Moral messages (and Hagrid)

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 128734

Valky:
For the record I think that this particular scene can hardly 
undermine the moral message of the books, when it is in context a no 
so bright but bighearted (and admittedly burly) oaf of a man standing 
for the defense of an oppressed and overwhelmed innocent against his 
torturers of a decade of his life. 
<SNIP>

Catkind now: 
<SNIP>
What I mean is, we may know Dudley was oppressing Harry, but all
Hagrid's seen is a terrified child.  Dudley hasn't said a word in the
scene.  Hagrid is (rightly) angry with Harry's Aunt and Uncle, and
takes it out on Dudley. 
If Hagrid did somehow know what Dudley's like it would be more
excusable, although personally speaking I still find it unpleasant
that he takes out his anger on someone who's not caused it, and that
he is to some extent descending to their level. 


Alla:

Well, I speculated once that Hagrid indeed saw what Dudley did to 
Harry, because for one reason or another he was substituting for 
Arabella on her watch. That is why he IS so angry towards Dudley - 
you know, after maybe witnessing "Harry hunting", or something like 
that.

It IS only speculation on my part, nothing more and most likely 
wrong, but that is what I think. If it is indeed true, than I not 
only find Hagrid's reaction to be excusable, but perfectly 
understandable, since Dudley and the gang indeed caused Harry a lot 
of grief over those ten years.

Catkind:
I don't think I'm just being PC; although from a PC point of view I
think it is still a no-no to be nasty to someone about their weight
even if one does think it is due to being a lazy slob. On the other
hand, if it's about Dudley oppressing Harry, why bring his size into 
it? 
 
To be honest, the scene made me dislike Hagrid instinctively when I
first read it. The rest is rationalization. 
 
I'm not saying this particular incident undermines the moral message.
You can take it, as you say, as Hagrid doing something wrong out of
temper and maybe not being "bright". I rather had the impression we
were supposed to be cheering him on. 


Alla:

Hmmm, I was telling recently someone off list that I still have not 
figured out exactly what political correctness means and when it is 
good or bad to be called PC person. If your sincere reaction after 
reading that scene was instinctive dislike of Hagrid, I can only 
respect it. On the other hand  MY sincere reaction after reading that 
scene was indeed cheering Hagrid on. Does it mean that I am not being 
PC here? I am not sure.

Am I making sense? I am NOT a skinny person at all and Hagrid 
reference to Dudley size does not bother me in the slightest, because 
I just don't think that Hagrid meant to insult Dudley's weight. I get 
a feeling that Hagrid was indeed defending Harry maybe not the best 
way, but with the best intentions possible.



Catkind:
Of course I have no argument that it's great that Hagrid is nice to
Harry, and Harry thoroughly deserves it. (I expect most DEs are
equally nice to their friends' children, that doesn't mean I like
them.) And I'm no Dudley apologist, he's unquestionably a nasty 
piece of work.

Sorry if anyone found my point nauseating, I hope it's less so with
explanation :-/


Alla:

Right, we agree on it. I just would not go as far as to make a 
comparison between Hagrid and DE. I think Hagrid is nice to the vast 
majority of the population and only gets angry when someone hurts  
his friends.

No, I did not find your post to be nauseating at all. :-)



Just my opinion and my opinion only of course,

Alla