It's no secret that the Hogwarts houses don't exactly get along. There's always some sort of war going on between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and I wouldn't be surprised if Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff had a rivalry too. But it extends further than the books. It extends into the fandom, which is to be expected. Most of it is all in good fun, just poking fun and teasing. But some times the teasing goes too far. I'm talking about the Hufflepuff jokes that other houses seem to think are all just good fun, but I, being a Hufflepuff, take as being extremely offensive.
I get that they're supposed to be funny and that they're said in good fun, but I also know that as a Hufflepuff, I do not find them amusing. And I also know that I'm not the only Hufflepuff who feels that way.
Now, people have said that I'm taking it too personally, that I'm too sensitive. Yes, okay, I'm sensitive. Because I was bullied all throughout school - not unlike a lot of the people who make the Hufflepuff jokes. And yes, I take it personally. Because it's about my house. I bet Gryffindors would stand for the same thing to happen to their house. But because we're Hufflepuffs, the ones who, in the books, were looked at as being the leftovers, we're just expected to roll over and take it. Well I'm sorry, but I rolled over and took it for twelve years growing up. I'm not going to do it anymore. And this seems like as good of a place as any to put my foot down.
So I suppose what I'm trying to say in this blog is this: just because Hufflepuff's are abused in the books, does not mean that it's okay to do it in the fandom. Just because Hufflepuff's aren't known for the bravery, or their intelligence, doesn't mean that we are a lesser house. Look at Cedric Diggory. He was chosen above every other person at Hogwarts to be the Triwizard Champion. He was chosen above every Gryffindor, every Ravenclaw, every Slytherin. And he was a Hufflepuff. A "lowly" Hufflepuff whose loyalty to Harry is the reason why he took the egg to the bath.
I know that no one is trying to personally insult anyone by making the jokes. I also know that the people who make them are fantastic people. But when it comes down to it, the outcome of the jokes - that it hurts people - overshadows the intentions. So please, the next time you're think about starting a Hufflepuff joke, think about that.
I actually view this the same way you do.
ReplyDeleteI can understand one joke or tease. But after that, by making fun of one's house, you're telling the people in their house that your most dominant traits are better than who they are. That you're superior, what your personality and who you are is better than everyone else who isn't just like you, and that's not ok.
It's not like us Hufflepuffs are all the "leftovers," the "rejects." We're strong individuals who value friendship, loyalty, and hard work. We're not better or worse than anyone else. I chose to be this, it's what I value the most, I could easily be a Ravenclaw, but it's our choices that make us who we are, far more than our abilities, and I'd like to be respected for the choices that I make in life... :)
Um. #keepthespare :-) Good Blog!
ReplyDeleteYes, Justine, yes! That is EXACTLY how I feel. Especially the last bit. Because I could TOTALLY be a Ravenclaw. But I CHOSE to be a Hufflepuff. It was my CHOICE. And it's not one that I regret, because I love Hufflepuffs. (Even if I do think I have more Ravenclaw tendencies) Any time I'm doubting myself - my choice as a Puff, or anything - I go into the Common Room on the HPA Ning and read comments and fall in love with everyone there. And with my house. And everything that we as a house have accomplished at the HPA. <3 #hufflelove
ReplyDeleteLori - Thank you. :D