House elves and some spoilers for Swordspoint WAS: realistic solutions

[kempermentor]

No: HPFGUIDX 180955


> > >>Alla:
> > <snip>
> > It is society that lives under completely different rules, I mean 
> > almost completely than our RW society.
> > I think it is actually on purpose that some arguments sound 
> > familiar, it may be to encourage us to not blindly apply our values 
> > to this society.
> 
> Betsy Hp:
> I've never liked that aspect of the prime directive *g*: to see 
> behavior that I deem as not good behavior, but I'll just let it go 
> because who am I to judge?  I do agree with the idea that I can't 
> just swoop in with my superior armies and completely remake a 
> society.  But I do feel I can judge or apply my own personal values.  
> What use are my values unless I actually use them?  (For a RL 
> example: I think female circumcision is an abominable practise that 
> speaks very ill of those societies that allow or encourage the 
> practice.  It's not my society, but I feel quite free, and in fact 
> almost duty bound, to judge such behavior.)

Kemper now:
I'm fond of the prime directive, and I would agree with Alla if every
Witch/Wizard came only from a Witch/Wizard family.  But Harry and
Hermione come from 'RL', they come into Wizard society with some
history of slavery (I'm guessing this... maybe British education
system doesn't address this issue as much as the American education
system).  Once Hermione realizes the House Elf situation, she's
determined to do something about it... at least for a book.  Harry,
attending 'RL' public schools for 5 or so years, must have had some
introduction to the concept of slavery (again, this American is
assuming), yet he's not really bothered by being an owner of a
sentient being.

On Betsy's side note:
Male circumcision is abominable as well.  It is a needless medical
procedure that hurts the baby boy.  If when the boy gets older and
wants to be circumcised, he could elect to go under the knife when
he's no longer a minor.  It is cruel.  

Kemper