The Three Christs of Ypsilanti by Milton Rokeach

Author:Milton Rokeach
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Non-fiction
ISBN: 9781590173985
Publisher: New York Review of Books
Published: 2011-04-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER X

THE FLORA AND FAUNA COMMISSION

WHILE THE new series of identity confrontations was putting renewed strains on the three men, we tried at the same time to find additional ways of bringing them into closer and more interdependent relations with one another. The major changes that had taken place so far had occurred during a relatively harmonious period; now we wished to learn whether by such means as the rotating chairmanship we could evoke still more changes in any of the three. Thus, we conceived the idea of getting them to work together on a project of common interest.

At the group meeting on April 22, 1960, we told the three Christs that they were to be issued a ground pass, which would entitle them to free run of the hospital grounds and the patients’ store. But, we added, the card would be issued in the names of all three men, and they would have to use it together.

“I don’t want it,” Leon said flatly.

“I agree with Dung on this particular matter,” said Joseph.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Peeling potatoes is bad enough,” Joseph went on, “but I should be able to go out on my own.”

“On your own merits, you’re right, sir.”

The group card was nevertheless offered at the end of the meeting, and refused, with Joseph visibly angry.

The agreement between Joseph and Leon about the group ground card suggested to us that we might use this as a means of drawing the two men closer together, and in the next few days we repeated our offer at the close of every meeting, always making it clear that the card was available only on condition that all three men use it.

April 25. The ground card issue is brought up again. Leon says he had one in 1955, but that it was taken away from him. He says he doesn’t need a ground card, that Divine Providence will issue him another one.

April 26. Dr. Donahue, resident psychiatrist on Ward D-16, joins us today for the daily meeting. Our object is to explore further the men’s attitudes toward the idea of the group ground card.

“I want the old kind of card that you carry yourself,” Joseph persists. “I don’t need anybody to carry my card for me. Hell, I want to go out alone!”

Leon substantially agrees. “I want to be an individual. I think your psychology is warped. I’m not going to bite for this. I don’t want no part of it.”

Joseph points out to Dr. Donahue that Leon isn’t going to co-operate, so it won’t work. It is suggested to the men that since they cannot agree, the question of the ground card will have to be brought up again for further consideration in staff conference. Joseph becomes angry at this and says, in a manner which is unusually direct: “I don’t like this kind of punishment. I can’t go out when I want to go out. I don’t care for one!”

Again Leon is in agreement with Joseph. “He was right when he called it punishment.

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