—

(3) Collectivistic Complex. The thrid trend observed is in
the direction of impersonalization. In an essentially individualistic
society like ours the seeds of collectivism have little chance to germinate
and still less chance to grow and flower. Paradoxically, however, democracy
on infused into our individualistic beliefs the idea of "general welfare."
Gredually and imperceptibly the rugged individual has adopted a new code
which insists on fair play, equal opportunities, social responsibilities,
common good, cooperative enterprise, etc. Physical education has caught
this contagion. Whereas individual exhibitionism, personal skill, private
benefits to the performing person were the aim in the past, today a sort
of functionalism within the social structure seems to prevail, The
ultimate benefits derived are not only for the person who engages in
recrectional activities, but also for those who come into contact with the
performer directly or indirectly. While the individual football player
derives personal benefits, the team as a collective unit functions in
behalf of a larger collectivity -—~- the public. Like our economic system,
mass recreation has introduced impersonality into human relationships.
Individuality is not eliminated, but a new functional relationship between -
the individual and the group has entered into the situation. The cry is
for the college, for the team, for the division, for the country, and not
for the individual performer as such. The ar has taken the role of
becoming an interpreter for his group. The skills acquired are used as nis
of interpreting for the public an end which trangcends personal aims. Daily
practices of a ballet dancer are meaningless unless she interprets a Wilse, a
tengo, or a jig through her physical acquisition. A wrestler's ox-like
sinews are meaningless unless he grapples with his opponent in accordance

with the roles approved by his spectators. It is the public, it is the