Snape's abuse (Re: Would an "O" for Harry vindicate Snape?)

[prncssme]

No: HPFGUIDX 131507

John K:
> What's more, it seems very, very improbable that even a single one of 
> these instances is taken out of context or through a skewed 
> perception.  In other words all of these actions are, on Snape's part, 
> very conscious and deliberate - not something he let slip while 
> meaning to say something else.  This makes them even worse.

Princess Sara:

    I really think that judging Snape by the standards of the American public school system 
is highly problematic. The wizarding world as presented in the books comes off as very 
old-fashioned and Victorian-esque. Compared to some of the methodologies of Victorian 
"schools", Snape's teaching style is practically benevolent in comparison! Does this excuse 
his rather nasty turns of phrase? Probably not but I do think it puts them into perspective.

    It's also rather telling that you mention the deliberateness of Snape's words and actions, 
IMHO. Snape is, as far as we know, a double agent and very used to watching the things he 
says. Nearly all of your examples, particularly the ones from OoP and GoF, were in the 
presence of Slytherin students. I know the "good" Slytherin debate is currently raging, but 
the cold hard truth is that the majority of DEs and soon-to-be DEs are in Slytherin house. 
Imagine if Snape had reacted sympathetically to Hermione's teeth and Draco Malfoy had 
told his daddy? Or if word got round to LV that Snape had missed an opportunity to 
torment Neville Longbottom, the other boy who could have been a threat to the Dark Lord? 
I really don't think Snape CAN be nicer without seriously risking his life.

John K: 
> He really is a horrible person who has no business being around 
> children.  I suppose Dumbledore has his reasons.

Princess Sara:

    We've come to a point we can't debate! JKR has explicitly said that Snape is a deeply 
horrible person and even I, the most willfully blind fangirl around, can admit that's very 
clear. Snape very obviously takes pleasure in the fine art of the snark but I don't think that 
means he has no business teaching. I had a remarkably Snape-like teacher in high school 
(way more years ago than I really want to admit to) who reigned over her classroom with a 
tight fist and absolutely no sympathy for nasty, snivelling little teenagers. She was mean, 
she was sarcastic, and she made us work at a level high above what was expected of us by 
other teachers. But I've never forgotten anything she taught me and I cried at her funeral.

     I think that's what Snape is for most of the students at Hogwarts. The horrible, mean 
spirited person who teaches you more than you ever thought possible.

- Princess Sara, who at 3:30am tends to get a little maudlin and over-emotional