Anyone who has read the Harry Potter book series knows that the sytherins are a sick bunch. They are known to have the most witches and wizards who joinged Voldemort and have more than their share of loonies. Their common room in Hogwarts is in the basement and from all accounts in crrepy and dingy. The typical slytherin is unkind and rude. So, I have to wonder what the sorting hat is up to here. If there is a dysfunctional group of students in an otherwise healthy school, wouldn’t it make sense not to put them all together so they can benefit from some positive interactions? A twisted slytherin surrounded by positive relationships and trust just might have a chance, no? But, I beleive it can be explained in two wasy – first, the British are very reluctant to change tradition and since this tradition has been going on for a few centuries, one can see why the establishment would be a bit hestitant in abolishing the group. Second, they represent archetypal traits and are therefore an essential plot device that drives the book series. Nonetheless, I find it a bit cruel, don’t you?
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Yeah! I think it’s just down right terrible how sytheri are typecast. Hey, I like snake why don’t you through me in Camber of Secrets.
October 15th, 2005