The Best Way to get Past Prejudice is Through Exposure
Dumbledore lived out his belief that the exploration of difference is part of the adventure of being alive by exposing himself to those who were different from him.
“’You see, I read the Muggle newspapers, unlike most of my Ministry friends’” (GoF 602). Further, he made it a point to befriend Centaurs, to speak the language of the Merpeople, and to step out on to streets like Privet Drive “where everything from his name to his boots was unwelcome” (SS 9).
Dumbledore’s heart was so profoundly shaped by his exposure to those who were different that, even as he lay dying, he spoke up against racism.
“Malfoy gave a harsh laugh. ‘You care about me saying ‘Mudblood’ when I’m about to kill you?’
“’Yes, I do,’ said Dumbledore” (HBP 589).
There are those who choose to spend their lives under the prison of childish beliefs that those who are different are somehow wrong. These people, and I sometimes find myself amongst their number, are missing out and selling themselves short. There is a proverb that says, “On the day you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life in such a way that on the day you die, everyone around you is crying and you are smiling.”
When Dumbledore died, he was not simply mourned by fellow Wizards. Generations of students and friends stood together remembering who he truly was – these included full blooded, half-blooded, and Muggleborn Wizards, werewolves, half-giants, house elves, a giant, a tribe of centaurs, merpeople, and a phoenix. Here was a man whose soul had touched the souls of those who went beyond his own kind and instead touched the soul of the world.
Can we do this? Can we reach out to people who are different from us based on race, gender, class, ethnicity, physical ability, age, faith, and sexuality? If we can do this, we can make a true stand in our hearts against racism.
Those people who claim that the Harry Potter books are evil, have never read Harry Potter. In the 1960’s, most people who did “not agree” with interracial marriage did not have friends who were a married interracial couple. And along those lines, those who do “not agree” with equal marriage, often do not have friends who are a married same sex couple. Those who suspect all Arabic Muslims of being American-hating terrorists can probably not count one Arabic Muslim family with whom they have even tried to be friends with. And those fundamentalist Muslims who hate America can probably not name one friend of theirs who is a non-Muslim American. And of course, those Americans who are rabidly opposed to illegal immigrants, have likely spent very little genuine time with the hard working families of illegal immigrants.
Let our lives be rich with difference. Let us explore the dimensions of different ways of seeing the world. Let each of our souls touch the soul of the world.
Well said. I think the quote from Draco and Dumbledore is spot on. The use of the word “mudblood” in the wizarding world is equated to our use of “gay” or other derogatory terms. One thing that Dumbledore has repeated echoed is equality and our need to over come our prejudices.
I would disagree Malory. Mudblood refers to someone as they were born. “MudBlood” refers more to the N-word or or racial epithets. “Gay” is not race related and so is an inaccurate comparison. Someone is not born gay becuase one or both of their parents were gay, especially as their parents being gay would make the parents having children much less likely. Lets not kid ourselves and use inaccurate comparisons.
In turn, I’m going to have to disagree with you, Peyoteboy. The use of “Mudblood” in the HP series is in reference to something that the “offending” witches or wizards have no control over: their birth. You were absolutely right on that point. However, who one is attracted to sexually is not, in my opinion, a matter of choice. We are attracted to who we are attracted to. We fall in love with who we fall in love with. I do not see where we have a choice of who is right for us. In this way, I believe that using “Mudblood” as a comparison to the derogatory use of terms such as “gay” is entirely accurate.
Overall, I see one of the main points of this article to be acceptance of those around us despite the stereotypes we may associate with their race, gender, class, sexuality, or even appearance. The goal is to get over this whole prejudice issue that permeates society. And I think Dumbledore’s example is a wonderful place to start!
I am so against racism it is not funny. At my school, people put Natzi symbols on the desk. If I ever found out who did that, I could kill them with my bare hands. I accept all people, even those who do not accept me. My goal is to die like Dumbledore. Loved.
I’ve recently become so much more open-minded, ever since, I think, seventh grade– so maybe not that recently. But dropping a prejudice just FEELS nice– like something heavy and angry is falling away, leaving you with this pleasant, lighter feeling.
Peyoteboy’s got it right…attraction can be controlled – that is the purpose of moral standards and the various religions – controlling the natural man to do what we think is right…and love isn’t something you fall into, lust isn’t either…love is a verb…it is something you do…and you CHOOSE to do it daily. Mudblood is more like something someone has no choice over…even if you like the same sex, for various reasons you could choose to suppress that desire or hide it if you wanted…however, you can’t suppress your race or sex. Irregardless, acceptance is key. That is the wonderful thing about this earth…so many unique things and people…it would be a bore if we were all the same…not to mention it takes someone small minded to think they are the prototype for the rest of creation :~)