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Cassirin · 08-10-2009, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by She-Who-Is-Not-To-Be-Psycho!

"However," she went on pacing at the front like an old man during a lecture, "Disregarding where and from whom that concept of house-elves valus came to be, you may say it's now part of their culture. And it is true: to tamper with their customs would be a disrespect to their and any culture!

"The question is, should wizards abide by these laws? After all, as we said, these are not -our- laws. Should our respect for their culture so easily transm into acceptance?"

"If we are indeed looking after their best interest, we wouldn't indulge them, no. If we were responsible, we would not allow it, to use an allegory, the same we won't let a child eat so much candy they will end up with a stomachache.

"With a society so closely interlaced with ours, our actions are critical to define theirs - should we continue to accept it, is to say it's right. A common ground has to be reached but our values should not be compromised either. After all, you are worried about the house-elves happiness, right?"

"I heard the story myself," Diane recalled. "I heard the house-elf Dobby walked around wearing layers and layers of clothes even during summer, rather flamboyantly, even around other house-elves. I think that speaks volumes too."

Her eyes, lit with a smile, lied on the head boy names after the astrologer. Wonders if this constitutes as a response too. (ooc: ?)

"So to the question whether house-elves can be happy being free, the answer would be: yes."

"'Cause, you talk about Dobby the house-elf, but the importance of Dobby's story is not setting a norm but provide an alternative. And the alternative is possible, remember this," she said, again in lecture mode. "His is the biggest of examples because, why, Dobby was free and Dobby wasn't miserable. A culture of free, happy elves is possible-- No, it's favorable."

Copernicus watched the much younger girl with interest. She was pacing and a bit disjointed, but her points were sound. And her look was something maniacal. She was freaking him out. He stood after Diane finished.

"The flaw I see with your argument, Diane, is that ignoring house elf law and culture and desires because they can't be trusted to know what is good for them means that you are assuming we do know best. House elves are not naughty children who eat too much candy; they are living creatures who are capable of making up their own minds. Did we influence their current cultural standards? Without a doubt, we did. But those standards now exist and cannot be ignored. I'm not calling for no change; I'm simply stating that we need to respect these house elves. I find it much more distasteful to assume that what I think is best must also apply to everyone than I do to see these house elves picking up my brother's dirty socks."

He put his hands behind his back and paced a bit, although not nearly as frantically as some of his classmates. "I'm not sure I understand your other point correctly, Diane. Dobby was free and not unhappy about it... but he still returned to service. That was my point."

Cope was relieved to be finished. Completely and totally happy to sit and listen to his classmates finish up.

08-10-2009, 03:06 AM	#27 (permalink)
Cassirin Legacy!! Manticore Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Nom nom nom Posts: 43,197 Hogwarts RPG Name: Mercer Branxton Ravenclaw Seventh Year x7 x8	House Elves Happy with the Way Things Are #3 Made of Awesome \| Ern-la the Best-wa \| TZ's Apogee Quote: Originally Posted by She-Who-Is-Not-To-Be-Psycho! "However," she went on pacing at the front like an old man during a lecture, "Disregarding where and from whom that concept of house-elves valus came to be, you may say it's now part of their culture. And it is true: to tamper with their customs would be a disrespect to their and any culture! "The question is, should wizards abide by these laws? After all, as we said, these are not -our- laws. Should our respect for their culture so easily transm into acceptance?" "If we are indeed looking after their best interest, we wouldn't indulge them, no. If we were responsible, we would not allow it, to use an allegory, the same we won't let a child eat so much candy they will end up with a stomachache. "With a society so closely interlaced with ours, our actions are critical to define theirs - should we continue to accept it, is to say it's right. A common ground has to be reached but our values should not be compromised either. After all, you are worried about the house-elves happiness, right?" "I heard the story myself," Diane recalled. "I heard the house-elf Dobby walked around wearing layers and layers of clothes even during summer, rather flamboyantly, even around other house-elves. I think that speaks volumes too." Her eyes, lit with a smile, lied on the head boy names after the astrologer. Wonders if this constitutes as a response too. (ooc: ?) "So to the question whether house-elves can be happy being free, the answer would be: yes." "'Cause, you talk about Dobby the house-elf, but the importance of Dobby's story is not setting a norm but provide an alternative. And the alternative is possible, remember this," she said, again in lecture mode. "His is the biggest of examples because, why, Dobby was free and Dobby wasn't miserable. A culture of free, happy elves is possible-- No, it's favorable." Copernicus watched the much younger girl with interest. She was pacing and a bit disjointed, but her points were sound. And her look was something maniacal. She was freaking him out. He stood after Diane finished. "The flaw I see with your argument, Diane, is that ignoring house elf law and culture and desires because they can't be trusted to know what is good for them means that you are assuming we do know best. House elves are not naughty children who eat too much candy; they are living creatures who are capable of making up their own minds. Did we influence their current cultural standards? Without a doubt, we did. But those standards now exist and cannot be ignored. I'm not calling for no change; I'm simply stating that we need to respect these house elves. I find it much more distasteful to assume that what I think is best must also apply to everyone than I do to see these house elves picking up my brother's dirty socks." He put his hands behind his back and paced a bit, although not nearly as frantically as some of his classmates. "I'm not sure I understand your other point correctly, Diane. Dobby was free and not unhappy about it... but he still returned to service. That was my point." Cope was relieved to be finished. Completely and totally happy to sit and listen to his classmates finish up. __________________ ★ Dawn ★ Awakening ★ Spiritual ★ Hopeful ★ Honest