It Will Never Be Okay

    I grew up in a loving household where any form of violent discipline was deemed as unacceptable. My mother grew up in the same type of household, her father left when she was in her teens but even as an Italian man with a strong temper; beatings as punishment never occurred. My dad also has a fiery temper which I guess can be linked to his upbringing or his no crap tolerating personality. However he never laid a hand on my sister or me as kids and we grew up quite fine. I don't believe physical punishment is the way to go in a discipline situation, it can have emotionally damaging effects. The education system is no longer allowed to hit us with a paddle or have us wear a dunce cap. I believe both punishments destroy a child's self esteem and dignity and frankly why should teachers be spanking kids with a piece of wood. I am very thankful I was born when I was and grew up with the parents I have.

    A different parent might say, well it's my child and if they won't listen I'll straighten them up with a slap or a punch. When that child goes to their room they cry their eyes out and scramble the next day for excuses regarding their marks and bruises. A strong character trait of mine is simply to not tolerate injustices, it lights a fire in me. I mean honestly society teaches you that if your boyfriend or girlfriend hits you, leave him. If a spouse or partner hits you it isn't a healthy relationship, leave them. I strongly agree with both but shouldn't the refusal to put up with physical abuse start at an early age and couldn't it even be argued that a child that did get abused could not know what to do or even accept physical punishment from someone later in their life. I understand that in Things Fall Apart the culture in Africa and in that tribe is that a man is allowed to beat his wives and children at his free will, except during the Week of Peace of course. At one point the main character Okonkwo almost kills his second wife when after beating her he tries to shoot her, luckily he has a bad aim and misses. This treatment is something I could never stand for if I was an outsider and I just walked in on this happening. If I was in that culture I hope that I would rebel against everyone but I can't be for sure that I would, different countries have different cultures but concerning the culture I live in I don't agree with laying a hand on your child. When kids are little maybe a slight spank on the bottom would be warranted but I can't 100% say I would do that either.