Goblins, British school children and sterotypes ( was, Re: Muggle Parents and

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 184061

In 184042 Alla wrote:
> BUT having said that I will agree that as far as those goblins are 
> willing to even be acquaintances with humans they are different 
from Griphook. But are they really?
> 
> Are you sure that as soon as they will decide that some object that 
> Bill possesses belong to the Goblins, they will not double cross 
him 
> right away? I am not. After all, Griphook was also civil to Harry 
> till the sword was involved.


Potioncat:

I think JKR set up the differences between Goblins and humans in 
keeping with folklore. Generally in literature there's ill feeling 
between humans and other magical beings. Usually tricks are involved, 
and sometimes it's the humans who save the day by tricking the 
magical folk. Even the ones who are helpful in our old stories, have 
a touch of danger to them. JKR's put Goblins and humans side by side, 
but kept the animosity.

But something Alla said struck a chord, and I was working on a 
carefully written post about her comments and how stereotypes come 
about. You know, those sort are sneaking double-crossers and that one 
just proves it! Can't trust any of them. I was even going to share a 
personal experience I've had and my efforts not to resort to 
xenophobia.

Good thing I didn't because you never know when a stereotype will 
jump up and smack you. Take a look.

> > 
> > Potioncat:
> > Keep in mind, Hogwarts exists in a culture that favors boarding 
> > schools. snip
> Geoff:
> Are you suggesting that UK culture favours public schools which 
> accommodate boarders? It ought to be pointed out that the numbers 
> of pupils in boarding schools is a tiny minority. The vast majority 
of 
> young people in the UK attend day schools - mainly state although 
> there are some public day schools, again very much in a minority.

Potioncat, taking off her stereoptic glasses:
Really? Too many old novels, too many old TV shows. A couple of 
interviews from JKR and Emma Thompson I don't know why but I really 
did think the norm was boarding schools. 

Those stereotypes can sneak right up on you!

Does it tell us anything about the Dursleys that Dudley went to a 
boarding school?


Potioncat, wondering now if they really drink a lot of tea across the 
pond.