Panthera Tigris said:Don't know where you read that in my comments MD.
Shock horror, yes I was smacked as a child. Not excessively, but the threat was there for the most abhorrent behaviour. Despite misguided wisdom, it didn't turn me into a violent person. Quite the opposite actually. Pretty much I was taught to mind my own business, leave people be, keep my hands to myself. But if you didn't abide by the principals of leaving people be and keeping your hands to yourself, you knew full well any physical retribution coming your way was absolutely deserved. Particularly in the instance of picking on people less powerful (both physically and socially) than oneself (men abusing women being a prime example).
As a result, I have never started a fight, have never EVER so much as thought of raising a hand to, or inappropriately touching or talking to women etc. But yes, it's no surprise I absolutely did get caught retaliating to bullies at school on numerous occasions, despite knowing full well the person retaliating will get caught more often than not. Teachers weren't that stupid though. They know who the pricks are.
So you condone the threat of physical violence, as long as the perpetrator deserves it. (according to your behaviour scale).
I imagine many men and women feel similarly justified in using violent intimidation to control their partners/children for behaviour they deem inappropriate (according to their behaviour scale) - such as a partner talking to another man, a child crying excessively.....and the smacks start as a little tap but easily progress to someone stronger and more sinister.
Personally, I find anyone using the threat of physical intimidation abhorrent.