[marchenko]

I've seen an argument tangential to this advanced as an explanation for why spanking is more accepted in some minority groups: the consequences of not eradicating certain bad behaviours early (disrespecting authority, not following instructions, not working hard) can be particularly dire for certain demographic groups (e.g. black men, immigrants trying to gain a foothold) and parents need to use every tool in their arsenal to mold their child's adult impulses. Relying on time-outs or conditioning children to expect to be allowed to argue with authority is seen as the privilege of those who can be expected to be given the benefit of the doubt later.

I'm not convinced of the efficacy of spanking for this purpose, but I can understand the impulse described here (though I doubt that this impulse motivates most spankings, which seem to be carried out in anger).

[blub]

In that case, it might be smart for US parents to periodically stop their kids' toy car, search it for sweets and lunch money and confiscate them. This will create the appropriate expectations for their interactions with law enforcement.

Also to stop them when going from their room to the living room and subject them to an interrogation. If they don't pass, they get sent back. This would prepare them for international travel.

[justtopost]

I sure as hell had 'random bedroom sweeps' as a kid, and it just made me better at hiding contraband, and heightened my attraction to it, whatever it may be.