20

CONTEMPORARY TV FICTION

had the desired effect, for Jeff sobbed wildly, "I'll do anything for you, but please sob please don't take me out as..as..a g..girl."

"You baby. You are going out. You're so pretty. I think everybody should see you."

They dragged him down the stairs crying and pleading piteously. His terror was understandable, a boy of seventeen, dressed in a frilly dress and frothy petticoats like a little girl, being put on display for the amusement of all. He'd be a laughing stock, not just for that day, but for a long long time. What worse punishment was there, than to be deprived of his male clothing and forced, against his will, to dress and act like a little girl in view of all his friends and enemies. It was a humiliation to break any boys rebellious spirit! It was petticoat punishment torture!

The front door was shut. Beyond it lay Jeff's torment! He tried to grip the carpet with his shoes, but his mother and aunt, each holding an arm firmly, pulled him, struggling furiously, towards the door. Karen rushed to open it.

"Get him outside and shut the door quickly," said his mother. Jeff's breath came in stifled sobs, "No! No!" he moaned in anguish, but to no avail. His female tormentors were eager to expose him to even greater ridicule and shame.

"BANG!" The door closed behind and Jeff began to struggle less as he realized that to do so would only attract even more attention. Down the path, through the gate, onto the pavement

JEFF'S HUMILIATION

Jeff's mother and aunt pulled him, struggling furiously, towards the door.