"Morality" and "tolerance" in the HP books (Was: a sandwich).

[eggplant107]

No: HPFGUIDX 178849

 "Carol" <justcarol67 at ...> wrote:

> For me, what JKR says the books are 
> about is no more relevant than what
> the Pope (if he's read them) says
> they're about.

That is a good line, that is a VERY good line! I just wish I had
written it. Once an author publishes her work readers are free to make
of it what they want, and if the author doesn't like it then that's
just tough. An author just gives birth to a character, and no parent
can be certain where her offspring will eventually end up. 
 
> Clearly, race and sex (not "gender," which 
> is a grammatical term) make no difference 
> in magical ability. Neither does "blood" 
> however much emphasis various characters
> may place on it.

Another good point.
 
> The message that prejudice against Muggles,
> and particularly Muggle-baiting, is wrong
> is, IMO, much more garbled thanks to the 
> Twins' actions against Dudley

I respectfully disagree. The twins felt insulted when their father
said they baited Dudley because he was a Muggle! They baited him
because he was a stupid git; and they believed he was a stupid git
because they liked and respected Harry and believed his stories about
Dudley.

But in Dudley's defense I think if I had grown up in his environment I
would have been an insufferable little bastard too, and book 7 proves
he is a better person than either of his parents. 

 Eggplant