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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!mcnc!idis!cadre!jay
From: jay@cadre.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.kids,net.abortion,net.philosophy
Subject: Corporal Punishment
Message-ID: <322@cadre.ARPA>
Date: Sun, 17-Feb-85 22:45:27 EST
Article-I.D.: cadre.322
Posted: Sun Feb 17 22:45:27 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 20-Feb-85 20:25:50 EST
Reply-To: jay@cadre.ARPA (Jay Ramanathan)
Organization: Decision Systems Lab., Univ. of Pgh.
Lines: 24
Xref: linus net.kids:839 net.abortion:1023 net.philosophy:1227
Summary: 

In a recent discussion on corporal punishment in schools that I watched on
a local TV program, I was surprised to hear that more than 80% Americans
are of the view that corporal punishment should be continued in American
schools!  There was a lone psychologist waging a futile war, showing how
all that paddling can harm the child's personality, and instill unnecessary
fear and hatred towards others.
  I understand that, in countries like Sweden, it is a crime even to ridicule
a student in front of his/her peers, let alone hit him/her.  I frankly am
surprised that, in a country like America, so many people subscribe to such
ancient forms of "disciplining" their pupils.  
  I am curious to know why such a state of affairs exists.  I would like to
hear from net folk: parents/would-be parents/concerned people.  I am
interested in hearing not just your views on this subject (which would be
very valuable), but also any clues you can offer for such a mental make-up
of the American populace.

Jay Ramanathan

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jay@cadre.ARPA   Decision Systems Lab, Univ of Pittsburgh, PA
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"They clamour for all those babies, and then beat them up"