*

prevalent in the world of the homohavior attributer is not the out-

sexual per se are in themselves cross-references to the thought patterns and behavior mechanisms of the sexual minority.

growth of the essential basis of the individual's behavior but the result of external forces and their play upon the individual. It is equally posIt is possible that the major consible that many homosexuals whose tribution made in SOCIETY AND flamboyant behavior and ideological THE HOMOSEXUAL lies in the emtransvestism are the only meetingphasis on comparative secrecy and. ground for the average person, act silence held jointly by homoand as they do because, as as Kenneth heterosexually active adults. It is Walker writes, "The mere fact that more than remotely possible that the there are harsh laws against any fear of exposure to an unfriendly activity may lead to a glorification world has resulted in the neurotic of it." No attempt has been made, extremes of behavior to be found. to our knowledge, to assay the tenIt is probable that this same attitude dentiousness of the culpable homohas resulted in the scientific eye besexual; how many homosexuals who ing focussed on only those individufind themselves in constant conflict als who have either met the law head with the law because of their sexual on or fallen before the external presproclivities, for instance, would find sures and so brought to medical or themselves in similar conflict in othpsycho-analytical surveyance, usuer fields were they not homosexual? ally against the individual's own will. "We should recognize This would, and has, led to the overproblem of homosexuality must be whelming judgement and treatment brought out into the open where it of the facets of homosexuality as can be discussed and reconsidered. psychotic and neurotic manifestaThat is the object of this book," contions. While it is certainly possible cludes Mr. Westwood. In the main that this is the true picture, it is no he has succeeded. He is to be conless possible that the neurotic begratulated and saluted.

The

MARTIN BLOCK

Realizing that our own ways are not humanly inevitable nor God-ordained, but are the fruit of a long and turbulent history, we may well examine in turn all of our institutions, thrown into strong relief against the history of other civilizations, and weighing them in the balance, be not afraid to find them wanting.

Margaret Mead

in "Coming of Age in Samoa"

page 17