Slytherin ambition revisited./the term "racism" or "bloodism"

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 161234


> Alla wrote :
> > If Sorting Hat will choose new Slyhts based on only how cunning and 
> > ambitious they are, I would like  that very much.
> 
> Del replies :
> Not me, not when it's common knowledge that those kids can't master
> their ambition ("use any means" is what the Sorting Hat says). They
> need people *in their own House* to help them keep their ambition into
> perspective, people like the Gryffindors.

Finwitch:

Still, that IS what happens. After all, Ambition, cunning, use any
means and so on -- ARE how the hat characterizes Slytherins. Yet,
Molly apparently appears to consider ambition as a virtue as she
scolds the twins... (and praises Percy?)

However, what the hat does - I think it places people more by what
they value. Hermione is studious, but she values bravery more. That's
why she's in Gryffindor, not Ravenclaw...

Percy, he has definitely lots of ambition - certainly no disregard of
rules, though. And I don't think he *values* ambition or cunning. Not
the way Slytherins do.

I don't know if I'd label ambition as a vice myself, but I'm not
calling it a virtue either. Slytherins DO.

As for the term racism considering the wizards view of "purity of
blood" as Dumbledore put it - racism is the closest analogue in Muggle
World - though yes, "bloodism" would be a more correct word...

Finwitch