THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WISH to call to the attention of the Advocate for Children, Mrs. Mary Clarke, the contradiction between our laws and our behaviour. We have in place now an act to enforce kind treatment of small children, while the law still permits older children to be flogged and whipped. Only last week while in Jamaica, I was made aware of a teacher walking around a school in Hanover with a strap wrapped around her hand. Whether it is being used on children or used as a threat, it amounts to the same thing.
OF CULTURE AND RELIGION
I do not argue for children without sincere respect for parents and teachers, because I realise that this is a problem mainly of culture and religious upbringing. Many teachers and parents have been through the same abusive government and private school systems and abusive homes, and as such are victims of our culture. Corporal punishment of children has existed with government consent and approval.
My intention in calling for an end to corporal punishment of children in schools is not to change people through intimidation, nor to spread fear; the use of excessive fines and jail terms (except in cases of extreme abuse and life threatening situations) is the decision of the authors. The use of corporal punishment in self-defence by a teacher is not unreasonable.
Disintegration of the family, the extended family and the community, threatens the safety and well-being of young people.
I support Mrs. Clarke in her role as the Advocate for Children and wish her God's guidance.
I am, etc.,
A.M. ANSARI
stop1998@aol.com
STOP Corporal Punishment
in Schools, Inc.
Nashville, TN
Via Go-Jamaica
