[HPforGrownups] Nel Question #9: Gender - Perfect Sense

[Laura Ingalls Huntley]

No: HPFGUIDX 127477

Steve (bboyminn):
>> Instead of complaining that the books are male-centered, which of
>> course they well should be, people should be marveling, as I do, that
>> a female author could so thoroughly and accurately capture the
>> male-mind. Speaking as a former boy (current man), JKR got it
>> amazingly and wonderfully right.

phoenixgod:
> I would make the opposite arguement. To me it seems obvious that a
> woman is writing this story. the whole thing smacks of stereotypes of
> boyhood and boyish tendencies without any real understanding. I think
> in a lot of ways the books are demeaning in their portrayal of teen
> boys. Ron in particular seems a victim of this to me. I refuse to
> believe that a boy with *five* older brothers could be so clueless
> about the fairer sex while a bookish only child with few friends
> possesses keen insight into the same pairings. It totally buys into
> the sterotype that teen boys are immature and silly while girls are
> somehow born with maturity and social wisdom. I work with kids their
> age every day and I can tell you it just ain't true.

I totally agree that some of the stereotypes of boyhood in the 
Potterverse are demeaning to actual boys, but I think you also need to 
consider the fact that JKR often uses negative stereotypes of teen 
girls as well (giggling, shrieking, being 'helpers' etc.).

Same token, obverse side:  some of the boy-stereotyping is positive 
(physical bravery, being 'leaders'), as is some of the 
girl-stereotyping (more mature).

Personally, I don't think any of it is any good (stereotyping so rarely 
is), but I'm willing to forgive all of it, as I love JKR. ^_~

Laura