Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson’s arrest on child abuse charges has sparked a huge debate about corporal punishment, one that exposes deep cultural rifts. I have to admit I’ve been surprised — no, shocked — at those who’ve jumped to the 217-pound football player’s defense.

Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity said on his show this week, “I don’t want to see this guy get a felony. I don’t want to see this guy lose his job. … He deserves parenting classes.” Hannity followed up his defense by taking off his belt and slapping the desk to show how he was beaten as a child, and also described being punched in the face by his dad. “I deserved it,” he said.