Michael Britt wrote about my suggestion re the scene from "It's a Wonderful Life": >I don't think "George" was teasing "Mary" in this scene, >but your explanation as to what might be going on this >scene from the movie is, I have to admit, more parsimonious >than mine.
Truth to tell, it's too long since I saw the film to say much about the scene in question, but the scenario from the "Times" article was too good not to make the link! But from Michael's description my first thought was that George's initial behaviour could be put down to nervousness. (Some young people in that kind of situation shy away from revealing their true feelings, presumably to avoid possible rejection.) Allen Esterson Former lecturer, Science Department Southwark College, London http://www.esterson.org ******************************************* Re: [tips] It's A Wonderful Freudian Life Michael Britt Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:53:41 -0800 Very interesting article Allen. I don't think "George" was teasing "Mary" in this scene, but your explanation as to what might be going on this scene from the movie is, I have to admit, more parsimonious than mine. What the article says about teasing vs. bullying is really quite interesting. Excellent points. Michael > On December 2008 Michael Britt wrote re "It's a Wonderful Life": >> Okay, how's this for Reaction Formation: remember the scene >> where George goes to Mary's house (before they are married)? >> We know he's in love with Mary but at first he pretends not to >> care for her. In fact, he's even a little bit rude to her. Then they >> get that telephone call (from that rich character whose name >> I forget) and by the end of the call Mary and George are kissing. >> What do you think - the rudeness was reaction formation? > > Or maybe it was just teasing: > > "As they departed in sex-segregated lines, my daughters stood transfixed. > Serafina asked me, 'Why did that girl try to put the crab in the boy's > pants?' 'Because she likes him,' I responded. This was an explanation > Serafina and her older sister, Natalie, only partly understood. What I > witnessed might be called 'the teasing gap'." > > http://tinyurl.com/6oszr8 > > Allen Esterson > Former lecturer, Science Department > Southwark College, London > http://www.esterson.org > --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
