Back in the old days before everything could be dissected and exposed through the internet and social media, parents had a different way of disciplining their children.
Usually, it came in some form of physical punishment, and a tool frequently used (apparently) by many was punitive switching. Of course, such violence is no longer tolerated by modern society and is against the law in many states.
Unfortunately, those who grew up getting switched largely feel that the method is a good way to control the children based on their own experiences. In other words, it’s likely still happening in many homes behind closed doors. Getting caught in the act will put you in a world of trouble, though, and NFL star Adrian Peterson has been the prime example of that, from Greg Botelho of CNN:
A grand jury has indicted star NFL running back Adrian Peterson on a felony charge of injury to a child, spurring the Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Authorities didn’t divulge details Friday about what led to the charge. But Peterson’s lawyer said the “charged conduct involves using a switch to spank his son” — explaining that his client did so while doling out discipline “much like “he experienced as a child growing up in east Texas.”
The consensus on whether switching is right or wrong depends on who you ask. Generally speaking, most are against such physically harmful tactics. Those who personally felt the wrath of those sticks will tell you otherwise, as Tracy McGrady did:
Am I the only one that got hit with a switch? I had to go outside and pick my own switch. It taught values, respect & accountability.
— Tracy McGrady (@Real_T_Mac) September 13, 2014
He wasn’t alone in this sentiment:
My 1 year old son so damn bad.I’m just waiting for the day that he will understand exactly why he is getting those whippings he going get
— James White (@Flight8) September 12, 2014
Always got my worst whippings after that damn teacher/parents conference.
— James White (@Flight8) September 12, 2014
Switches &belts probably saved my life growing up. I didnt act up bcuz I didnt want a spanking! Time outs,n my opinion, r way less effective
— Anthony Tolliver (@ATolliver44) September 12, 2014
I’m glad social media wasn’t available like this when I was younger….they will ruin a persons life…I used to have to get my own switches
— Marquis Daniels (@Marquis_Daniels) September 12, 2014
Kids can’t get spanked anymore??? I wanna thank my parents for beating me into the man I am ✌️
— Ekpe Udoh (@EkpeUdoh) September 12, 2014
Like it or not, these players will have to learn that we now live in very different times, and that such archaic acts come with a price.
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James Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.
I agree wholeheartedly about disciplinary acts to your child. But there isba huge difference in beating your child.
I got the belt as a child. It was done solely in the privacy of the home never in public.
However, to get a whooping doesnt result in physical marks and cuts. Thats where the difference lies.
Timeouts are useless. After a child has an understanding of right and wrong. And then depending on the child sometimes a more strict punishment is in order. But it doesnt involve physically injurying the child.
This is just not politically correct (lol), which is probably why neither ESPN nor any major media organization has reported this. Kudos to Sheridan Hoops for reporting this.
I don’t agree with this punishment method, but I respect the right of others. It’s really not worse than teaching children to shoot guns, which Is legal in most states (irony?).
The question is what should be the penalty, if done within the privacy of one’s home? Once again there are powerful special interest groups influencing the public, via the Media. If the Media had some guts (other than this Sheridan Blog), they would be interviewing these people, and sparking an actual 2-way discussion (not going to happen, especially in light of other stories). Clearly AD loves his child and didn’t mean any harm.
None of the recent events (occupying about 70% of News coverage) has evoked 2-way discussions (suspending Stephen A. Smith helped to squash discussions).
I can’t imagine what would happen if Janay Palmer were to admit that she started the private domestic dispute (I have no idea what is the truth), and then spit on Rice, before his disgraceful followup?
Nor can I imagine the response if the actual source(s) for Ferry’s paraphrased remarks was revealed to be accurate and to be from responsible people who are very familiar with Luol Deng?
Of course in those cases, it would complicate matters, and take away from the message that the Overlords of public discussion want us to hear.