My wife and I don't believe in beating our kids even though we kid about it with them(saying, "who's getting a beating" is a joke in our house because by beating we mean tickles). However, that's not to say our kids don't get a crack across the butt every once in a while with our hand but it takes something major for that to happen. Hell, we don't even use corporal punishment on our dogs. Hell, I was raised by an iron fist and received plenty of whacks across my backside with a belt not to mention that my mom was one of those who believed whatever was at hand was usable to spank with(wooden spoons, shoes, Hot Wheel tracks, switches, etc). I did not end up emotionally scarred by this experience. That said, I don't see a major issue with corporal punishment as long as it isn't excessive. Beating a kid to the point of leaving marks to the extent on his groin is excessive to say the least.