Appropriate terminology

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 89327

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "arrowsmithbt" 
<arrowsmithbt at b...> wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "cubfanbudwoman" 
<susiequsie23 at s...> 
> wrote:
> > 
> > Now me:
> > But Kneasy, it's made clear in the books that *no one* takes 
offense 
> > at the word "muggle"--it's intended to be an IDENTIFIER, sort of 
> > like "human" or "witch".  But "mudblood" in canon is clearly 
shown to 
> > be a PEJORATIVE.  Thus, there's no reason to complain about **the 
> > term** "muggle"; by JKR's design it's not packed w/ connotation.
> > 
> > I would also ask the following: do the Death Eaters not go after 
> > muggles *selectively*, most likely those who've borne a witch or 
> > wizard, thereby "tainting" the wizarding world?
> > 
> 
> No one take offence  at the term Muggle?
> Hmmm. Now give me a reference where a Muggle has  been called that
> to their face, please. Even better, where they understand the 
implication
> of the term and where that places them in relation to wizards.
> 
> The Muggles are the 'out' group. The only Muggles to receiving page 
> time so far are the Dursleys (cast as foster parents from hell), 
the 
> Grangers (patronised by Arthur), Frank Bryce (zapped by Voldy) and 
that
> poor bloody farmer at the QWC (mind manipulation and torture).
> 
> Don't get me wrong, I've got no problem with that, I think it's 
great
> fun. But they are "the great unwashed" so far as the WW is 
concerned;
> to be used, abused and dismissed. If I thought the books were to be
> taken seriously, I'd be feeling quite miffed and planning a re-
enactment
> of the Salem pyrotechnics.
> 
> As to your second point, I don't think so.  There's no indication 
that
> Mr Roberts (that farmer) has any previous connection with the WW.
> 
> Kneasy

SUSAN AGAIN:
The word "Muggle" is used all the time, in everyday conversation!  
Seamus announces his mum's a witch, his dad's a Muggle.  Arthur works 
in the Office for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts.  I doubt anyone 
would set up a "Misuse of Mudblood Artifacts Office."   

I'm not arguing about how Muggles are or aren't treated; I'm arguing 
about the WORD "Muggle".  Many wizards may well see Muggles as 
lesser; that is a different issue.  I stick w/ my argument 
that "Muggle" is an identifier, pure & simple; "Mudblood" is a 
pejorative.  

Siriusly Snapey Susan