Afnrcan American Scholars and Parents Cannot Blame Current Harsh Physical Punishment of Black Males on Slavery: A Response to "Cultural Interpretations of Child Discipline: Voices of African American Scholars"

Abstract

This article responds to assertions that nonspanking parenting methods do not work well with African American children. Claims that African American parents must hit, spank, or beat their children for the purpose of preparing them for America's racist society are unsubstantiated by research findings. Current research strongly refutes these assertions. Data is presented to expose this myth and the failed autocratic method of child rearing. Parents and educators must realize thatpunishment and coercive treatment of children only belong in an autocratic society and "slavery" behaviors are physically and psychologically damaging to children; these methods are no longer effective. Hitting does not instill confidence or courage in children; rather, itprovokes and supports poorself-concepts, builds desiresfor revenge, fosters the idea that it is okay to hit the ones you love, tends to make childrenfeel worthless, and trains children to use violence.