Are African American Child Rearing Practices a Direct Outcome of Slavery?

Apr 21, 2008 1 Comment by

publicityphoto3_thumb_thumb Are African American Child Rearing Practices a Direct Outcome of Slavery?
By Cheryl Lacey Donovan

We’ ve all heard it before, "I’d rather beat ‘em than let the police beat
em." Whippin’s are a part of the African American experience. Family
reunions, funerals, weddings; in just about any gathering of black people, it is commonplace to hear talk about the beatings that they received as  children. But, have you ever wondered how this practice became so prevalent in our culture?

Many would eloquently quote bible verses to explain the phenomenon, but others suggest that the idea of beating children into submission is rooted in a more sinister etiology; slavery. It is well documented that slaves were routinely beaten into submission by their slavemasters.

This was a tactic used whenever a slave disobeyed the orders that were given to them. It is safe to say that during these beatings there was no love lost between the master nor the slave. Beatings were all
about control.

Fast forward 200 years and these same measures are taken by African American parents to bring their children into what is perceived to be a more acceptable way of behaving. It is not uncommon to hear adults and children as well talk about being hit with extension cords, broom handles, and belt buckles. I wonder how much training these parents are doing with their children?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cheryl Lacey-Donovan, author
"Women What the Hell are You Thinking"
www.avirtuouswoman-31.org
www.virtuouswoman-31.blogspot.com
Listen to her radio show Worth More Than Rubies each Friday 11:00am-12:00pm CST on redchurchradio.com.

Family Life

About the author

Tyora Moody is an author, entrepreneur and the managing editor at Written Voices Blog. She is the author of WHEN RAIN FALLS and WHEN MEMORIES FADE (March 2013). Visit her online at tyoramoody.com

One Response to “Are African American Child Rearing Practices a Direct Outcome of Slavery?”

  1. Never been beaten says:
    November 24, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    I grew up with loving African American parents. They lived their entire life never hitting or berating me. I think I turned out pretty good. I know how to independently think and analyze before acting and without fear.

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