[HPforGrownups] OoP spoilers - Why I hate the prefect selection etc.

[Cate]

No: HPFGUIDX 71879

Alia: (snip)
What the almighty heck was Dumbledore playing at making *RON* of all 
people a prefect?!?!? When I was in school, prefects were chosen 
based on a combination of things - popularity, sure, but more 
importantly, marks, points (official or otherwise), and above all 
*LEADERSHIP QUALITIES*.

Ok, so aside from the fact that prior to this book, JKR has always 
implied that Harry was a better student than Ron, and it's clear he's 
had more points than Ron - Ron has never shown anything like a 
leadership quality.

Me:
Perhaps Dumbledore is hoping to inspire leadership in Ron. Look at the 
way Ron came alive in the few times he's managed to grab the spotlight 
instead of Harry. When he was attacked in POA and then in OOTP when he 
helped win the Quidditch game. It's not just his hair that's fiery.

Following Harry isn't necessary a bad thing, he's followed Harry into 
all sorts of darkness and danger which shows tremendous loyalty and 
courage which are excellent attributes in a leader.

If teachers and people of authority always played to a person's 
strengths, they'd never learn anything knew. If Dumbledore chose Harry 
as prefect, he'd be in a position he's somewhat used to: the center of 
attention and someone others look up to. Whereas Ron, who tends to 
stick to the shadows, has a chance to prove himself as more than just 
a sidekick. It shows growth and maturity. We have to learn to grow.

I think it's wonderful Dumbledore (though I'm sure Professor 
McGonagall, being Head of House, had a hand in it) chose Ron as a 
prefect. Hopefully it will inspire more confidence in himself instead 
of relying on others. He could learn to stand up for himself and faith 
in his own abilities and decisions.

Cate