In Defense of 'Defense'

At the DOB convention and elsewhero, Dr. Loo J. Zeff has counseled the Lesbian to forego self-justification before society. This is food for thought to the zealous, and useful advice to the anxiety-ridden. Should it be taken literally? I wish to argue, with the utmost respect and appreciation for Dr. Zeff's wisdom, insight and warmth, that it should not be so taken.

All of life is a delicate balance between the personal and social. To survivo we need a thick enough skin to ward off the slings and arrows that come daily to each of us in some form. Without a minimum of tough-minded disregard for the opinions of others, life would not be tolerable for the hoterosexual or the homosexual,

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It is a great

But is this enough to make life tolerable? doal, granted and a goal not yet reached by all of us. Yet for some, all the while that we seek to reach personal goals, we feel in some sence a part of that society which condemns us. (Yes, by and large it still does so, despite the DOB convention and other homophile seminars, and we would be deluding ourselves if we thought otherwise.)

Those of whom I speak have imbibed from early youth a feeling for their society and its strivings, a certain reveronce for the best it has done, thought and said, and a desire to keep up its work. However misguided and evil men and women have been, they have also sought truth and beauty.

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The cream of what mankind has gathered in its generations of seeking is stored up in its learning, its art, its sciits culture and high traditions. This is not only worth caring about, it is worth improving upon and this requires the efforts of each one who is able. Can we be a member of a society and not care what it says? Once inoculated with social awareness, the virus remains, though it may lead to struggle. The struggle may broaden and enlighten both us and the society we are part of.

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