“I know I would think twice if I had to face restrictive consequences when I did something wrong again and again. We should really do something like that.”
Jerusalem, November 4 – A local gradeschooler who has lost privileges again and again for violating specific household rules asked his parents today whether the government has considered revoking allowance, dessert, or play dates as a way to dissuade Hamas and its ilk from engaging in terrorism or incitement to violence, since such punitive measures have proven effective with him.
Udi Weissman, 10, currently not receiving a treat this Wednesday for the third week in a row because of a refusal to heed parental instructions, wondered aloud this morning why the Israeli government has not revoked Palestinian treats, sent the Palestinians to bed without dessert, or threatened to remove other privileges Palestinians enjoy as part of an otherwise normal routine, as a strategy to deter Palestinian attacks or unrest.
“They should just ground them,” suggested the fifth grader. “That’s what you do when someone misbehaves so they won’t misbehave again.”
In the last three weeks alone Udi has experienced revocation of his library visits, playdates, junk food snacks, screen time, and weekend desserts, as well as been sent to bed early for numerous refusals to stop various unpleasant or dangerous activities: hurting siblings; not picking up the mess all over his bedroom floor, or other messes for which he was responsible; throwing things; yelling; encouraging younger siblings not to behave; lying; talking back; repeatedly getting out of his seat at mealtimes; skipping toothbrushing; not showering; showering too long so no hot water remains for others; taking others’ possessions without permission; leaving home without permission; sneaking forbidden snacks; provoking arguments; and fighting. The boy has shown no indication that these punitive measures will prevent him from engaging in identical behaviors, though the imposition of said measures provokes his intense objection, giving the misleading suggestion that such unpleasant consequences to his choices might prompt him to behave otherwise next time.
“Look at how upset they get when Israel does impose restrictions,” he argued, referring to the weapons blockade of the Gaza Strip and other security measures necessary to protect Israelis from attack, and to the vociferous protests Palestinians and their allies raise against those measures. “They must really hate those restrictions and want to avoid them at any cost. I know I would think twice if I had to face restrictive consequences when I did something wrong again and again. We should really do something like that.”
“The thing is Palestinians never accept responsibility for their actions,” he admitted. “It’s hard to change someone’s behavior when they always blame others for their poor decisions. Like my stupid little brother who thinks it’s funny to make faces at me, all but forcing me to kick him, causing me to get punished. Jerk.”
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