This is not a spoiler post.
Dealth Hallows was amazing. But for right now, I'd not like to talk about it. I'd like to talk, instead, about Sorting.
Do you think that Sorting is part of the problem with the wizarding world...and with our world? Labels, names, isn't that all part of it? Judging people before you know them based on what House they're in, what ethnicity they're part of, what race? Based on blood? All that pureblood/mudblood nonsense - isn't that like racism? And doesn't that stem from, early on, being Sorted based on your abilities? Based on your heritage? Your personality? Your talents that you can't even help having or not having?
But then, it isn't. Because Harry was able to choose. He chose NOT to be in Slytherin. And it is that element of choice that sort of makes the Sorting not all that terrible. No one is forcing anyone anywhere. It is up to you to decide. Up to you to choose where your allegiance lies.
But still, it's a debate inside me.
So let's all play Sorting hat. It is your first day of Hogwarts. You are being Sorted. Where do you think you would be Sorted? Would you accept that or would you ask the Sorting hat to put you somewhere else, like Harry did? Where would you put yourself? Why?
If you're feeling really creative, you may also come up with your own Sorting song, but for now, we'll stick with this one:
Oh you may not think me pretty,But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!
