when the child reader 
> actually encounters someone with the defect, they will be prepared to 
> react without shock or surprise?

I agree. On the other hand, a "hairy chin" is a much lamer excuse than a hare lip and is 
very Lockhart-ish ;-) 

When I first read HP (UK editions) it was from library books, that were old editions. My own 
copies (UK editions as well) are newer, which is why the change annoyed me so much (apart 
from the unnecessary change of PS's cover). Of the changes Phyllis wrote about (I hope I got 
the name right) I didn't know at all, and they annoyed me even more. Personally I can't see 
what's wrong with printing the *same* text in different editions, nor the need of changing 
or dropping whole paragraphs. Lucky there's HPfGU! ;-) 

Naama the New,
 who still likes to read UK editioned HP