It has been with much interest and curiousity that most of us have followed the goings-on at Parktown Boys, and indeed much will be said and many opinions aired.
But I wholeheartedly agree with Gregory Taylor that abuse benefits neither boys nor girls, nor adults for that matter.
Sure, there was corporal punishment when I attended school as a boy, and in most cases we were hit for petty reasons. Both teachers and headmasters were way too sadistic about it and sometimes we were hit for no reason whatsoever.
In England, judges and magistrates in juvenile courts were the most vocal in wanting corporal punishment banned after they ascertained that juveniles sentenced came from schools where the cane was too liberally applied.
Psychologists have said that there is no proof that initiation ceremonies and corporal punishment have ever improved discipline. In fact the opposite seems true - it fosters a hatred for any authority figure.
In England and other ancient countries, flogging with a whip or cat-o'-nine-tails was a common form of punishment and a brutal application of discipline but this resulted in mutinies and officers being murdered.
If the modern armies can foster discipline without violence, why should boys be exposed to such unnecessary violence? Pene Kimber, I salute you for your courage. Do not let intimidation dissuade you.
As for the headmaster of the school, I can only say that you disgust me and had that happened to my son I would have stormed into your office and broken your jaw.
It is easy to feel sorry for the boys who are now facing criminal charges but they must learn that there are consequences to their actions and that you have a choice and must act on your conscience and not give in to peer pressure.
Remember that oppression begins with such petty acts, and if not nipped in the bud it could later result in genocide and violence. If you want to initiate people into your organisation, then do so in a less violent manner.
Paul Pompa
Cinderella, Boksburg
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