"Professor" Snape and Respect

[quigonginger]

No: HPFGUIDX 98300

Shuan wrote:
> 
> And that starts with minor courtesies.

Ginger adds her brass farthing:

Shaun, I'm sorry I had to snip all of that.  It was a tremendous 
post.  I'd like to comment on your last line, and, knowing me, go off 
on a tangent. ;)

Those "minor courtesies" are the basis of being civil and civilized.  
If one works with the public, one says "Sir" and "Ma'am" as part of 
duty.  That is expected.  No matter how irritating the sir or ma'am 
may be.  "Professor" is expected of students.

Most of the past posts on this thread have dealt with whether or not 
Snape *deserves* respect.  I think some of the differing opinions are 
due to differing concepts of respect.

We are respected for what we do, what we are, and what we represent.

Virtually every religion or moral code calls for a respect for human 
life.  Each has modifiers (ie. self-defense, war, capital punishment) 
which can vary greatly.  So Snape deserves Harry's respect as a human 
being, and since Harry hasn't tried to kill him yet, I guess we're on 
target:)

What Snape does, in terms of his treatment of Harry (and a few 
others) does not deserve respect.  He treats him like sh-er, dirt.  
So no respect there, not that Harry does much better with regards to 
Snape.  What Snape does, in terms of his profession is a mixed bag-
good teacher, bad methods.  What he does, in terms of the order is 
yet unknown, but I see in my crystal that he may earn our respect 
when it is revealed!

So, what Snape stands for:  He is a teacher at Hogwarts.  He 
represents the school.  Respect for him *as a teacher* is required.  
The use of "Professor" is directly related to his position. (Duh)  
So, in that capacity, he deserves respect.  He is an authority 
figure.  His authority comes from the school.  Respect?  Definately.  
If not for him as a person, then out of respect for the school.

So, off on the promised tangent- 
It seems to me that perspective of respect has changed over the 
years.  Back in my day (before the invention of trees), any form of 
authority was respected- whether it came from age, rank, social 
status, personal achievements, or any other method.  It was earned, 
although the mere act of breathing longer than others could qualify 
one.  The greater the things that one did, the more respect one got.

Nowdays, it seems like respect is expected.  Working with the public, 
I run into a lot of Dracos.  Consider how he can go on loudly about 
the Weasley family or about Harry's parents, or Hermione's blood?  He 
feels he has some sort of right to do that.  The second it is turned 
on him, he howls.  Disrespect!  No fair!  

I have no idea how this came about (probably at the time 
that "disrespect" became a verb-I napped through that change in the 
language), but I am guessing that it happened during the whole self-
esteem movement.  We teach kids that they are worthy of respect, but 
forget to define it.   

On one level, this is correct.  No one deserves to be treated badly.  
(Back to what we are)  But respect of the higher level, to which 
Snape is entitled as potionmaster, must be earned.  

I think Dumbledore is quite right in insisting that Harry address 
Snape in the way he is entitled.  Because he has the title.

All that said, once Harry is no longer a student, I hope he says to 
Snape, "You know, Sevvie, I think you're right ba***rd."  But until 
then, Professor it is.

Ginger, who really hates those little toe-rags who demand respect, 
but do nothing to earn it.