Discussion

When we speak about the changing sexual image of man, we have to be aware of the multiplicity of images depending on the cultural background of the individual and his or her reaction to this background. As Dr. Gershman pointed out, we are in a transitional period in regard to sex with many contradictory forces at work. The trend towards more openness and freedom in sex is a trend towards greater

autonomy of the individual, towards more freedom of choice, and it necessitates acceptance of responsibility for choice in order not to become a series of meaningless gestures. Relationships based on compulsive drives are not free choices and do not satisfy the individual, as is testified to by the increasing number of divorces and the increasing amount of sexual acting out without real relatedness between the partners engaged in the sexual activity.

Adolescence is a turbulent period, and our society is in its adolescence sexually; new ways are being tried, older ideas are at war with newer ones. We have a need to find ourselves and are in a period of changing values, changing ideas, new situations, and we have fears, anxieties and doubts in every area, including the area of sex or, should I say, especially in the sexual area? Individuals are caught in the conflict between traditionally taught values and newer, freer, more open ideas, with a range of reactions from outright rebellion to outright conformity. Real desires give way to cultural pressures which in turn give way to rebellion or evolution.

As analysts we have to remember always that we are reacting from our own life experiences and training in sexual mores, and thus guard against fighting change out of our own fears and judgmental values. The experimentation in sex that we as adolescents either yearned for or attempted furtively and with intense feelings of guilt is openly indulged in by today's adolescents. We have no right to judge them by outgrown standards and perpetuate guilt through moralistic value systems.

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