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

[Ken Hutchinson]

No: HPFGUIDX 157588


> > Magpie:
> > I did not claim that the term Squib in itself was exclusively a  
> > derogatory term.  Saying "Filch is a Squib" is not derogatory.  I  
> > said that what Hagrid was described as doing in the post above-- 
> > asserting dominance by identifying Filch as a Squib-was bigotry.
> 
> 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*. 
> 

I think we have two long time rivals here who know *exactly* how to
push each other's buttons. Filch is sensitive about being a Squib.
Hagrid is sensitive about being substandard teacher with a tenuous
hold on his position. Each of them attacks the other at their weakest
point. This is a personal battle, there is no need to elevate it into
an exchange of bigotry. Hagrid certainly did have the right and the
need to assert a teacher's dominance over the janitor but this isn't
about that either. It's a grudge match.

I wish Figgy *had* overheard this. She'd have told them both to shut
up and behave like adults. Then she'd have whu'p them both up 'side
the head with a bag of cat food tins to drive home the point. Squib is
just another name for Muggle and this Muggle isn't offended by
Hagrid's attitude. Hagrid doesn't know Muggles so he often speaks from
ignorance, but like DD I'd trust Hagrid with my life.

Ken