First names (was Snape: The fact that he exists)

[corinthum]

No: HPFGUIDX 71473

I wrote:

> > Just a quick comment to add.  I agree with bibplhile and Rhiannon that
> > Lupin used Snape's first name to show that he wasn't trying to
> > condescend.  It reminds me of Dumbledore, who you'll notice always
> > uses people's first names when speaking directly to a person, even in
> > circumstances where some would consider this disrepectful.  I see this
> > as Dumbledore's way of showing equality between himself and whomever
> > he is speaking to, whether it be a student, a teacher, the Minister of
> > Magic, or an evil overlord.  

And Irene replied:

> Dumbledore is Snape's boss, and he is 120 years older than Snape. He
can 
> use first name without expecting reciprocation or permission.
> Lupin is Snape's colleague and former classmate. Unless Snape had
invited
> him to use Severus, I can't see it as a good thing.


First, perhaps it's a cultural difference, but I can't see how
referring to Snape by his first name is rude.  I know that in Britain
it is common to refer to a person by his or her surname, and not at
all rude (whereas in the US this is generally considered
disrespectful).  But is it actually considered disrespectful to
address a peer (as in Snape's and Lupin's case) by his or her first
name?  I certainly never even considered that Lupin could be insulting
Snape by using the name Severus.

Also, regarding Dumbledore's use of first names, I think you missed my
point.  Dumbledore does not assume his age and position give him
permission to use first names.  He uses them with people who would
usually require respect; for example, calling Fudge "Cornelius" rather
than "Minister".  He also refuses to use Lord Voldemort's title and
new name but rather calls him "Tom".  In the opposite direction, he
refers to his students by their first names at all times, unlike some
other teachers who resort to Mr. or Ms. So-and-So.  I think this
represents Dumbledore's view on the equality of everyone.  He refuses
to accept the societal and cultural hierarchy that says certain people
(of a certain age, rank, or position) are more important than others.
 Eliminating all titles helps establish this viewpoint.

-Corinth