As one who suffered the "mystery tour" in Heath Road Secondary Modern during the early 50's,I feel I might throw in my twopennyworth here.
The cane hurt,not just physically,but mentally too.To be punished in front of the whole school,and not show fear,was a rare thing.I never saw a boy who did'nt flinch when that cane came swooshing down to his fingertips,nor did I ever see a boy walk away smirking.The one or two that tried to act macho were beaten even more severely.The consequence of this violence was fear,a fear of those in authority.The teachers had a job to do ,and to do it succesfully they needed order,we were not docile children,we were boisterous and rebellious.They had to impose their will upon the hard "men",the sawdust ceasars,the bullies,and by god they did too.
No one was exempt from their rules,we saw bullies reduced to whimpering,tearfilled cowards as they were beaten by those masters.Yes,they were called masters because we were made to understand that they ruled us.Pupils who wanted to learn could do so without having to defer to bullies,classrooms were places of learning instead of riotous assemblies.When the liberal freethinkers forced the ending of corporal punishment,they started society on a journey that has led to moral decay.
Children are taught about their rights,but not about their responsibilities.
"Rights" should be earned,not bestowed willy nilly.Children should be taught about civic responsibilities,respect for elders and obedience to those who are charged with their education.If we are to regain the moral high ground we must ensure that those who we entrust with our childrens education are given our support to bring about change in the future course of childrens lives.
Climate change is a hot subject at the moment,lets put moral change at the top of our agenda,if we do, I'm sure it will bear fruit.
Roger Rant alias BrianD