Harry learning from Snape (was: stopper death)

[dzeytoun]

No: HPFGUIDX 114470


> 
> Alla:
> 
> So, wait, Dzeytoun. Am I correct that if one of the choices which 
> Harry will have to face will be to learn to disregard Snape's abuse 
> of him or die, because without that he won't be able to prevail int 
> eh final battle, you would rather see him die?
> 
> I am with you that what Snape does to Harry cannot be justified by 
> ANY standards, but if Snape has ANYTHING to give to harry, which 
> will help him survive, I would really rather let him learn that.
> 
> By the way, you do know that you can delete one of the messages 
when 
> you posted the same thing, right? :o)

A) Just responding to the general sentiment of the rhyme.  

B) Actually, I don't think the question of "learning from Snape" is 
one that needs to be put in stark terms of "defiance" or "ignoring 
Snape's insults."  That is a false dichotomy, and implies that either 
Harry must defy Snape and learn nothing or else adopt some 
reprehensible policy that injustice doesn't matter as long as it 
serves some greater good.

So, actually the best response to Snape, in terms of Harry's options, 
would be "defiance while learning."  That is, Harry should listen to 
whatever worthwhile information Snape imparts while at the same time 
maintaining a clear posture of cold contempt for Snape's attitude and 
behavior.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD HE RESPOND TO SNAPE WITH 
RESPECT UNLESS THE RESPECT HAS BEEN EARNED.  I've dealt with many 
Snapes over a long period in both academics and government, and the 
only way to permanently address the issue, if higher authority is 
unwilling to get involved (which, incidentally, I've found isn't the 
case most of the time if you scream loud enough) is to out-Snape them.

Snape can off course respond with detentions and taking points, but 
if Harry continues his attitude of contempt and makes it clear that 
he will not be cowed, what's Snape going to do?  Throw him out of 
class?  After the Occlumency debacle I think even Dumbledore will 
find it impossible to allow that.  Refuse to teach him?  Ditto.

To get away from morals and practical politics, this would also allow 
for some hilarious scenes.  Can you imagine Snape working himself 
into impotent fury, literally shaking with rage as he realizes that 
nothing he does will break the icy contempt from Potter?  That would 
be worth more than a few chuckles.

On a related issue, much has been made in some forums of Harry 
needing to learn leadership skills.  A very important leadership 
skill is how to put people like Snape in their place when necessary.  
It is true leadership involves swallowing insults in some very 
specific and isolated instances.  It is also true, however, that 
leaders cannot tolerate such behavior over the long run.  

I'll give two examples (rather standard ones in leadership studies).  
Eisenhower had to put up with a lot from both DeGaulle and 
Montgomery.  He accepted insults from both of them on some 
occasions.  However, in the long run, he found it necessary to place 
both of them firmly in their place, making it clear that there were 
boundaries that he would not tolerate them breaking.  In the case of 
Montgomery it was bluntly informing him that Eisenhower was more 
important to the War than Montgomery, and Montgomery would shut up or 
be replaced.  In the case of DeGaulle it was stating that Eisenhower 
WOULD cooperate with the Vichy garrison of Orlan to smooth the 
invasion of North Africa, and if DeGaulle could not stomach that he 
had best put his dreams of liberating Paris with his French troops on 
the back burner.  

Lincoln took a lot from his generals.  He even remained silent when 
McClellan flagrantly snubbed him in one specific instance.  But when 
McClellan's behavior endangered the war effort, Lincoln made it clear 
that McClellan would obey or turn in his resignation.  When 
McClellan "called his bluff," he was stunned to discover that Lincoln 
had no trouble accepting his resignation (and enduring the arguments 
from McClellan's political allies).

Harry is not, of course, a president or a general (although he shows 
signs of developing into the latter).  However, if he truly wants to 
take command of his destiny, he must be proactive in all areas.  Of 
course he shouldn't kick Snape into the cauldron in every specific 
confrontation.  However, he MUST make clear to Snape what he will not 
tolerate or accept.  A good starting point would be for him to tell 
Snape, politely but coldly "Professor,  I WILL NOT tolerate any 
comments from you about my father or about Sirius Black.  If you care 
about defeating Voldemort, you are simply going to have to adjust 
your attitude."  Another excellent technique (it has worked for me on 
multiple occasions) is to treat Snape like an errant child and refuse 
to acknowledge that he is speaking unless he uses at least minimally 
polite language.



Dzeytoun