Ron and Harry Are Inconsiderate Idiots

[Calliope]

No: HPFGUIDX 50176


> 
> Linda McCabe wrote: 
> "And females, especially bookish females can feel very
> insecure about their own looks.  That conversation
> wouldn't endear him to me in the least."
> 
> Ebony wrote:
> > I couldn't have said it any better myself.  
> 
Eileen wrote:
> I'll third that. I wouldn't touch Ron with a ten foot
> pole, myself. But then, I wouldn't touch Harry with a
> ten foot pole. Neither of them strike me as Prince
> Charming. 

me:
Good Lord, yes.  (Hermione could be my twin for all we act alike.  Books and
bushy hair and all.)  They are really horrible most of the time.  Harry I can
see, in a way - not an excuse, mind you, just an explanation - look how he's
been treated his whole life.  He doesn't really have any "role models" to look
up to.  Well, now he does, but look what's been imprinted on him his whole life.
 Vernon and Dudley and Dudley's stupid friends!!  I'm surprised he's not an evil
psychopath.  

Ron, on the other hand, has grown up with plenty of male role models - his
wonderful father, Charlie/Bill who seem to have their act together - and a warm
and loving family headed by a mother who takes *no* crap.  (I just want to slap
him and say "I know your mother taught you better than that!!) Ron has
**absolutely no excuse** for his behaviour.  I don't see being overshadowed by
older brothers and not having a lot of money as an explanation for his
behaviour.  There are worse things in life.  Like having no family at all.


Eileen:
> Ebony cites Ron's dismissal of Neville as particularly
> sickening. I totally agree. But then, Harry's attitude
> towards Neville sickens me much, much more. 

me:
It makes me sick too.  But when Harry sees that someone is hurting, he does
help.  Book One, p. 218. Malfoy has put a Leg-Locker on Neville, who comes back
to the common room in tears, beating himself up.  Ron yells at him to stand up
to people.

*****

"There's no need to tell me I'm not brave enough to be in Gryffindor, Malfoy's
already done that," Neville choked out.

Harry felt in the pocket of his robes and pulled out a Chocolate Frog, the very
last one from the box Hermione had given him for Christmas.  He gave it to
Neville, who looked as though he might cry.

"You're worth twelve of Malfoy," Harry said.  "The Sorting Hat chose you for
Gryffindor, didn't it?  And where's Malfoy?  In stinking Slytherin."

*****

How many 11 year old boys go around giving other boys the last of their candy? 
Most 11 year old boys I teach are jerks of the highest order.  Harry can't be
kind and considerate all the time - he'd be Gary Stu.  But he IS kind and
considerate sometimes.  Harry and Hermione were the only two helping
Neville...everyone else was laughing at him.  

I can't find a time when Ron is actually nice to Neville.  Ever.  I wish I
could.  If someone does, please share it.

That being said, I do adore both Harry and Ron, though Ron a little less after
GoF.  If they were both Goody Two Shoes they wouldn't be half as interesting. 
Maybe that's why Draco is such a popular figure...he's just interesting.

Julia