orrified by certain vices, the public now and then cries out
against specific manifestations of lust, and sometimes it is with
difficulty that mobs are restrained from violence But about much of our
immorality there is an attractiveness that has made it acceptable and even
wins for it applause. The influence is there, and it is insidiously and
perniciously working itself into the minds of our boys Many commercialized
amusements now exploit the sex impulse. It is impossible to measure the
effects of such exploitation.
There are brighter pictures. Those who have intimate relation with
hundreds of boys learn to admire the American boy for his earnest desire
to be clean and strong and for his attitude toward the sacred things of
life. If we give the boy positive help, we may expect him to grow into
noble manhood. We would not remove him from all the evil in the world, but
we may expect a minimum of harm as a result of contact with evil. We may
not expect to keep him away from all foul talk; but we may make foul talk
disgust rather than attract him. The American boy is normally clean. If we
will do our part, he will respond.
William Holabird represents a type which may well be taken as an example
in sex education.
While chiefly known to the public as a golfer, Holabird was catcher on
the school baseball team, half-back on the eleven, held the gold medal
for the inter-class track meet, and, in fact, excelled in all athletic
sports. As a scholar he always ranked high. He was devotion itself to
his parents, his brothers and sisters, respectful to his elders, a
leader among his associates, and beloved by all who knew him; tall in
stature and muscled like a Greek god, with clear-cut, delicate,
refined, and manly features.... With a rare combination of strength
and gentleness accompanied by a bearing and life well illustrating "He
was one of nature's noblemen."... A splendid athlete, with a life
without a spot or stain, he was a natural leader and a model for all
the fellows in the school. The younger boys followed and imitated
him.... He hated everything false or unclean or vulgar. To us all, men
and boys alike, it was an inspiration to know him.[47]
Our standards for boys and men have been too low. Charles Wagner says, in
writing of youth and love:--
Chastity has a host of enemies.... These enemies are quick to throw at
your head, as an unanswerable argumen
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