I'm sorry, but all of these comments condemning the only adult who has ever shown any kindness or respect for this kid are annoying. Didn't anyone notice that the reason he slapped him was because he was putting himself down so severely? It was a way to shock the kid into realizing what he was saying about himself. I don't condone abuse, but in my honest opinion this was far from the abuse that everyone seems to think it is. He was concerned for the kid and defending his right to have a little self-respect. It was obvious to me. I'm sorry if everyone else saw it differently than I did.
I'm sorry, but all of these comments condemning the only adult who has ever shown any kindness or respect for this kid are annoying. Didn't anyone notice that the reason he slapped him was because he was putting himself down so severely? It was a way to shock the kid into realizing what he was saying about himself. I don't condone abuse, but in my honest opinion this was far from the abuse that everyone seems to think it is. He was concerned for the kid and defending his right to have a little self-respect. It was obvious to me. I'm sorry if everyone else saw it differently than I did.