Letter to the Baltimore Sun that we submitted February 19, 2002

Dear Editor:

Phil Perrier's op-ed on "JMart" in the Feb. 19, 2002 edition of the Sun couldn't have been more harmful to the thousands working to end domestic violence. We understand that Mr. Perrier was trying to show how the large corporate retailer he favors is a more down to earth place than are the tofu shops in Marin County. But making "jokes" about beating children--indeed, playfully urging that they be beaten harder--while mocking those who take steps to protect them from being beaten in public is close to inciting violence. It is hard to believe the Sun would have printed the same piece if it had humorously advocated assault and battery of a disadvantaged class of adults. We understand some feel corporal punishment is necessary or at least acceptable, but studies confirm that this kind of violence begets more violence. Children have no more reason to be treated like second class citizens than anyone else (even comedians whose idea of fresh, funny material is the observation that women love to shop for hours). In fact, Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, requires member nations to take measures to protect children from all forms of physical violence by their parents. Your op-ed piece violated the spirit of the Convention, as well as the dignity and rights of children everywhere.

Sandy Summers, RN, BSN

Jacquelyn Campbell, Ph.D., RN, Associate Dean, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing graduate students:

Keren Ben-Or, RN, MSN, NP

Gina Pistulka, RN, MSN, MPH

Jennifer Horner, RN, BSN

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