Percy (was : Re: Ron is like Percy (plus more Weasley thoughts)

[Doriane]

No: HPFGUIDX 89195

"vmonte" wrote:

> What I do think is that Percy just doesn't have a sense of humor 
> about himself.

Del answers :

Some people don't, and they sometimes have a very good reason for 
that : insecurity. And there's no ruling against Percy being 
insecure. Moreover, not having any sense of humour has never been 
declared a crime, and people shouldn't be persecuted for that. I know 
some wonderful people who have no sense of humour. They'll get hurt 
and mad at you if you try and force them to understand and practice 
humour, but they'll be wonderful friends if you just take them like 
they are.

Vmonte said :

> Brothers and sisters often tease and torment each other when 
> growing up. 
> 
> I am teased and tormented by my brother and sister all the time (I 
> also tease them) and I enjoy it.

Del answers :

My sister and I didn't tease each other and here's why : we grew up 
in France, where teasing in a national sport. We went to school, 
where teasing was the main way of communication between students. It 
might have sounded innocent, but it actually did a lot of damage to 
our self-esteem. When people keep mocking you, you begin to wonder if 
they don't truly mean what they say. You have to be absolutely sure 
of their love for you, and that they really don't mean it, to come 
out of it without any doubt about yourself. And teenagers rarely have 
that kind of certainties.
When I read about how the twins treat their siblings, I have bad, 
painful memories coming up. Memories of people who pretended to love 
me, but who kept saying hurtful things to me, or who kept undermining 
everything I did (like the twins undermined Percy's and Ron's jobs as 
Prefects).

Vmonte said :

> Sometimes you need family to bring you back into reality and let 
> you know when you start taking yourself too seriously.

Del answers :

But I don't see that Percy is taking himself really too seriously. 
He's rightfully proud of his accomplishments. He's shouldering his 
responsibilities squarely whenever he has to, and expects respect for 
that. He's doing well at work, and rightfully expects to be 
complimented for that. That's what family is for, isn't it ? When a 
member of my family does something great, I compliment them, it seems 
natural to me.
The only problem with Percy is that he never seems to have enough 
compliments or recognition. And that, again, might very well be a 
sign of insecurity.

Del