To condemn Adrian Peterson without considering racial context ...

[heaven05]

98. very well written article

with good analysis of the "racial divide" in historical and modern parenting. A modern view of discipline in the black and white parenting world is appreciated for it's relevant scrutiny of modern versus historical necessity of discipline in the raising of a black child versus white child. Change is necessary in both forms of discipline used in parenting the children of different races in america, yet the articles last 5 paragraphs/reflections/analysis says it all, to me. White children outside of the abusive family have a natural inclination to believe all is possible and their parents encourage that thinking. Black children today can be told this very same thing but with reservations attached relevant to racial reality in america. Just a fact of american life. Changes do have to be made, but with an eye on the racial reality of living in a nation that does not value black life as they would a "Columbus".

Article is saved for reference.

It is a very complicated world/nation we live in and until all life in this country is respected in an equal manner and, culturally, all people are finally able to let go of their more violent and racist tendencies toward black people and black parents are able to let go of their fear for their children because of those racist, violent white tendencies to hate blacks, the necessities of racial life in america will continue to dictate the parenting norms of all parents on both sides of the "racial divide". And I add, that these types of 'abuse' will continue in black culture and not without necessity.

Finally, I noticed how people, a lot of whites I presume, jumped all over this football player. Yes his 'spanking' was over the line, no doubt. That 4 year old did not deserve that type of violence. Yet the historical precedent is there. I faced it as a child, extension cords and all. If that footballer was displacing his anger/frustration/relationship problems on this child then it was straight up abuse. If that footballer was passing on his inculcated historical understanding of parenting in a racist nation, then that is saying something about the evil of this nation's racism causing this type of 'discipline.

I lay the whole complicated issue of black parenting discipline/abuse on the doorstep of racist white america. Just my take.