"Professor" Snape and Respect

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 98212

Alla:
> 
> Well, yes, but that if we all accept that Hogwarts is the exact 
 prototype of military school, which I for myself cannot accept yet. 
 Who knows, maybe when in book 6 Hogwarts becomes a 
military center  for anti-Voldie resistance , I will change my 
mind.<<


The technology of command and control, like many 
others, was developed for military purposes, and until very 
recently civilian management followed  military models anyway, 
because that was where most people got their management 
experience.

But Hogwarts is no theme park. Dumbledore is the commander 
of a fortress. Like every working castle Hogwarts is  first of all a 
military installation.  I do not think  those suits of armor are 
entirely for show, and I will be highly  disappointed if they never 
come to life and march in defense of their keep. 

Regardless of whether you think of Dumbledore as Headmaster 
or commander-in-chief, there is still a clear chain of command. 
Snape's authority over Harry derives from Dumbledore.  If 
Dumbledore allowed Harry to show disrespect for Snape, he 
would  not only weaken Snape's authority, he would undermine 
his own. And that would  have dreadful consequences for Harry.

Most of us need to know where we fit in the hierarchy to feel 
secure. And while it would be nice if everyone  above us would 
treat us as they would wish to be treated, it is important to learn 
that it cannot always be so. Otherwise we, like young Draco, will 
develop a very skewed notion of what fair treatment is. 

But I think Dumbledore has a more personal reason for 
correcting Harry. Just as Hagrid gets upset when someone 
insults Dumbledore, Dumbledore doesn't like hearing people 
insult Snape. It's worth noting that he doesn't like it when Snape 
insults Harry either, and always interrupts Snape when he hears 
the start of an anti-Harry tirade.

Pippin