Hermione's a liberal: was re: Moody -- "Types"--Where Are the Bleeding Hearts?

[kempermentor]

No: HPFGUIDX 125443


Kemper (me) earlier:

In GoF, SPEW has good intentions, but Hermione is placing her value
system onto a different species and a different culture that is not
ready to hear what an outsider has to say about their lifestyle. In
OoP, she attempts to trick the House Elves into freedom.
This `trick' does not allow the House Elf to be in choice.
The `trick' is unethical and therefore wrong.

<Alla snipped for details>


Alla responded:

I almost agree with your assessment of Hermione, but not quite. Sure,
she is imposing her values on house - elves, but if it makes her not
very ethical, I think her values do not become less liberal.

Kemper now:

I need to clarify
 I don't think her liberal/progressive values are 
unethical.  I think taking away another's choice is.  But I don't 
think Hermione realizes that is what she's doing.  When she does, I 
think she will take a different tactic for elf-rights.  Perhaps 
meeting with Doby and having him approach House Elves who 
are `enslaved' in some abusive  homes.  Hermione is trying to change 
the minds of Hogwart's elves, who seem to be treated well and who may 
fear being freed out of fear that they will work in an abusive home.  
Freeing the House Elves isn't enough.  Hermione, or more likely Doby, 
will have to teach them the tools for what it means to be free.  Doby 
appeared to have difficulty prior to coming-on at Hogwarts.  It would 
be unfair to the House Elves to free them and then not guide them to 
a culture of freedom.  There might be chaos.  Hermione can't 
revolutionize a culture over night.  Change is a process not an event.


Back to Alla:

I looked up online dictionaries and two of the relevant definitions
of the word "liberal" are as follows:

1. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or
authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.

2. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress,
and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.

I guess you can argue that Hermione lacks "tolerance" in the sense
that she does not tolerate house elves unwillinngness to be free.

Forgive me for a bit of rambling. I think I am still undecided as to
whether I consider Hermione a liberal or not.


Kemper now:

I'm not arguing Hermione's lack of tolerance; I'm arguing her lack of 
consideration towards a people who have a seemingly unchanged culture 
that has continued for centuries.  

I consider Hermione a liberal as you have well defined it.  But 
again, she could use a mentor.

Kemper
Thanking Alla for the opportunity to expound on the thread.