Manners (was Re: Snape and Harry)

[melclaros]

No: HPFGUIDX 79936

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Fred Uloth <prof_uloth at h...> > 
> Hmm...maybe you should consider home schooling ;) I know it's not 
for 
> everyone and only mention it in jest...


LOL, I have...but also considered that I'd kill the little brats 
before they "graduated" unless they killed me first. Which isn't as 
far fetched as it sounds. And there was just that ONE Nazi teacher.


> 
> I agree with you hear. I'm currently trying to break a four year 
old of the 
> habit her mother has allowed of addressing me by my first name. 
Ack! I 
> can't believe that we have let things slip to the point where 
children are 
> on a first name basis with adults. But I won't dwell on societal 
problems....

Indeed. Drives me NUTS to have a 3year old wander up to me and call 
me by my 1st name. Or a 5 yo, or a 10 year old. Anything over that, 
in a social setting I would allow but sure would apppreciate the 
oppty to say, "Please call me..."



> 
> I believe that the reason JKR has Harry addressing Snape without 
title is 
> to show what lack of respect Harry has for the man. It's probably 
lost on a > lot of the kids reading the books and they only look on 
it as a lesson on > manners,> 


Absolutely! The sad part is that as far as the lesson goes 
is "Professor Snape, Harry". You know, I might be able to manage 
Harry never apologising--or never thanking Snape for the various and 
sundry services he has rendered. But I would just ONCE like DD or McG 
or SOMEONE (besides that Hermione who rattles on so endlessly no one 
even listens anymore) to say, "Look, next time *think* before you go 
suspecting--or worse accusing--*anyone* of anything. You've been 
wrong every time so far. What does that tell you?"
This is an adult issue. Harry has had a lousy upbringing but I'll bet 
dollars to donuts if he was taught NOTHING else he was taught to SHOW 
respect. (Notice the word is SHOW, not FEEL.) Harry is certainly not 
carrying this burden alone. But unless we're supposed to believe he's 
completely stupid he should have at LEAST figured out that he should 
ALWAYS call Snape "Sir".
Actually I think he has--I adored that last little exchange between 
them just as Minerva gets back from St.M.'s.  It showed growth on 
both sides.




> I wish I were more like Mel, but I'm afraid that his children have 
heard me 
> bad mouthing other adults...


Oh don't feel bad, I'm sure they've heard *plenty*. I made an exta 
effort with this particular case (well teachers in general) knowing 
the poor kid was stuck in her torture chamber for 181 days. Trust me 
on this one, Snape would have a breeze compared to this one. Think 
Umbridge. Teaching 7 year olds.


Melpomene, going to put head in bucket---said child is now in 8th 
grade, get OVER it, Mom.