I have just recently read an Op-ed from the New York Times called "Spanking and Abuse", and it is written by a man named Charles M. Blow. This article is about the case on Adrian Peterson and child abuse. In the article it talks about how Adrian Peterson beat his child as a form of punishment. He injured the child's leg during the beating, and said he felt bad after. He is trying to get help about how to better treat his children, however I agree with the author when he says that it doesn't make up for what he has already done to his child.
Domestic Violence has been a major issue this past year with the NFL and it needs to come to an end. Players like Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson need to learn the wrong doings of their actions before the violence takes place. In Adrian Peterson's case he believed that originally he was just giving a punishment to his kid, however after he injured his child he understood that he had greatly exceed the line of punishment. He attempts to make the argument that, because he was beaten as a child it helped him in his adult life, however I agree with the author when he says that Peterson is just reinforcing a false ideology that pain is an "instrument of love." I agree completely with the author when he says pain is not an instrument of love but an act of anger.
Violence as punishment will never have a good outcome. It will damage the child and possible make the child more violent because they will believe that it is just a way of life. Brandon Marshall of the Chicago Bears talked to the press about when he was beaten as a child, and that he will never beat his children. In Marshall's speech he says that instead of hurting his children he will sit them down and teach them how to communicate with each other. Studies show that this is the best possible way of teaching a child and it has many better outcomes then violence. Domestic violence is a major issue and with better awareness of its problems, it can come to an end.
I completely agree with you. Its an old ideology that pain is an instrument of love, that needs to be demolished. Its interesting to see how professional athletes have had connections with child abuse, but also they are in the media so it can be occurring around us without realization.
ReplyDeleteI agree that violence is never the proper way to correct a child's behavior. It is an old and long outdated ideology that has only survived this long due to its biblical ties and generations of parents who love to say "Well I turned out alright." It is a problem that will continue on until more people vocalize their opposition against it. At least Adrian Peterson is looking for help on ways to reprimand his children, that seems like a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you as well. I hate hearing about all of these issues concerning domestic violence, because it makes me think about everyone else I know, and wonder if they have ever been harmed by someone they loved. I also think that it is interesting that it is all centering around the NFL. It makes me wonder whether it is the aggressive sport of football which is teaching these guys to go and hurt others, so that is what they have become conditioned to do. Great post!
ReplyDeleteViolence, especially physical abuse, is never the answer. I agree that in order to teach a child how to handle a situation, you sit them down and talk to them. Beating them will only hurt the child, and the abuser.
ReplyDeletePunishing your children by spanking them only perpetuates a never ending cycle of abuse. I agree with this article, and enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was really informative, and I agreed with it 100%. I think that domestic violence is a cycle that needs to be ended individually, and it's hard, but it's the best thing to do. I think that it is especially prevalent in places like professional sports, and I don't know a whole lot about it but reading more about it here helped me have a better understanding.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with this article because I agree what Brandon Marshall says. I think that communication can be stronger that physical abuse, and teaches your child how to interact without acting out.
ReplyDeleteI agree, by looking at patterns it is so clear that if kids are abused, this will come back later in life, possibly when they are raising their own kids. It is really sad to watch the cycle continue.
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ReplyDeleteSome parents still believe that physically abusing their child is a form of disciplinary action that causes more good than it does harm. Though fear of physical discipline may ward many children away from committing acts that will expose them to that punishment, it creates a violent mindset in the child later in life. The child realizes that the threat of physical abuse, because it was effective for him, is the way to keep a kid from acting irresponsibly. However, this is not true, and it is great that Brandon Marshall is promoting more safe ways of disciplining a child.
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