Generation parallels/ Lupin's personality (WAS Re: Lupin as next Headmaster)

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 78831

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "marinafrants" <rusalka at i...> 
wrote:
> <big snip>
> But empathy is exactly what makes successful manipulation work.
> Empathy, sensitivity and insight, all of which Remus has in spades. 
> He knows what makes the people around him tick, and he knows the 
> right thing to say, and he says it when he thinks it's necessary -- 
> except when he's too afraid to speak up.  I don't think he 
> manipulates people maliciously or gratuitously, but he does do it.
> 


Yes, I was taking the stance that all manipulation is *bad*, but I 
suppose you could call what Remus does "empathic manipulation" along 
the lines of what a therapist or minister might do--offering 
alternative explanations in hopes someone will see a different 
perspective.

Of course, we all know how well it works when we try to illicit 
change in others :) !  Even if Remus subconciously hopes to have an 
effect on his audience, it's still a crap shoot whether anyone will 
heed his counsel. Molly and Harry trust him and therefore responded 
to his words. Snape, on the other hand, would see any attempts at 
empathy from Reums as patronization at best, and evil manipulation at 
worst.

Jen