Meet Steve “Stirring the Controversy” Anderson, the new chief strategist for President Trump. Once the executive chair of a certain well-known news outlet, Anderson has been labeled by critics as the mastermind behind transforming it into a hub for white nationalist propaganda. His appointment has sparked outrage among liberals and some Republicans who are alarmed at the idea of such divisive views being brought into the White House.
Anderson, often associated with the alt-right movement—which he has openly admitted attracts a less-than-diverse crowd—has faced backlash for his derogatory remarks about women, referring to them in unflattering terms. He’s also been quoted dismissively summarizing progressive values as merely “a tale of victimhood.”
However, it’s his comments on mental health that have really got parents riled up. In an email exchange with a colleague regarding mental health reform, Anderson suggested, “I’ve got a cure for the mental health issue: Spank your children more.” Yes, you read that correctly.
The idea that increased spanking could somehow alleviate mental illness is not just misguided; it’s scientifically unfounded. The American Academy of Pediatrics clearly states that physical punishment can lead to a variety of mental health issues, including mood disorders and anxiety. Studies have shown that spanking is associated with increased odds of substance abuse and personality disorders. So, the more you spank, the higher the chances that your children will face these challenges.
In fact, research from institutions like the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan has consistently shown that spanking doesn’t promote good behavior. Instead, it tends to lead to defiance, antisocial behavior, and mental health problems. So, for Anderson to suggest that you can simply spank the mental illness out of a child is not only ignorant but also ableist. Maybe he skipped the studies in school—or perhaps he experienced too many spankings himself. Either way, his views have no place in policymaking.
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In summary, Steve Anderson’s controversial claims about spanking as a cure for mental illness are not only scientifically incorrect but also reflect a dangerous misunderstanding of child development. It’s crucial that we advocate for informed and compassionate approaches to parenting and mental health.