thomblake comments on Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality discussion thread - Less Wrong

34 Post author: Unnamed 27 May 2010 12:10AM

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Comment author: thomblake 30 June 2010 03:28:36PM 1 point [-]

Yes, it's apparent that in-universe folks and fans react that way sometimes, but I didn't get that at all from the first few movies or first book.

Comment author: NancyLebovitz 30 June 2010 08:30:59PM *  3 points [-]

I'll suggest that the Wiemar republic may be a better analogy than any period in American history.

The anti-Mudblood campaign is revving up in Lily's time, and it's reasonable to see a serious threat there.

However, it's conceivable that Harry simply doesn't know much about wizarding world history. He's certainly been busy enough with other things.

Comment author: CronoDAS 01 July 2010 02:10:44AM 0 points [-]

Yeah, there's a lot of parallels.

Comment author: lmnop 30 June 2010 04:38:31PM *  3 points [-]

Mudblood can only be used to refer to muggle-born witches and wizards, making it a strictly racial and not socioeconomic term; many muggleborns, including Hermione, are actually quite well off. And it is definitely a big deal. Did you miss the gigantic brawl that ensued after Malfoy first called Hermione a Mudblood? I believe Ron was vomiting slugs for a day afterwards.

Comment author: thomblake 30 June 2010 05:19:43PM 0 points [-]

See, I figured that brawl was all just the Weasleys overreacting because they're stupid.

Comment author: NancyLebovitz 30 June 2010 08:51:49PM 4 points [-]

You should leave the possibility open that they're more familiar with the wizarding world than you are.

Comment author: thomblake 30 June 2010 09:04:03PM 2 points [-]

I meant that was the interpretation I had when I first read it. If I were to replace "mudblood" with "pig" or "ugly" or something, that scene would have been no more confusing to me, as I thought those Gryffindor folks were the sorts to fly off the handle and get violent in response to a simple insult.

Comment author: CronoDAS 01 July 2010 02:05:39AM 1 point [-]