Peter and the Finger

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 181901

 
> > Laura:
> >>
> >> I was listening to PoA and was at the part where Pettigrew
> >> points at someone.  When he does so, he has to point with
> >> his middle finger, as his index finger is missing.  I hadn't
> >> realized what image that would project.  I am sure she
> >> meant it, as it is fairly explicit.  I suppose this has been
> >> discussed before, but it was the first time I noticed and I
> >> had to laugh.

Potioncat:
There is a world of difference between "shooting the bird" or "giving 
the finger" and pointing at someone. Even if it had been an Anerican 
author, I wouldn't think anything of it. Since this isn't a British 
gesture, I don't think JKR intended anything, and possibly wasn't even 
aware of any potential misunderstanding.

My daughter's very strict 3rd grade teacher frequently pointed with her 
middle finger. It caused the kids some distress as they didn't dare 
laugh.