[HPforGrownups] Re: Jewish Goblins?

[Iggy McSnurd]

No: HPFGUIDX 81982



> >
> Matt:
>
> > Again, __no__one__said__there__was__any__caricature.  <snip>
>
>Laura:
> The caricature would be in the nature of the goblins-smart, uniquely
> able to handle money, ugly, not "like us".  I'm glad you find this
> to be an unconvincing portrait of Jews-so do I.  But there are still
> people in the world who see us this way.  So Nemi's suggestion that
> these characters suggest Jews, even if in a historical sense, is
> unworthy of JKR.
>

Hmmm... I always saw it not that the Goblins were uniquely qualified to
handle money, rather that they were uniquely qualified to PROTECT the money.
(That, and they don't really care who's money they're protecting... In that
case, they must be part Swiss as well... *grin*)

I can also see them as being stereotypical bankers... this coming from
someone who was in the banking industry for 4 years...  You know, they
protect the money, they don't care about who's money they have in their
vaults so long as they get paid, relentless in getting people to pay off
their loans or other debts...

In a case like this, they'd be less like the Jews, and more like the
supposedly heartless American big businessman... or possibly the old English
moneylender a-la Ebineezer Scrooge.


IMHO, and I may be completely wrong... The prejudice isn't based on them
being like Jews... rather on them being of a different race, and/or having a
different set of values.  (Both of which combined, covers a LOT of prejudice
range here...)

> Laura:
>
> I don't purport to speak for all Jews, just this one.  I hope that
> if this discussion continues, we can do it politely and
> respectfully.  You may be surprised to know that I know what an
> allegory is-thanks, though.
>

An allegory... Isn't that an animal related to a crocodile?


Iggy McSnurd
the Prankster

" ESCHEW OBFUSCATION!"

-- Yet another one of Iggy's bumper stickers