How do you feel about Jordan's use of a belt to discipline her children?

"It's difficult to justify the use of belt now but under the context and upbringing of the times, I can understand it. Ruth went through a baptism of fire simply to survive. Ruth felt using the belt toughened her kids for a harsh world. She needed strict obedience if she was to guide her children to a better life. Looking back on my rather comfortable childhood, who am I to argue with her?"