[HPforGrownups] Re: Stereotyping

[silverdragon at ezweb.com.au]

No: HPFGUIDX 85021


----- Original Message> Liz here:
>
> I think Dumbledore does support a change in the circumstances of elves,
just
> not in the vociferous way Hermione does. He takes Dobby and Winky in as a
> completely free elves, offers to pay them more than they want and tells
> Dobby he can call him a 'balmy old codger' (I love that line). He stresses
> the importance of treating Kreacher well, and he said something to the
> effect that Kreacher is what he was made by wizards, indicating to me an
> awareness that changes need to be made to stop more Kreachers being
created.
> I just think DD, being somewhat older and wiser than Hermione, knows that
> sudden freedom for all elves would be disastrous for the elves and the WW.
> DD seems to me to be the kind of person who prefers to influence ethical
> issues by his living example and by giving advice when it is asked for or
> when he senses receptivity, whereas Hermione does it by preaching and
> constantly offering unasked for advice. I do however think their ethical
> outlooks and goals are quite similar.

I agree. I think that Hermione has the right idea, but the wrong end of the
stick. The House Elves (most of them), seem fairly content with the status
quo. Granted, they aren't all in servitude to families like the Malfoys,
either. It is the wizarding world's attitude to the Elves and their
situation that needs readjusting. Hopefully, Hermione will realise where her
style is lacking and lighten up, although dismantling the 'tradition' of
many centuries is probably not going to be achieved with a light-handed
approach.

Nox