He gave me two really heavy whacks on each hand – and I was only seven when this happened so I absolutely dissolved into tears – and then asked me if I was new. When I said I was, he said that was enough. He had no idea what I’d done – in fact, really, I don’t think I’d done anything – I didn’t know about being out of bounds and I hadn’t sworn at anyone – or who I was. That’s how he operated. You got sent to him and had to say “Yellow” or “Red” or “Double Red” or “Triple Red” depending on what the teacher told you to say, and he belted you based entirely on that. Only boys could get the strap and there were a group of older girls who, seriously, seemed to love getting boys in trouble for no real reason.
Corporal Punisment Memories School26
