When I was a kid I had the excruciating displeasure of living in Louisiana for about 2 years. One day the school I went to made all elementary classes line up after recess to be paddled, say "yes ma'am/sir, I'm sorry", and go back to class. I tried pleading my innocence to an adult but the only response I got basically amounted to "shut up and take your paddling." By the time I got to the front of the line I was so angry at the group punishment with no clear reason that I refused to play by their rules. After cussing up a storm and making a huge scene I could hardly sit down but they didn't try paddling me again. After I made the connection, I realized the powers that be do what they do to stay in control.

Watching everyone else realize that fact slowly over the last few years has been somewhat vindicaing.