Evaluating Snape (was: Re: Lupin's resentment )

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 94117

{Nora}
> I don't like this line of reasoning, the 'Snape ain't so bad 
> compared to other characters'.  There's a great name for it in 
> Latin--'tu quoque', best translated as 'you're one too'.

{Silverthorne}
> By the same token, he is not physically abusive--other then 
> Neville (who already had his insecurities well ingrained into his 
> head by his own Grandmother), the students are not affected overly 
> much by Snape's words other then having a distinct dislike for 
> him. And although you may disagree, compared to what Umbridge does 
> to the students, an acid tongue is minor indeed. The problem with 
> people claiming 'verbal abuse' is that they forget one very 
> important thing--unlike physcial abuse, you *can * ignore it. 

Susan:
Stepping in to disagree just a wee bit here.  You are correct that 
Snape does not appear to physically abuse his students.  However, I 
would argue that what he does to Neville borders on bullying and, 
more importantly, that what he does w/ Harry is something different 
altogether than verbal abuse or physical abuse.  

Let's call it GRADE ABUSE.  Think of those times when Snape is not 
only snarly or acidic or sarcastic in his comments towards Harry, 
but when he **totally unfairly**--with no foundation--gives Harry a 
zero on the day's potion.  At least twice that I can think of Harry 
was given a zero when he either flat-out didn't deserve the zero or 
someone *else* [was it Draco?] caused the potion flask to be 
broken.  And IIRC, comments are made throughout the books which 
imply that Snape *routinely* gives Harry unwarranted zeros and 
delights in doing so.  

If Harry were a poor enough student to routinely deserve zeros, that 
would be one thing.  But that clearly does not appear to be the 
case.  Snape abuses his power and assigns zeros where they are not 
due, just to be cruel to Potter.  Whether he is trying to teach some 
kind of "life lesson" is debatable but is irrelevant in my mind.  
This is clear abuse of power.

I know, I know.  Lots of the time I defend Snape and argue that he 
is, overall, a good guy.  I also do believe he is extremely talented 
as a potionmaker.  But when it comes to his teaching methods, I will 
often argue that he is out of line.  This is part of the "not a nice 
guy" even though he's a "good guy" in the fight against Voldy, I 
guess.

Siriusly Snapey Susan