What cultural standards we are using to determine whether Snape is abusive ?

[linneablack]

No: HPFGUIDX 144360

Pippin wrote:

> Dumbledore says that Snape is wounded, and that's why he
> hasn't overcome his feelings about Harry's father. DD blames himself
> for forgetting this. 

Linneablack adds:

I'd say that the best standard for judgment of Snape is JKR herself. 
In an an interview on "The Connection" (WBUR Radio) on 12 October 
1999, she was asked

Q. What about Snape?

JKR: Snape is a very sadistic teacher, loosely based on a teacher I 
myself had, I have to say. I think children are very aware and we are 
kidding ourselves if we don't think that they are, that teachers do 
sometimes abuse their power and this particular teacher does abuse 
his power. He's not a particularly pleasant person at all.