[Mara]

Hi moxiesurf,

Sorry -- I should have been more specific. (I also need to buy some newer books straight-away, so I can see for myself-- a personal concern deserves personal research. No doubt the tone is more modern in recent editions -- I also realize that a lot of the older writing needs be taken with a grain of salt and a certain understanding of other eras' and cultures' prejudices.)

But for one example, I'll quote from "The Book of Macrobiotics" by Michio Kushi, published in 1977 and re-issued in 1982.

Introduction: The Degeneration of Modern Man
p.2) "Endless Disorder in Sexual Behavior"...."homosexual, bisexual and group sexual practices are increasing without end. The relationship between man and woman is the fundamental unit of society. . .When it loses its natural order, the future of the human species is at stake."

He continually (in the books I have read) presents the heterosexual relationship as the highest ideal, and any deviation as a sickness -- a long outdated idea. As we know, modern psychologists now concur that homosexuality is natural and healthy, and attempts to cure or repress it are damaging to the individual. Another book which takes a negative attitude towards feminism and homosexuality is "Michio Kushi On the Greater View".

I hope to get in contact with Yogen Kushi, Michio's grandson, who is gay, like myself. I am curious if Michio's attitudes have evolved in recent years and my guess is that they have.

I think Mr. Kushi's classifications of men and women are also outdated. I understand that in general, women will often share certain traits while men share certain others, but most people & social scientists nowadays would agree that there are many exceptions to these rules. Gender is much more elastic than some would insist. And yes, I do think it is old fashioned to say that men should be the heads of the household. How balanced is that, anyway? And anyway, what if it's a lesbian household?