Squibs and Kwikspell was Squibs and Hagrid was Re: Petunia not the latebloomer

[Eustace_Scrubb]

No: HPFGUIDX 101561

Tana wrote:
<much snipped>
> If squibs were totally NON MAGICAL what use would a Kwikspell
> Course BE?  Why would Filch spend what is probably the wizard world
> version of outrageous infomercial prices on something if he KNEW he
> could NEVER no matter what he did ever use magic at all?

Eustace_Scrubb:
I think this whole thread raises all kinds of interesting questions
about the WW (and the genetics issue could really be a major one what
with the importance of the "mudblood" epithet in the series).  I'll
just give my $.02 on one aspect.

I think you're right on to compare Kwikspell to the many
remedies/self-help books etc. sold via infomercials.  In the RW, these
pitches are aimed at people who are desperate for a solution to their
problem(s), whether it's hair loss, weight, computer illiteracy,
whatever.  And many of the products _don't_ (maybe can't) solve the
customers' ills.  The vendors don't care; they just want the money. 
My guess is that Kwikspell is exactly analogous--it appeals to
"incompetent" wizards as well as squibs, people who feel their lives
are empty because they can't do magic or can't do it as well as their
parents/siblings/friends etc.  It probably does most of them no good
whatsoever, but that doesn't stop people from shelling out their
hard-earned galleons in the hope that it will.  

Filch is a bitter man who is tormented by hundreds of bratty wizards
and witches all day--I would think Hogwarts would be a squib's
existential hell. 

And from what we've seen of the WW's government, I doubt there's a
consumer protection agency at the MoM that's any more effective than
the fairly feeble ones in the real world.

Cheers,

Eustace_Scrubb