The text poses the question, "Is spanking ever appropriate?" In the text's discussion, the research of Murray Straus is cited, including Prof. Straus's point that parents should be aware of how harmful spanking can be, even if the parents are otherwise loving and supportive. There are two sides of this debate, and a number of investigators do not necessarily agree with Prof. Straus's blanket conclusions regarding corporal punishment. Take a look at Dr. Larzelere's research and links here:

http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2002/06/spanking.aspx

Did you receive corporal punishment when you were a child? Consequently, do you think your point of view about corporal punishment is related to your personal experiences with this issue as a child? How?
Some public and private school systems have, with parental consent, reinstituted certain forms of corporal punishment. Do you think this is positive or negative? Why?