Purebloods fear of the muggleborn

[meriaugust]

No: HPFGUIDX 111540

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Miss Melanie 
<ms_melanie1999 at y...> wrote:
>  totoriver wrote: I was just wondering wha exactly you think are 
the reasons for 
> that. Do you think the pureblood fears the muggle as a whole, 
muggle 
> culture, or the more progressive mind of the muggleborn who have a 
> tendency to be better wizards than pureblood?
> 
> I may talk about my opinion later, but was wondering what would be 
> yours.
> 
>  
> 
> My reply:  Why were the Nazis scared of the Jews?  Why were white 
men scared of black men?  I mean it all goes back to the idea that 
people hate those that are different.  If you are different then you 
are inherently wrong in the minds of many people. 
> 
> However, on a certain level I can see where the purebloods are 
coming from with this..it is hard to accept that a someone who is 
knew to your world, essentially an outsider, can be as good if not 
better than you.  Hermione is a great example of this, it has to be 
hard for a successful pureblood family like the Malfoy's that have 
no doubt worked for centuries to build up their wizarding reputation 
to see Hermione Granger, a muggle born, be probably the most 
talented witch of her age.
> 
> Also, people like Hermione, that are not as constrained by 
cultural traditons are more likely to bring about change.  And while 
change is neccesary, it is very hard for many people to accept.  For 
example, SPEW..the truth is house elves should be treated better. 
However, even families such as the Weasley's aren't really willing 
to stand behind Hermione in support of house elf liberation.  This 
is just one example of probably hundreds of others that I can find 
in the book that indicates that the wizarding society is one that is 
so rooted in tradition that a person who upsets the fold, or the 
lineage, is not very welcome
> 
>  
> 
> I'm not saying, and I repeat this NOT saying that I agree with 
this sentimates of the purebloods, I definitely do not.  However, if 
I sit back and look at it constructively I can see where they are 
coming from.  
> 
> ~Melanie 
> 

Excellent points all. I'd just like to add one. When the so-called 
breach between the magical world and the muggles occured over a 
thousand years ago witchcraft was feared and hated by muggles and 
so, while I am not condoning this kind of attitude, it is reasonable 
to think that some witches and wizards might develop a kind of 
hatred against the muggles (even the muggle born of their own kind) 
who would have burned anyone with magical powers at the stake if 
they had their druthers. Fear works both ways after all. If I was a 
witch living a thousand years ago I don't know if I would trust a 
muggle born, especially in trying times. Just a thought. 
Meri