Bigotry or NOT? Re: CHAPDISC:HBP19,Elf Tails

[Ceridwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 157579

Mike:
> So after Filch obnoxiously displays his disrespect for Hagrid's
position as a teacher, Hagrid isn't supposed to respond that he was
a "ruddy teacher", or just wasn't supposed to add that "sneakin'
Squib" part? The fact that Hagrid *is* in a position of authority in
the school, above Filch's position presumably, means that he
shouldn't react when Filch acts like that means *nothing*.

Ceridwen:
I won't speak for Magpie, but I will speak for myself.  It was 
unnecessary for Hagrid to add the 'sneakin' Squib' part.  I 
understand why he did it - he was under some stress at the moment, 
worried about Ron in the hospital, having a private talk with some 
friends, and suddenly having his authority challenged on top of it 
all.

You're right about Filch not respecting Hagrid's position.  Seeing 
two students out past curfew with a teacher should have made him go 
on about his business.  Instead, he saw Hagrid, the person who for so 
long has been 'just' the gamekeeper and keeper of the keys, not 
someone in some exalted position as an instructor.  And, as many 
people, including you, I think, have mentioned, the animosity between 
Filch and Hagrid seems to go way back.  But, Hagrid would be staff, 
even if he wasn't an instructor.  If students were out of bed and in 
Filch's care, they shouldn't be swept down upon by other staff 
patrolling the hallways.  Filch should extend the same respect to any 
other staff.

Still, it was Hagrid thoughtlessly using a WW prejudice, even if in 
his daily life he has nothing against Squibs as a group or 
individually.  It was singling Filch out as Different and Less-than.  
It sets him apart and demotes him to ascribed status, in fact, to his 
Master Status as far as the WW is concerned.  It is a society 
prejudice, part of the culture.  It is acceptable because others are 
worse, it is acceptable because no one really gives it any thought.

When people are tightly strung, as Hagrid probably was that night, 
and they are challenged by someone who is adversarial toward them, 
they lash out with something they know will hurt.  'Sneakin' Squib' 
would hurt Filch, so Hagrid uses it.  Their conversation does 
escalate after this, so it must have touched some nerve in Filch.

We know that Filch is sensitive to his status.  He tried to conform 
by taking the Kwickspell course.  He admits, almost confesses, to 
being a Squib.  Being a Squib is a handicap in the WW: Filch lacks a 
normal function of his world.  He seems to be sensitive about it, so 
it shouldn't be used as a weapon against him.  Hagrid could have 
pointed out to him that he, Hagrid, was a teacher and the students 
were with him, without resorting to any sort of name-calling.  That 
he was so emotional that he fell back on a normal WW prejudice is 
understandable, but not right.

As a teacher, elevated above Filch, Hagrid has the responsiblity to 
show magnanimity.  He *is* above Filch.  One doesn't attack one's 
inferiors by their inferiority.  Filch overstepped his bounds, Hagrid 
could have used that instead: 'I'm a teacher, therefore, these 
students are not out without permission'.  Puts Filch in his place 
without the discomfort of dragging in WW prejudice.  It merely makes 
Hagrid look bad.  Oh, and in using 'ruddy' (I'll take your word for 
that, since my book isn't with me and I'm lazy this morning), that 
showed that Hagrid was wound up.  He was spoiling for Filch once 
Filch made his entrance spoiling for Harry and Hermione.  This isn't 
an exchange between equals, or between friends.  And both simply 
don't care if they hurt the other, in my opinion.

Ceridwen.