I think that the biggest problem House Elves currently have is their complete and utter ignorance regarding their rights. They remind of a minority culture in a Western society - they stick together, they stick to what they know, they have their traditions and rules, and they can't possibly imagine the world being any different. That is why they act in such a volatile manner against Dobby, who seems to have complete and utter disregard for the traditional way of life. He's a rebel, an instigator, someone who is trying to disturb the peace and tranquility of their lifestyle - or that is how they see it anyway. What really needs to happen in order for the house elves to change their mindset is quite simple - they need to be exposed to the world, to a new and completely different kind of environment, and they need to be reptitively told that they have free will, they can choose whom to serve and why, and they have the right to be free and go wherever they wish. I think this is a monumental undertaking because their behaviour is so deeply ingrained into their personalities, but you have to start somewhere! And I think that starting with the house elves at Hogwarts would definitely be a good starting point. :)

Eve//Slytherin