I have definitely watched "It's a Wonderful Life" too many times. Now I'm beginning to see Freudian defense mechanisms in the darn movie. So far I've got examples of two defense mechanisms:
1) Displacement examples: a) When George returns home after trying to find the lost money at the savings and loan, he yells at the kids, complains about the house, and turns over a table (Mary says, "Oh George! Why must you torture the children?") b) When George kicks his car repeatedly in the scene just after helping that family move into their new home. c) When the druggist repeatedly slaps young George after the druggist heard about the death of his son. 2) 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? Michael -- Michael Britt, Ph.D. www.thepsychfiles.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
