CHAPDISC:HBP19,Elf Tails

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 157538

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Eddie" <harryp at ...> wrote:
>
> > Steve/bboyminn:
> > None the less though, Filch actually started the incident when he
> > failed to recognise the circumstances and to recognise Hagrid's
> > authority.
> 
> Eddie:
> True, but the "he started it first" argument doesn't make Hagrid's
> comment any less bigoted.  If you replace "Squib" with any other
> well-known racial slur the bigotry seems more clear. To me, anyway.
> 
> Eddie
>

bboyminn:

But that only works if 'Squib' is a 'racial' slur. Ask yourself who is
the first person in the books to use the term 'Squib'? It is Filch
referring to himself. 

Though I will admit Hagrids tone of voice used in this specific event
makes the word a 'put down'. But I don't get the sense that that word
itself is derogatory. Simply a statement of fact. It would be
something like call in a kid in a wheelchair 'wheelchair boy'. It
simply states a fact, it is the intent behind the use that makes it bad. 

In a sense, Hagrid is already emotionally charged over Ron's attack
and it's implications to the school. Filch just pushes the wrong
button at the wrong time. I think during everyday routine
interactions, Filch and Hagrid range from polite to indifferent. It's
just in that moment of anger, that Hagrid attempts to put Filch in his
place.

And by the way, Filch does have a 'place'. Hargid is a teacher as well
as his other jobs of responsibility. In a sense, Filch is just the
janitor. I don't think the janitor orders too many teachers around at
school.

Just a thought.

Steve/bboyminn