JKRs giant mistake?

[staceymateo]

No: HPFGUIDX 117789


Pippin:
> "Red herring" refers to the misleading clue itself. A mistaken belief based on false evidence or faulty reasoning is generally referred to as a superstition. 

Renee:
> I have a problem with the word superstition, with its connotations of irrationality and false religion. Methinks "fallacy" suits Pippin's definition better. 
> I keep saying we need more information, though I agree with everyone who said that saying "Voldemort" doesn't separate the white sheep from the black.

barmaid tries again to enter this thread:

> It seems to me that the DE's do not say the name because of fear yes, but also a certain kind of respect, almost love or awe or religious devotion to the Dark Lord.  The name by itself, especially without the "Lord" in front of it sounds too familiar or informal -- disrespectful.  These people, the DE's have banked everything on the idea that LV is "the one".  To casually use his name minimizes his power, which is exactly why DD wants people to use it.
> I will pose my question from further up this thread here again. When did people stop saying the name and why?  It seems likely that there was a time when it was widely spoken -- it is certainly widely known - so when and how did this name taboo come in to play.
> I personally use the word superstition all the time whenever someone (usually me) confuses coincidence with cause and effect.  I find it to be a particularly useful concept in dealing with computer problems.  I think it could be appropriate to this name issue as well.

Stacey here:

When I first noticed in PS/SS that Hagrid wouldn't easily 
say "Voldemort" and then when Harry does in front of someone (Ron, 
Hagrid?  I don't have SS to refer to) and gets told to say "He-who-
must-not-be-named" it reminded me of people and cancer.  There are 
still older people who refer to cancer and whisper it when discussing 
it.  The purpose of the whispering that if you can't be heard 
discussing it, it can't affect you.  It is driven by fear.  Even with 
Voldemort "gone" for 11 years, people still remember their fear of 
him so clearly that they can't say the name.    

As far as the DE's referring to him as the "Dark Lord", I see that as 
a show of respect.  Also, if I remember correctly JKR herself has 
stated that Voldemort should be referred to as Voldemort (not Voldie 
etc.)in fan discussions, as it is disrespectful to refer to him 
otherwise...  

DD refers to Voldemort not only as "Voldemort" but as Tom as well.  I 
think that DD refers to Voldemort as Tom to remind himself and 
Voldemort that he truly is only Tom Riddle and always will be Tom 
Riddle.  Kinda like Luke refering to Darth Vader as "Father" to 
remind him that he used to be Anakin Skywalker and always will be 
(and is at the end of Return of the Jedi) no matter how "evil" he is.

I found Superstition defined as the 1)A belief, practice, or rite 
irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by 
faith in magic or chance. 2)A fearful or abject state of mind 
resulting from such ignorance or irrationality. 3)Idolatry.  Based on 
these definitions, the not-speaking of Voldemort's name is a 
superstition.  Definitions 1 & 2 speak to the general WW and #3 
speaks to the DE's.  The WW is still so afraid of Voldemort they 
cling to the superstition that something will happen if they speak it 
and the DE's are too "pious" to dare speak their lord's name.

Just my input.  Feel free to agree or disagree. :)

Stacey