[HPforGrownups] Re: OOP: Harry's bullying was Favorite Lines...

[marilyn at gehennom.net]

No: HPFGUIDX 63291

me:
> > The whole sentiment throughout this scene of Harry picking on
> > Dudley even though Dudley isn't currently doing *anything* to
> > Harry struck me as much more mean-tempered than Harry has ever
> > been.

Darrin:
> Whoa. Whoa WHOA!
> 
> So, Dudley admits to beating up a kid five years younger and GOD 
> knows how much smaller and Harry cuts him down to size a bit.
> 
> Yes, let's criticize Harry for that one. And notice that his grin 
> FADED when he talked about the ten-year-old. He clearly didn't find 
> it funny.
> 
> Did Harry enjoy taking the shot? Undoubtedly, and that's in canon, 
> too.
> 
> But between Harry and a spoiled brat who beats up 10-year-olds, I'll 
> take Harry. He's got a LONG way to go before he's anything like 
> Dudley.

Well, I'm certainly not saying Harry is anywhere nearly as bad as
Dudley, or even that he ever could be.  But it doesn't seem to me that
making fun of Dudley--getting him as furious as possible--is doing any
good for anyone.  And I understand giving Dudley grief when Harry is
running away for his own safety, and Harry making fun of him when he
asks whether Dudley boxes against 7 year-olds or 6 year-olds is
understandable and hopefully makes Dudley feel guilty about little
Mark Evans.  But when Harry is picking on Dudley about his pigginess,
it's just out of meanness, and that's what I didn't understand.

> Darrin
> -- Don't blame me. It's in the canon.

Hehe!  No blame.  I can see getting freaked if you thought I meant
Dudley was more sympathetic a character than our beloved Harry!

--marilyn

--
http://marilyn.suburbanjihad.net/
       "Who do you imagine wants to attack children like yourselves?" inquired
    Professor Umbridge in a horribly honeyed voice.
	"Hmmm, let's think..." said Harry in a mock thoughtful voice,
	                                             "maybe *Lord Voldemort*?"