Snapedom

Bohemianspirit, I do see what you mean now, and I agree: what is really (supposedly) going on here is an examination of prejudice, and what drives me wild about these books is that "all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others". In other words, some types of prejudice are so bad that they are the worst things (almost) you can do - and other types, which *lead logically and naturaly to the first (evil) types*, are perfectly fine and acceptable.

But, Elfwreck, I don't think we need to use any terms other than "prejudice" with some qualifying adjectives. It's a perfectly clear and acceptable word. I, for example, have serious problems with "faithism" and with your definitions of it. Anti-semitism is a perfectly good word, in that it clearly describes a repellent attitude - prejudice against Jewish people and (if so defined) other Semites. Anti-Catholicism, anti-paganism, anti-agnosticism -- these are all perfectly good words, and we don't need something unclear like "faithism" to describe what's going on in the Potterverse (where I and others have spotted anti-Semitism and a few other such prejudices).

Racism means specifically treating others as inferior/seeing them as inferior because of their race. I do see anti Muggle/anti Muggleborn sentiment as being a close analogue to racism in our world, but I can still see why it might be better not to use the term "racism" in connection with the Potterverse, because the term carries so much real-world baggage.

Good essay.