Why Corporal Punishment Hasn't Convinced Me Yet
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Corporal Punishment Hasn't Convinced Me Yet

A temporary fix for a bigger problem.

151
Why Corporal Punishment Hasn't Convinced Me Yet
Wikipedia

A vast amount of people remember growing up and getting into trouble, for any reason, whether that would be accidentally throwing a baseball through a window or stealing an extra cookie after dinner. A vast majority of us might also remember being threatened by their parents or other family members with corporal punishment— i.e., physical punishment. This may include spanking, slapping, hitting with the belt, and can sometimes take a more extreme form. While it's undoubtedly considered 'abuse' to use too much and too brutal/harsh physical punishment against one's child, lately, the idea of corporal punishment has become a hot button issue.

There are those who argue that corporal punishment should not be used altogether. They refute even the idea of spanking, a mode of punishment that has been normalized in our society. Why?

I realize that Facebook is perhaps not the best source of information, but every now and again a worthy and factual infographic might get shared by one of my friends, or results from a academic study might come across my Facebook feed.

Take this flowchart as an example:


It seems to be that the flowchart uses reason as a rationale for corporal punishment or not, and no matter what, those who might use the flowchart come to the conclusion that they should "Stop hitting [their] child, asshole."

In a perfect world, perhaps, it would be enough to use reason always. And the flowchart shows that sometimes, perhaps children are not old enough to understand reason— so what does a parent do then? What is the best way to discipline a toddler when they understand neither reason nor corporal punishment? How do we make children listen when the two options presented are not viable?

Some would argue that the easy and clearest option available is to spank or use other forms of corporal punishment against young children where reason would never work, but I have some reservations against that.

The work of Elizabeth Thompson Gershoff is condensed into this website by Lynne Namka. Among many negative consequences that are expounded in the website includes the fact that corporal punishment serves as a model of aggression, along with the fact that corporal punishment is only a short-term fix. Physical punishments can also make children withdraw into themselves, finding it hard to trust others— children might also be conditioned to replace their feelings with aggression, as they have been taught.

I definitely see and understand these reasons, because as we begin to use corporal punishment on children, they are being conditioned to learn that they shouldn't act out... not because the misbehavior is bad, but because mommy/daddy/uncle, etc., will strike them. They are being taught that it's acceptable to threaten physical punishment and aggression to make others act in a desired way.

I'm worried as to what degree this mindset has already seeped into society, this mindset that physical aggression gets us what we need. I'm not sure about others, but I know I don't want to live in a society where physical aggression is the norm.

This coupled with the fact that corporal punishment is only a temporary fix that stops children from messing up in that moment, I'm not sure that corporal punishment has really made it's case to me.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71123
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132890
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments