reject its political connection as he became more aware of the pitfalls that surrounded it. It
is ironic that in the same year Reich published The Mass Psychology of Fascism, 1933, he was
also to publish Character Analysis, which focused on the intricate problems in the way of
removing the defenses against sexuality. The Reich of Character Analysis lives on through
therapists who practice individual treatment largely with upper- and middleclass patients.
The Reich ofMass Psychologyis reflected in various kinds of group approaches that make use
of nonprofessionals, for example, the use of discussion groups in the women’s movement.
These approaches attempt to reach a large number of people. Their aim is often more to
“raise consciousness” than to give immediate help. The establishment therapists and the
socially engaged group leaders may fight each other’s views; yet each quotes the parts of
Reich that fit their argument best. Few move as restlessly, as tormentedly, back and forth
between the positions as Reich himself did.
In the early 1930s, however, Reich was primarily the mass psychologist bent on
defeating Nazism. He felt at least as thwarted by his political friends as by his enemies. In
particular, the Communist Party leadership was increasingly disturbed by his activities. In
1932, he was involved with several publications dealing with sex-political issues for the aver-
age working person. The first, which Reich himself wrote, was entitled Der Sexuelle Kampf der
Jugend(The Sexual Struggle of Youth)^18 .Aimed at a youthful audience, the pamphlet described
simply and clearly the sexual issues of adolescents, relating these to the political struggle. At
Reich’s suggestion, Annie Reich wrote a pamphlet on sex education for mothers,Wenn Dein
Kind Dich Fragt(When Your Child Asks You)^19. Again at Reich’s suggestion, and with his col-
laboration, several teachers composed a small booklet for children entitled Das Kreidedreiech
(The Chalk Triangle)^20.
The last publication deserves a few words, for I believe The Chalk Trianglewas
unique in its time for the frankness with which it dealt with sex education to be read to or
by children between the ages of eight and twelve. In very simple language and with an
absorbing story line,it tells how a group of children debate among themselves where babies
come from. Stork myths, babies from kissing, and so on prevail. One girl suggests her par-
ents will explain the true facts.The parents, clearly modeled on the Reichs, answer some of
the children’s questions about reproduction. The children talk over what they have heard.
They seek and have a second talk with the parents because they still do not understand how
the baby gets inside the mother’s stomach. In true analytic fashion, the father tries to elicit
their ideas, and they come close—“Is it like what happens between animals?” But many of
their notions are confused, even frightening—“the man pierces a hole in the woman and it
hurts terribly.”
The father explains the process of intercourse, emphasizing its pleasurable aspects.
The content of intercourse is not confined to legal marriage nor its goal to reproduction.
Contraception is explained.The children leave enlightened. Then one of the boys is severe-
ly punished by his parents when he tells them what he has learned. The other children help
the boy hide from his parents, who out of alarm become repentant. The story is interlaced
with heavy-handed political messages:children told lies about sex will later believe capitalist
162 Myron SharafFury On Earth