Yeah I would have walked out. Or said my peace then walked out. That's infuriating. I like to think most societies are getting closer to banning physically punishing children. America though? Idk, we have a severe ego problem, and a severe regressivism problem. I kinda doubt america will ever adopt a federal "dont physically punish those you care for, which includes children" law. Because for some reason right now we have a "dont physically punish those you care for, excepting children" law, which just seems backward.
I also consider religion and childhood religious indoctrination child abuse. I'm not sure that one will ever get a serious conversation or traction, but I know how it affected me. Having every adult lie/suspend critical thinking for the purpose of manipulating children and making them follow their agenda, which is explicitly not based on science, the observable, or critical thinking. They taught me using solid rules and reasoning, and explained why and how they reached those conclusions (like good parents and teachers should) for everything, except one topic: religion. This was not based on science, the observeable, or critical thinking. That distinction was never explained and disseminated in a fair way. They took advantage of a position of trust to suspend their critical thinking in order to scare me into their ideal behavior. They took advantage of the trust they earned through teaching me correct rules to leverage that for a 'greater Good'. They used fear, intimidation, and peer pressure to organize me into a group that is ok with, and pushes, hatred. Every day, for essentially 18 years.
My upbringing was good, and my mom had no ill intent, but I 100% feel its irresponsible and not at all harmless.
I think ultimately trying to maintain a consistent world view is important. Telling a kid to not take advantage of, or to not hit people, or that violence is wrong, goes against spanking 100%. Telling kids that education, logic, math and science are important, while simultaneously suspending them while you attempt to poison a young childs mind with things you could never support with logic, math, and science, goes against responsible education 100%.
Doing things with known, long lasting negative consequences in the name of teaching a lesson or or in the attempt of soliciting "correct" behavior is not good.
Sorry for the only half on topic rant.
I love the "I turned out fine argument." I'm pretty sure Hitler thought he turned out fine as well. Do you people who think hitting kids is fine alright with prison guards beating inmates? Should hitting adults be an acceptable way to deal with other adults?
And like, there are people who have survived shark attacks and turned out fine, but I dont use that as justification for tossing young kids in shark infested waters.
When I point out that in some circles it is more acceptable to beat a kid than a dog, I'm alway perplexed by the "My kid is smarter than a dog" defense. Like people really think that makes it better somehow.
So do you respond "and you're smarter than a child. Sooo...." *BAM* right in the kisser.
