I haven't seen 1SBM say it isn't wrong to hit children, just that we should understand the historical context. The context can explain even if it doesn't excuse. And I think the history of racism in this country takes its part in the blame too. Without lynchings and terrorism of African Americans, this historical context wouldn't exist.
I've heard this before, and I have to admit that I do have a hard time with it. I'm sure the reason I have a hard time with it is because I'm white and this has never been my reality or my family's reality. I feel like, "It isn't the fault of the children. They shouldn't suffer because of this history." So I do get it. But at the same time I can see how it isn't the same for my family because we never had to be beaten into compliance for fear we'd otherwise be killed. However I'm still thinking it isn't the children's fault, and they shouldn't suffer because of this history. It's just tragic from so many angles.
And I see people saying that corporal punishment doesn't actually make people behave better, but OTOH I have known some people who had really abusive levels of punishment who did become meek and mild and did what they were told. I remember commenting on how well behaved a friend's nice and nephew always were. I felt sick when I learned why they were always so well behaved. Looking back, they were probably more scared than well behaved, and I'd complimented their parents for their behavior. I relive that way too often. 
I had no idea at all. I'm worried that my compliment made them feel more sure about their form of "discipline." I admit that I haven't seen them since they were around 8 to 10. I have no idea how they are now. Maybe they turned into hellions. But I know adults who are quiet and never raise a fuss who were abused as children. It might not work all the time, but real abuse can sometimes make kids grow to be very compliant.
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