JKR's lesson on prejudice (was:Slytherins come back)

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 180507

> >>Alla:
> So wait what did I misunderstand then? You did saw prejudice in 
> Harry's refusing to shake Draco's hand as you just wrote?
> And I am asking what was prejudicial here? Draco insulted Harry's 
> friends and talked down about Muggleborns and Harry disliked him 
> because of that.

Betsy Hp:
I'm at work, so I can't do a full on text evalutation, but IIRC, 
Draco entered Harry and Ron's compartment to attempt a reintroduction 
since he realized their first meeting was a failure.  So it's a 
fairly neutral Draco at this point.  But Harry's already decided he 
doesn't like him, and part of that is from Hagrid's earlier statement 
about Slytherin.  I'll also point out that the first attack in this 
scene (IIRC) came from Ron laughing at Draco.

Anyway, there were a lot of Romeo/Juliet sort of things going on 
where it seemed apparent to me that the history of the WW was 
affecting both boys.  I didn't expect Harry to behave any differently 
of course.  He was an eleven year old child.  I'm highly unimpressed, 
however, that the series ended without those deeper rifts being 
examined at all.

> >>Alla:
> If you do not think that Harry's initial dislike of Draco was based 
> on prejudice, could you please clarify that?

Betsy Hp:
Sorry, I thought I had.  To restate: I don't think Harry disliked 
Draco because of WW prejudices in their first meeting.  That came 
later when Hagrid explained that Harry's initial reaction to Draco 
was correct.  I'd say Harry disliked Draco because Draco was too 
confident.  A boy who knew that world and had parents who loved him 
was too much for Harry, who was feeling quite weak and insecure at 
the time.  Actually, it's a fairly classic recruitment scenario Harry 
found himself in.  It's no wonder he bought Hagrid's filth hook, 
line, and sinker.  The Depression era was huge for the KKK.

Betsy Hp