Emphasis on proper address was: Snape as father figure

[prncssme]

No: HPFGUIDX 131309


Lupinlore said:
>  Respect, IMO, is not like a badge 
> that you pin on and wear so that someone automatically accords you 
> certain deference irregardless of how you treat them or your actions 
> that they have seen and experienced.  It is not a gold star awarded 
> by a great teacher in the sky (although Snape, I'm sure, thinks 
> that's exactly what it should be). It is not a quality that someone 
> can be "competent" or "incompetent" to judge like technical ability 
> or academic achievement.  Nor is it something that can be given just 
> because someone else says "so and so is worthy of it" Respect, in 
> other words, is not a quality that adheres to a person like being 
> tall or kindly or snarky or whatever. 

Now Princess Sara says:

I agree with your definition to a point. When I interact with another adult in an informal 
setting, I don't expect that person to automatically respect me. However, as a teacher, 
when I work with a student, I do expect and sometimes need to demand that respect. The 
relationship between Harry and Snape is that of teacher/student (or father figure/son, 
depending on where your convictions lie ;o)) not of adult aquaintances. Snape is in a 
position of authority and that demands respect, whether Harry likes the man and his 
methods or not. I would never tolerate my students addressing me as "Sara" or any other 
familiar nickname in a school setting. Essentially, using an informal address in a formal 
situation (say, like school) is extremely rude.

However, many people feel that the type of mandatory respect for people like doctors, 
teachers, and elders is old fashioned. But really, good manners never go out of style. 
Snape may be being rude and/or ignoring the rules he is trying to impose on Harry, but he 
is still Harry's teacher AND elder. Perhaps if Harry had complied (did he comply? I can't 
remember and I'm not to that point in my pre-HBP re-read yet), Snape may have respected 
his questions and curiousity.

- Princess Sara