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The desire to withdraw from society, to hide, is discussed
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by de Levita (1965:170).
The importance of being seen by another is deeply rooted
in psychology. The shame which this being seen can
arouse in man is expressed in a preformed physiological
mechanism (de Levita, 1965:169).
Erikson also maintains that withdrawal is associated with being
’seen’ by others.
Shame supposes that one is completely exposed and conscious
of being looked at. Shame is expressed in an impulse to bury
one’s face, or to sink right then and there, into the ground
(Erikson, 1977:277).
The desire to withdraw may be seen in any group (e.g. adolescents)
not fully integrated into society.
Aboriginal people refer to the fact that they can 'feel people
looking at them' as a visible indication of prejudice.
It could be expected that the distinguishing marks of colour and
physical characteristics which mark off Aborigines would result
in an added impetus for them to feel a need to withdraw.
24.33(a) Hypothesis
It was hypothesized that Aborigines would support the statement
that they wished they could hide from people's sight, and that
this support would be greater than that of non-Aboriginal students.