Adrian Peterson and the Corporal Punishment Debate.

               It was been a rough few weeks for the NFL, perhaps the roughest any sport has ever faced.  It got even worse this weekend been reports surfaced that Adrian Peterson, the star Minnesota Vikings running back, was arrested and charged with child abuse.

               Adrian is no average player.  Arguably the best player in the league, he has set the all time record for rushing yards in a game and came within one yard of setting the all time rushing record for one season.  This is relevant because it is very obvious that the NFL does not mind playing favorites.  He was deactivated on Sunday, but is scheduled to suit up this week.

               According to the police report and Peterson himself, he 4 year old son was whipped between 10-15 times with a "switch".  A "switch is a limp tree branch with extended branches ripped off.  Pictures show many bloody bruises on his body included his back, legs, and even his scrotum.  A large majority of people, even people that believe in corporal punishment, believe this situation was complete overkill.  However, it has sparked another national debate because a large number of people believe this is a legitimate way to teach and discipline children.

              I believe that this is a great example different ideologies and hegemony at play.  30 years ago getting "whoopings" was not out of the ordinary.  My parents didn't spank me much, but in extreme situations they did not hesitate.  They didn't hesitate because that is they way they were raised and the dominant ideology of the time said that was acceptable.  Location plays a part in this ideology as well.  Being from the south, it is and was much more acceptabl to use this kind of discipline.  However, just because it was the norm does not make it right.

              Many people coming to Peterson's defense say "that is just how it is in the south" or "that's how I was raised, everyone is just too soft now."  However, times have changed and as our society has evolved hegemonic powers have decided that this is mostly unacceptable.  Certain peoples ideology remains the same however, as shown by the Peterson case.