Discussion 2
Discussion 2
Is this a Black/White culture issue of disciplining?
Looking at the pictures of the kid that Peterson spanked, it is clear that this form of child punishment is dangerous. It not only causes bodily and psychological harm to the child, but also increases the risks of bringing up aggressive children (Yorio, 2015). For that matter, policymakers should look at this challenge as a national issue and not through cultural or social class lenses (Becker, 2014). Parents ought to be counseled on how to discipline their children. There are better ways that discipline can be inculcated in kids rather than spanking or corporal punishment.
It has been argued that not all abuse is the same. Is this true? Is spousal abuse different than child abuse? If so, how. If no, why not. Can we compare Ray Rice to Adrian Peterson?
Yes, it is true that not all abuse is the same. Child abuse and spousal abuse are different (Goessling, 2014). Firstly, the child is normally defenseless and cannot stand up for themselves. The caregiver punishing them is in-charge of the child and has a great influence on the wellbeing of the child. For that matter, the kid has no option but to oblige. Besides, the kid is too young to defend himself or herself. On the other hand, in the case of spousal abuse, both parties are adults. The abused party can speak for or defend themselves to some extent. When the abuse cases of Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson are looked at, it is clear that one is a child abuse case, and another one is a spousal abuse case. It not possible to compare the two cases because they have different inclinations.
Peterson did a good thing to ‘accept his mistake’. When dealing with such a delicate case, it is always good to put into consideration the interest of the child and family at large. For instance, detaining or punishing Peterson would disrupt the family fabric of the Peterson’s family. The father will become jobless or financially compromised, and since he is the breadwinner, the family will suffer. The child will also miss the father figure, and this could lead to further complications. It is with that reasoning that I support the stand taken by the mother of the abused child. If I were her, I would have taken that position for the betterment of our family. There are different ways through which Peterson can make peace with his sob and foster a healthy relationship in the family.
References
Becker, K. (2014). See The Graphic Photos That Got Adrian Peterson Indicted for Child Abuse & Decide If He Went Too Far. Retrieved from http://www.ijreview.com/2014/09/177641-see-photos-got-star-rb-adrian-peterson- indicted-child-abuse-decide-went-far/
Goessling, B. (2014). Mother of Peterson's son backs deal. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11827905/mother-adrian-peterson-son-supports-plea- deal
Yorio, K. (2015). Adrian Peterson child-abuse case renews spanking debate. Retrieved from http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/insight/2014/09/28/nfl-stars-child-abuse-case- renews-spanking-debate.html
