From: Amy Krahn <akrahn>
Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2000 09:14:12 -0700

Careful, here. What starts out as a feminist viewpoint on some of the shortcomings of the books ends up being a thorough trashing of stay-at-home moms. Mrs. Weasley being "ultra-traditional" disqualifies her as a worthy female character? A truly feminist perspective would recognize that all choices made by women, whether careers in the home or outside of it, should be given the respect they deserve. (In my reading, it certainly seemed to me that she demanded the respect - if not fear - of her sons and husband.) Hermoine, Prof. McGonagall, Mrs. Weasley, Harry's mother - there are plenty of female characters displaying strong, positive characteristics in this book. Let's not forget that we came to know and love Hermoine before her
"Cinderella" experience. Most of the characters in the book recognized Hermoine's many strengths, even if Hermoine did not. Isn't it better that Ron, Harry, et al. liked and appreciated Hermoine before her transformation? I would have been more upset if they hadn't recognized her talent until it was wrapped in a pretty package. Instead, it was more that they didn't care what she looked like. And haven't many members of the discussion asked for a better portrayal of the "true adolescent experience"? I don't think it gets any truer than the brainy good girl wishing she could turn a few heads, however disappointing that may be to those of us who think she should know better.

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Received on Sat 16 Sep 2000 11:14:12 AM CDT