It seems to me that every member of our species comes equipped with a rose-tinted rear view mirror. The information it provides is pleasant, but not evidentiary. On that note, let me reminisce briefly about my late, dearly beloved uncle who smoked a pack of Camels every day of his adult life, was never ill and died at 90 due to a freak accident while repairing the roof. There's a point to this apparent digression, so bear with me. Similarly, the overwhelming majority of people who drive under the influence of alcohol, arrive safely at their destinations.
Some drunk drivers drive more safely than some sober drivers.
But sound research coupled with a clear sense of moral responsibility has moved society to protect itself against these highly risky and totally unnecessary behaviors. Spanking, on the other hand, its serious risks ignored and its so-called benefits wildly exaggerated, remains untouchable. The Religious Roots of Punishment and the Psychological Impact of Physical Abuse . It certainly confirms my impressions as a teacher in the pre-release programs at two California prisons, Folsom and Valley State Prison for Women. Getting spanked clearly didn't do them any good, cultural context notwithstanding.