Aerial View was WFMU’s first regularly-scheduled phone-in talk show. Hosted by Chris T. and on the air since 1989, the show features topical conversation, interviews and many trips down the rabbit hole. Until further notice, Aerial View is only available as a podcast, available every Tuesday morning. Subscribe to the newsletter “See You Next Tuesday!” and find tons of archives at aerialview.me. (Visit homepage.)

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September 16, 2014: Beat Your Children Well

You may have heard: Minnesota Vikings player Adrian Peterson has been indicted on child abuse charges. He's released a statement and here are some excerpts:

I never imagined being in a position where the world is judging my parenting skills or calling me a child abuser because of the discipline I administered to my son. I know that many people disagree with the way I disciplined my child. I also understand after meeting with a psychologist that there are other alternative ways of disciplining a child that may be more appropriate. But deep in my heart I have always believed I could have been of those kids that was lost in the streets without the discipline instilled in me by me parents and other relatives. I have always believed that the way my parents disciplined me has a great deal to do with the success I have enjoyed as a man.

There have been two responses to this story: "That's how we do it in the South" and "My parents hit me and I turned out fine." First, tradition is a terrible reason to continue doing something when evidence shows it doesn't work. Second: No, you didn't turn out fine. You turned out to be someone who hits your kids. I've written in this about the beatings my parents administered as part of their "discipline". Kids who get hit by their mother, father and other adults in a position of authority come to distrust those adults. The trauma these abused children suffer leaves lasting scars, psychological and sometimes physical. I learned to fear my parents but I never came to love them.

Tonight, we'll be discussing the subject in depth. Do you hit your kids? Were you hit as a kid? Did you "break the chain"? Did you "turn out fine"?

Call 201-209-WFMU tonight and let's explore this difficult issue.

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