Good and bad expression of house traits (Was Nice vs. Good)

[a_svirn]

No: HPFGUIDX 153062

> houyhnhnm:
> 
> I have been intrigued by Rowling's statement that the four houses
> represent the four elements.  In astrology, each of the three signs
> associated with a particular element has its negative and positive
> expression, but no sign is superior to any other.
> 
> Rowling has shown us good and bad Gryffindors, and bad Slytherins. 
> She has implied that there are good Slytherins and she has also
> implied that no house is superior to any other.
> 
> So what would a "bad" Hufflepuff trait be if not conformity? (I 
should
> have used the word "conformity" rather than "mediocrity".  It is
> closer to what I was trying to say.)
> 
> What is a "bad" Ravenclaw like?  We know the virtues of the other 
two
> houses.  What are their vices?
> 
> I am open to suggestions.

a_svirn:
Yes, I understand that. It's just that I wouldn't say that 
conformity is the other side of fairmindedness, in the same way as, 
say, impetuosity and recklessness can be the other side of bravery. 
I really wouldn't know *what* can be the other side of 
fairmindedness. Maybe, certain detachment?  Lack of involvement? 
Indifference? If you are always unfailingly fair, you risk earning 
reputation of a "cold fish". There are times when taking sides are 
more important than being fair. It is certainly the case with Harry. 
For instance, he knows that Grubby-Plank is a better teacher, but he 
would never admit it because of Hagrid. On the other hand, the 
Hufflepuffs are loyal as well as fair, so I really am at loss where 
to look for their bad traits. Well, I suppose conformity *can* be 
the other side of loyalty, but only if the relationship in question 
is unequal. 

As for Ravenclaw, I'd say eccentricity is the vice of the 
intellectual. Usually eccentricity is a price for living chiefly in 
one's own head. So Luna is a "bad Ravenclaw" in a way, even though 
we all quite like her. Eccentricity is a vice that is easy to 
absolve.