[HPforGrownups] Uses for imperius (was: Motivations for Joining DEs)

[Sherry Gomes]

No: HPFGUIDX 141246

I am probably exaggerating, but I find the idea of
using Imperius-like control on mental patients
particularly horrible. To take possession of a
person's free will is utter de-humanization. In fact,
I believe that this is what connects and sets apart
the three unforgivables: they effectively annihilate a
person, either by physically destroying her (AK) or by
transforming her into a slave (Imperio) or into a
beast, incapable of coherent thought because all
resources are concentrated into taking the pain
(Crucio). I cannot think of any other curse that might
have a similar effect. Which is why I believe that any
discussion of a 'positive' use for one of the
unforgivables is misguided.

Imperius turns its victim into a tool. I don't believe
that it is possible to perform partial control under
the Imperius curse, i.e. to tell your victim: 'be
yourself, except for the bad habits', for the simple
reason that the person who is possessed does not have
a self anymore.

Mira


Sherry now:

i agree with you.  I find the idea of the Imperius curse to be reprehensible
under any circumstances.  I am a person who has and has to fight repeatedly
for control of my own life.  The idea of anyone forcing their will upon me,
able to make me do things that I would not do on my own is terrifying.
There could not be any good reason for it, in my opinion.  After all, the
only way an addict truly stops doing whatever their addiction is, is when
they make the choice to stop doing it.  My cousin is a recovering addict,
and I am very much aware of her struggles, but she has chosen the drugs, and
now she has chosen to stop.  Both times, the choice was hers, not forced on
her by rehab of any kind.  I wouldn't even equate Imperius with hypnosis,
because, I believe hypnosis can't make you do things against your code of
ethics or morality.  It makes me think of a sort of lobotomy.  maybe, people
who had that done didn't get forced to do things against their will, but
they ended up with no will, no personality.  The Imperius is rightly
considered an unforgivable curse, I think.

Sherry