a recessive feeling about colonialism

[cannonkuo]

'The Falklands crisis touched on certain American nerves that had proved sensitive at Suez: a recessive feeling about colonialism: concern that the British were expecting the United States eventually to pick up the check: worry about the Russians: and the fear that what Britain was doing would rally other countries in the area against Western interests.' (A Special Relationship, p.163)

What does a recessive feeling about colonialism mean?

 

[Toby Sherman]

I have no idea. The author seems to have used "recessive" without paying any attention to its usual meaning.

 

[bennymix]

I do see 'recessive feelings' in some older psych literature, meaning those not in the forefront of consciousness.

Personality​

By R G Gordon

Personality

That doesn't quite fit here, where the meaning seems to be 'aversive feelings' (or feelings of distaste?). As in "we don't want to touch this."

 

[cannonkuo]

Do you think "recessive feeling about sth" is a reserved way to express dislikes?

 

[bennymix]

It's not a current usage. We're inferring.