Snape - a werewolf bigot?? Was: Say it isn't so Lupin!!!

[julie]

No: HPFGUIDX 170209

Alla wrote:
> 
> 1. The word *mudblood* is a horrible term to call anybody because 
> several characters tell us so **and** explain why they think so.
> 
> 2. Only people who are horrible bigots use it.
> 
> 3. Because Snape uses it - he is a horrible bigot.
> 
> 
> I mean, sure it is circular when you only put 2 and 3 together, but 
not 
> when you add one in my opinion.
> 

Julie:
Or it could go like this:

1. The word "mudblood" is a horrible term to call anyone because
several characters tell us so and explain why it is so. 

2. People who say it are practicing bigotry *at that place
and time*.

3. Because Snape uses it - he is practicing bigotry at that
place and at that time.

I know this reasoning is a matter of individual interpretation
but this one works better for me because people do change. 
Especially when they mature from children and teenagers who
act and speak from impulse--especially in emotional situations--
to adults who filter their thoughts before opening their mouths.
(I think someone else noted we all feel bigotry at one time or
another, and when angry we all have the urge to attack at the
lowest level.)

I do think as presented in canon *so far* we have a definite
difference between Snape's use of the word "Mudblood" and 
use of the same word by Draco, Kreacher and Mrs. Black.
The latter three use the word routinely and in the present
time within the books. They are definitely bigots. Snape
however used the term over 20 years in the past, in a 
single incident. It was a bigoted remark, and whether Snape
felt strong bigotry towards all "Mudbloods" or was parroting
what he'd been taught because it was the easiest and cruelest
way to strike back, I don't know. But I do agree it makes him
a bigot at the time.

Of course he also acted as a bigot by joining the DEs, again
whether he did so because he actually wanted to rid the WW
of "Mudbloods" or because he was motivated by vengeance, a
thirst for power or recognition, or whatever. Bigotry isn't
only about how one feels in one's heart, it's also about how
one acts regardless of deepest feelings.

That difference again? Snape's bigotry is in the past. In
the present, we have *as yet* no canon evidence that he 
remains a bigot. He left the DEs and Voldemort (even though
he remains a spy), which eliminates one proof of bigotry.
He does insult Hermione, but that means nothing at all, since
he routinely insults purebloods Neville and Ron, as well as
halfblood Harry. He's an equal-opportunity insulter, blood
purity is no issue at all. That's another proof gone. Which
doesn't mean Snape *isn't* currently a bigot, but it DOES
mean we cannot say with any clear canon or certainty that
he *is* a bigot. 

So while Draco, Kreacher and Mrs. Black are bigoted, Snape
was bigoted. Whether Snape remains so is the interesting
and very much unanswered question (except in our own minds,
depending on which Snape we individually support!). 

Julie