DD's dilemma - Protections and Perspectives

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 126327


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <bboyminn at y...> wrote:
> 
<SNIP>
> 
> 
> Some general points-
> 

> 
> To the Dursley's treatment of Harry. I will again remind people that
> Harry treatment is only out of order by today's very liberal
> standards. I must remind you all that caning (whipping) was only
> removed from UK schools in mid 1980's (Shaun...exact date?), and to
> some extent physical punishment still exists in certain school today
> in the US, the UK, and I assume many other countries. 

That is true, but irrelevant, IMO.  This isn't then, this is now.

> 
> In addition, it was not that long ago that while the Dursley's
> treatment of Harry might have been considered harsh, it would not have
> been considered criminal. It would have fell within the scope of
> allowable methods for parents and guardians to raise and discipline
> their kids.
> 

Once again, true but irrelevant, once again IMO.  What was then is not
important.  What is now is.

> Further, there are many kids in the real world that are horribly
> horribly abused relative to Harry. 


Very true.  However, that in no way reduces the fact of Harry's abuse,
or of Dumbledore not intervening to stop it.

> 
> I'm sure, although others have their doubts, that Dumbledore agonized
> over continuing to leave Harry at the Dursley's, but it would take
> something pretty substantial to override the knowledge that this
> placed represented the place of greatest protection.

Yes, and this is the nub of things.  In order for this issue to be
settled, we need some detailed exploration of these possible facts.


> 
> Dumbledore's human, with all it's frailties and flaws, and considering
> his overal good nature, I can forgive his mistakes.
> 
> Just a thought.



And a very good set of thoughts, Steve.  However, once again I will
have to stand by my contention that, although these are all good
possibilities, we will not know until and unless JKR gives us some
very careful and thoughtful exploration of these themes.


Lupinlore