[HPforGrownups] There is a difference between being a meanie and being a child abuser.

[Kathryn Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 144408


> When did Snape abuse either Harry or Nevelle?  I don't recall him doing so.  He
> has been harsh, strict, sarcastic, mean, belittling and unfair--but never
> abusive.  I've seen real abuse, and Snape doesn't even come close.  I've seen
> cases of caregivers and teachers treating young people in their charge in ways
> that make Snape seem downright cuddly.  Calling Snape 'abusive' is an insult to
> the children who have survived things that would give you--and have given me--
> nightmares. 
> 
> Bruce

  KJ writes:

     I am in total agreement with this.  JKR said that Snape was a 
teacher who abused his power, not his students. JKR's ability as a 
writer can not be determined by how completely her characters are 
punished. Obviously, JKR is setting Snape up to be or appear to be a 
particular kind of person. He also fits in quite well with the idea that 
as attractive as the magical world is, there are some serious threats 
and dangers in what could be a perfect world. I, frankly, find the idea 
that Snape is a child abuser to be a waste of time, particularly since 
JKR has shown throughout the books that none of the students react to 
his behaviour the same way that they would if he really was an abuser. 
The students deal with him better than some of the readers do, which is 
the point that JKR was trying to get across. Kids are capable of dealing 
with a teacher like Snape, even Neville, who was more disturbed by Moody 
than by Snape.
KJ