The Train Stomp vs. Dissin' The Slyths WAS Re: [HPforGrownups] Re: House points

[Jim Ferer <jferer@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 51307

Eileen:"It is difficult for me, after reading an entire book which
explores the ways in which the good guys are less than good, to read
the Train Stomp without a certain degree of apprehension.

I don't think the Train Stomp makes Ron, Harry, Hermione, Fred, or
George evil, but it is very troubling. Is it indicative of things to
come? My reaction was, "Oh no, where is this going? Are our characters
going to be tarnished?"

Tarnished? After what Draco and his cronies said? No way. They showed
admirable restraint.

This connects strongly with something that's a real issue for me. We
live in a cynical age, which we have created and sustained by holding
up people to inhuman standards of behavior which can only be
disappointed. As we tear people down because they couldn't reach
impossible heights, we get more cynical.

Take it down to the scene on the train. I can't imagine 99.99999% of
the people on Earth being able to endure that provocation - gloating
over the murder of a good person? It's monstrous, and unquestionably
"fighting words," (a legally recognized concept of words so
provocative a reasonable person can't be expected to endure them). 

In another age, among (adult) gentlemen, Harry's friends would have
visited Draco's friends to demand satisfaction.  We don't duel
anymore, but do you consider the Trio "tarnished" by giving those vile
odious excuses for humanity part of what they deserved?  They'd have
been tarnished if they hadn't.

JKR seems to understand and accept the concept of rough justice, and
I'm glad she does.  We know that the Trio and Fred and George are not
evil people.

Jim Ferer