You would be, yes. It is an antiquated term, but remarkably resilient. There exists ruder slang, but primarily those refer to muggleborn wizards. Several are common in my time, 'mudblood' will prove to be the most popular through the twentieth century.
Disgust, derision, and a certain sense of paternalism towards and over those without magic is not uncommon. Many wizards (but most especially those of old families) are prone to such attitudes, if by little else than their lacking familiarity with the non-magical world. Our communities are by and large small, and tightly-knit; a child born to two wizards may have almost no exposure to muggles. There is a course taught at Hogwarts to familiarize students in such situations with the basics of non-magical life. For example, when I covered that class briefly in a professor's absence, we discussed automobiles and their growing appearance on the roads.
The International Statute of Secrecy is the law in my world which governs the separation of magic from the broader population, and has only been in place since the 18th century. Increasing suspicion, technological gains, and outbreaks of violence are what initially drove its push. It is a small matter for a skilled witch or wizard to defend themselves against attack, but our weakest -- especially the old and the young -- were increasingly endangered, and some of that danger persists. Societal attitudes towards muggles wax and wane, but most historiographers agree that the passing of the Statute marked a significant rise in muggle/wizarding tensions.
Any condescension you meet with is likely to be mixed with a degree of confusion, and of probable misinformation. I suspect it most likely from those pureblooded.
I think no less of you, Mr. Graham.
If Severus does not propose that you leave himself, inform me, and I will exercise what influence I may -- or at least, I will hound you about it myself. I suggest that if he takes your bait, you might argue with him. Be belligerent, for all that you will be understanding after; he dislikes his authority being called into question.
Re: text/private forever, etc.
Disgust, derision, and a certain sense of paternalism towards and over those without magic is not uncommon. Many wizards (but most especially those of old families) are prone to such attitudes, if by little else than their lacking familiarity with the non-magical world. Our communities are by and large small, and tightly-knit; a child born to two wizards may have almost no exposure to muggles. There is a course taught at Hogwarts to familiarize students in such situations with the basics of non-magical life. For example, when I covered that class briefly in a professor's absence, we discussed automobiles and their growing appearance on the roads.
The International Statute of Secrecy is the law in my world which governs the separation of magic from the broader population, and has only been in place since the 18th century. Increasing suspicion, technological gains, and outbreaks of violence are what initially drove its push. It is a small matter for a skilled witch or wizard to defend themselves against attack, but our weakest -- especially the old and the young -- were increasingly endangered, and some of that danger persists. Societal attitudes towards muggles wax and wane, but most historiographers agree that the passing of the Statute marked a significant rise in muggle/wizarding tensions.
Any condescension you meet with is likely to be mixed with a degree of confusion, and of probable misinformation. I suspect it most likely from those pureblooded.
I think no less of you, Mr. Graham.
If Severus does not propose that you leave himself, inform me, and I will exercise what influence I may -- or at least, I will hound you about it myself. I suggest that if he takes your bait, you might argue with him. Be belligerent, for all that you will be understanding after; he dislikes his authority being called into question.
We are agreed.