Dark Book - Blood and Cruelty

[nitalynx]

No: HPFGUIDX 177212

Sali wrote:
<snip>
> >  I would like to know if those of you who are strongly against
> > the Gryffindor's physical reactions to Draco have any issues with
the verbal
> > harassment. In other words, opinions on the action itself,
divorced from the
> > reaction. 

Nita:

Well, I do have issues with verbal harassment. And not just in a
detached, objective way either. However, I think the way it's shown in
the Trio-Draco interactions is unrealistic and unhelpful for those who
happen to be on the receiving end of verbal abuse in real life.

Real verbal bullies are a threat to one's psychological well-being
exactly because they attack when you can't or won't retaliate
effectively, and they're most harmful when you have no recourse at all
(i.e., no friends, no support network, no safe space). The Trio have
each other and the house of Gryffindor behind them, the staff like
them, *and* they can and do retaliate easily. So I see no reason for
harassed readers to strongly identify with them in these scenes other
than the satisfying ride of wish-fulfilment (which is fine with me).


> > Also, I'm interested in opinions on what is considered to be the
> > appropriate, effective reaction to Draco's verbal bullying given
that 1.
> > physical retaliation is inappropriate and 2. 'ignore it and it
will go away'
> > is ineffective.
<snip>

Nita:

1) Verbal retaliation has already been mentioned, I believe.

2) It's hard to suggest something in Draco's case specifically
because, as someone said, his behaviour seems irrational, possibly
unrealistic and a bit too convenient for the author.

3) And hey, while we're talking about the author, why don't we ask her? :)

"TELL SOMEONE, whether it is your Mum, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, a teacher, a
brother, a sister, an adult friend – just tell someone. If the first
person you tell doesn't seem to understand how bad the problem is,
tell somebody else. I know that it is very hard to admit that you are
being bullied, but it is absolutely crucial if you are to end the
misery. Life in school can be very tough and any adult who has
forgotten that is an idiot, so don't be ashamed... just tell."

http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/faq_view.cfm?id=78

That's not a bad bit of advice, IMO. Even if others can't do anything
to end the harassment, I believe having someone to talk to is
beneficial in itself (again - support network, safe space). At the
very least, it helps lessen the crazy-making effects of emotional abuse.

Unfortunately, Ms Rowling doesn't believe in this solution enough to
even try it in any of her books. Or perhaps she's simply more
interested in dramatic wish-fulfilment than the boring realistic stuff
us mortals have to do, which isn't even all that effective...

On the other hand, there *is* some realistic bullying in the series,
and Neville, Severus and Luna don't get to deliver amazing smack-downs
with the help of friends while the readers cheer. It's an interesting
imbalance of realism, IMO :)


Nita, planning to post something more coherent on wish-fulfilment soon