Yes, it is. If you take your point to the extreme that its OK to use whatever means are at your disposal to achieve the desired outcome. This is a perfect analogy for facism.MLAM said:..you are holding on too tight. The woman isn't your ex-wife, and apparently her (presumed) husband and the kids father (refer to "parentS" comment again for reference) was ok with it enough to let it happen. I dont' think it is analogous to "cleansing the city" in any shape, form, or manner...
Twisting the kid's arm behind her back and putting her on display, so eventually she will withdraw from her own self. Holding her hostage until she says whatever the adults want to hear from her for fear of further extreme reprisal. These are not always a happy ending for all parties.
Having the best intentions is not a carte blanche for using any means at your disposal. Changing a teenage kids habits can be challenging and frustrating and a lot of work. This mom took a short cut right through her kids spirit and confidence. I hope she enjoys the victory and the applause she gets from her fan base of other successful breeders who self-proclaim themselves to be parents.
What is this mom going to do when the kid fails again? Put her in leather gear and parade her in the red light disctrict? Send her to Jenny Jones boot camp? Put her kids picture in the paper with the caption "don't let this happen to you"? Not too many options for a demonstrative bully of a zealot disguised as a parent. She may have to do actual parenting for a change.
That mother can be damned grateful she isnt my ex wife. In fact, I've had CAS apply for a protection application for my children for much less. My story is a common one, but instead of backing down and making excuses I did the work and saw my kids through their worst years. They are older now, defiant enough to question authority when they need to and respectful enough to follow it when they don't. Neither of them has ever been in serious trouble or disappointed me with their efforts in school.
And not to say that it would happen but if I ran out of ideas for parenting my kid, I think the first thing I might resort to is a parenting skills class, or a support group. Perhaps even psychological analysis to get to the root of a problem. The last thing I would do is stand her on a street corner and disgrace her and call it a day.
I'm sure deep down, where nobody else can see it, this mom has a caring and nurturing side to her. Too bad she is getting positive attention from people easily swayed by this stupid tactic.
Myself, I mind my own business with friends who are irresponsible with money (even mine). I ignore the occasional fit of bad manners among other adults. People are human and make mistakes and its human to be tolerant. But I could never abide bad parenting.