LETTER: Unearthing the roots of society's violence
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Philip Cook
Sir: The findings of the Commission on Children and Violence defy common sense ("Experts urge ban on smacking children", 9 November).
Since the Second World War, violence in society has grown significantly worse. During this time, the guns controls have increased from relaxed to very strict. Boxing has become increasingly less acceptable. Teachers no longer use the cane and fewer parents smack their children. So it would seem that further restrictions on the above would be useless.
The reason for the increased violence is the decline in civilising influences on children: religion, education and respect.
In Switzerland, the story is different. Nearly every child is taught to shoot - it is seen for the non-aggressive, non-contact sport it is, and teaches children responsibility. Crime is very rare, as they preserved the social controls we so sadly let slip.
Yours faithfully,
Philip Cook
Thornton Heath,
Surrey
10 November
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments