Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the article “Let’s be Clear: Corporal Punishment is Violence and a Clear Violation of the Rights of Children, In the Diaspora, 22 July 2024.”
I have responded to many such articles before, and I am increasingly frustrated by the one-sided portrayal of corporal punishment. These writers never seek to interview individuals like me, who have experienced and benefited from it.
The narrative that corporal punishment is inherently evil ignores my personal experience. Corporal punishment saved me from a potential life of crime and violence. It instilled in me a sense of discipline, punctuality, and respect for authority, which contributed to my educational achievements and my successful 26-year career in the American military, including three combat missions to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The discipline I learned from corporal punishment was crucial on the battlefield. Obeying orders without question is a matter of survival in combat. My teachers, who administered corporal punishment, did so out of care and a desire to instill discipline, not out of malice.
Contrary to the belief that corporal punishment leads to violence, my experience was the opposite. It guided me away from violence and towards a structured, disciplined life. Without it, I would not be the person I am today.
Therefore, I believe corporal punishment has a place in our schools for children like myself who benefit from structured discipline. It worked for me and my five children, and it should remain an option for future generations.
Sincerely,
Anthony Pantlitz
