Interracial Sexuality as an Expression of Neurotic Conflict

In this paper I am focusing on a type of behavior which is motivated by factors largely outside of awareness. This behavior is determined by specific dynamics and takes the form of a set pattern often repeated and becoming fixed as a characterological disturbance. In some cases it is irrational and beyond voluntary control although it may be obviously destructive. Like other forms of psychopathology it is determined by the nature of the early mothering relationship, childhood experience and later the influence of the culture and society. Persons manifesting this type of behavior are not prone to introspection and often act-out their conflicts rather than trying to work them through by self-understanding Thus the behavior itself is utilized as a defense against insight and the personalities so afflicted are often rigid and stubborn. As formulated by Freud, ';acting-out occurs in treatment only as a form of resistance) and is provoked by the transference situation. I am using the term broadly; the pattern which I am describing is provoked by the irrational authority of public taboo and discriminatory laws. An interracial sexual situation occurring in this country at this time offers a unique opportunity for acting-out many neurotic complexes and resulting in just such behavior. The psychological mechanism involved is simply that all behavior is motivated by unconscious factors and not determined by chance. The sex act may have little or nothing to do with tenderness, love or even lust but instead may, for instance, become an arena for expressing negative feelings such as contempt) revenge or irrational guilt. An interracial sexual situation, like any other type of Negro-white relationship, is inevitably influenced by the historical vicissitudes of Negro-white relations as they have developed in this country. Even if the participants are able to overcome their own personal distortions and prejudices in this area, they must constantly face reminders hurled by both groups in the society. Through the years relationships between Negroes and whites have