Identifying with Muggles in Potterverse - Humanities

[a_svirn]

No: HPFGUIDX 158231

> bboyminn:
> 
> Let us not forget that the Wizard world and the Muggle 
> world share /aspects/ of a common history and culture. 
> At various times in history, the wizards and muggles
> commingling to varying degrees. Sometimes wizards were 
> part of the power structure and the advisors of kings -
> honored members of the community, at other times they 
> were known and accepted but kept a low profile, at
> other times the were ferociously hunted and killed. 

a_svirn:
Er.. so what? The same goes for muggles, does it not? Some were
lording over others and any one of them could have been ferociously
hunted and killed any day. The fact still remains that until after the
Glorious Revolution they lived together. 

> bboyminn:
> Plus, in the modern age, there is a certain blending of 
> the two worlds. Muggle-borns come to Hogwarts with music
> and modern culture of their own. True, the wizard world
> dominates at Hogwarts, but muggle students must have some
> small influence. Clothing is a good example. While their
> school uniforms are fixed and traditional, their 
> 'off-duty' clothes seem to be whatever fashions are 
> common for kids of that age. Consequently, Fred and 
> George are much more comfortable passing for muggles 
> in common muggle clothes than their parents are.

a_svirn:
I honestly don't see any blending of the two worlds. What I see is
mugglebornes practically giving up their muggle heritage. At least, in
Hermione's case. Fred and George do feel comfortable mingling with
muggles but it's hardly qualifies as blending.

> bboyminn: 
> Further, I think their is more art and culture than we 
> are giving the wizard world credit for. I believe 
> Dumbledore's Chocolate Frog card says he likes 10 pin
> bowling and chamber music, and if I remember correctly
> Flamel and his wife love opera. Also note that one time
> when Harry goes to Slughorns office, he hears a 
> gramphone playing; Slughorn is listening to music.

a_svirn:
Dumbledore could have loved muggle chamber music. And gramphone sounds
like something Slughorn could have picked up from muggles. He was
comfortable enough in muggle milieu, when Harry and Dumbledore found
him.  As for Flammel, he was about six centuries old, so it follows
that he was well versed in muggle ways.

> bboyminn:
> As far as knowledge of Latin, I suspect part of the 
> theory of magic is explaining the root words that make 
> up a spell. So, Latin as the roots of magical words 
> would be taught as part of the theory aspect of Charms
> and Tranfiguration.
> 

a_svirn:
Seems like Harry managed to bypass this part of the curriculum
altogether.