THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 17, 1996 TAG: 9603150030
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
Perhaps Mark E. Duffy's violent attitude toward children (Letters, Feb. 19) can be attributed to the fact that he was taught ``with a hard hand.''
It is morally wrong to intentionally inflict physical pain on children. We as adults should have the intelligence and patience to teach children responsible behavior without resorting to undisciplined discipline.
What are we teaching children by hitting them? That might makes right? That being bigger or holding a position of authority entitles one to enforce a point of view with violence? And how will the use of physical punishment lead to a less-violent society?
I would be interested to know when Mr. Duffy last visited a classroom. I have two children in public school, and I state with certainty that the students are not dictating how the classes are run. But if the day ever comes when school officials have the authority to hit my children, that will be the day I will pull my children out of the public-school system.
Mr. Duffy believes that we can eliminate the problem of students beating up teachers by allowing teachers to beat up students. I believe we could make better progress toward a nonviolent society if we refuse to tolerate violence at any level.
We do not have the right to control our children. Our responsibility is to educate and guide them. In the end, children, like adults, will choose for themselves what course they will take. It seems unlikely that they will choose to use their minds, rather than their fists, if they have been victims of legally sanctioned violence at the hands of those charged with educating them.
TAMARA HOFFMANN SHIPP
Chesapeake, Feb. 20, 1996 by CNB