Corporal Punishment and Texas Schools

Corporal punishment adds just one small fear factor back into the system.

The Dallas Morning News reports the following:

A sign stuck to the principal's desk outlaws whining. A blue jar on a nearby shelf claims to hold the ashes of problem students.

But it's the custom-made, arm-length pine paddle that delivers the old-school discipline that Anthony Price says has helped turn his junior high school around.

He stands behind a practice headed toward extinction.

Most local students returning to school this month will not face corporal punishment. But in a time when child psychologists, Dr. Phil and even Supernanny tout timeouts and tenderness, a dwindling number of holdout school districts continue to believe in the power of the paddle.

Some spank their students for missing homework, others for untucked shirttails. They have the support of the state Legislature and their communities and say that despite research to the contrary, they're helping a generation that needs some old-fashioned remedy.

"We, as Americans, have let our school system get a little bit out of control," Mr. Price said. "I love children, but when I see how many are going astray, it's heartbreaking. ... Corporal punishment adds just one small fear factor back into the system."

When Anthony Price, an advocate of paddling, states, "I love children..." it seems to me that he must define what he means by love. When one beats another that is less powerful than him/her self is this an expression of love or is it merely bullying? When one exercises arbitrary power over another in a physical manner how is this different than controlling behavior through fear?

The article goes on to report that many states, especially those in the south, consider paddling or other forms of corporal punishment as normative. Advocates of this normative approach to discipline must provide a reasoned rationale for implementation of this degrading and often brutal form of punishment and show how it differs from, say, torture designed to exact desired language in the form of a confession--even to deeds not done. Fear is, of course, a great motivator. When one fears one is more likely to comply with a desired outcome. But fear is not a desired tool of democracy. Fear is the choice of dictators. From Hitler to Stalin, Saddam Hussein to Osama bin Laden, Mao to Fidel, fear of physical harm is the stuff that keeps the populace in line. Dare to dissent and one can count on pain and suffering. To avoid that pain one simply toes the line.

But Hitler, Stalin, Saddam, Osama, Mao and Fidel and all others that aspire to dictatorial power are merely bullies, using their position of power and strength to terrorize those with less power or influence.

Take a look at Mr. Price in the photo above. Here is a big, powerful man with a wooden paddle in his hand like a knight wielding his sword at the enemy. There is no indication in the photo that Price towers over his 6th, 7th and 8th grade charges. What is clear is that he is a man obsessed with the power of his office, the authority granted him by the state, and a desire to maintain order in his school building no matter what the price. Mr. Price is a bully not far removed from the likes of other bullies that run countries through fear and intimidation. There is nothing moral or ethical or decent about a grown man beating a child into submission.

Price is proud of the fact that his building is quiet and well ordered. The simple fact is that anyone can get anybody to do anything given enough time and adequate instruments of pain. Of course the halls and classrooms are quiet. If they aren't students will be beaten into submission. There is no secret to maintaining order in this manner. Just be cruel and unyielding and those under you will appear to comply. Underneath the surface, however, is a resistant strain that resents the oppression and seeks ways to return the favor.