Unfair Punishment Letter

Maria Sitson
Mrs. Tufano
AP Language / Per 3
September 26, 2009
Dear Mom and Dad,

As I sit here, uncomfortably smothered by the four walls of my bedroom, I have come

to the conclusion that the punishment you have given me is completely unjust. You feel that my

taunting of my baby brother, James, has gotten out of hand and that I must be disciplined for my

cruel behavior. You feel that I, being an older sister must take time to better my actions in order

to set a proper example for him. You feel that I must isolate myself from my friends for an entire

month to practice compassion towards him. James and I tease each other endlessly and I never

intend to truly hurt his feelings. Not once have you warned me of the consequences of my

harmless teasing, and yet the moment, poor, nine year old, James, cries a few false tears, you

decide to ground me? Is my unreasonable punishment truly for my well being of for his benefit?

While it is true that I taunt James, you must not forget that he acts the same way towards

me. My teasing is minor compared to his and involves silly things like criticizing his ridiculous

outfits or telling his friends adorable stories of his childhood. I do not find this cruel at all! I do

not deserve to be scolded when it is he who has the audacity to say things such as, “Mom doesn’t

love you!” His remarks are meant to be more hurtful, so the things that I say cannot possibly

measure up to his cruelty. James is simply easily offended by absurd and insignificant insults.

I cannot deny that I have responsibilities as James’ older sister. However, I am my own

person as well, with a personality that at times inevitably clashes with his. Although we share the

same blood, we are different. I am a carefree monkey while he is an inactive koala. It is in my

nature to retaliate and it is in his nature to get offended easily. I could attempt to set an example

and display proper behavior for him but I whole heartedly believe that he will never want to

follow into my footsteps. I am only his sister and I cannot be held responsible for his every

thought or action.
 You claim that I am not mindful of his feelings and that I should be more compassionate. I

understand that James is the baby of the family but spoiling him will prevent him from becoming

self dependent. Nevertheless, I feel that the both of you dote on him when he is old enough to

know and experience the cost of his actions. He must receive a punishment for every altercation

we get into. You cannot give into his every want because he pouts and cries. I refuse to be kind

to him as long as I am punished for the both of us. How can you expect me to show him

compassion when you already shower him with your love and attention?

250 years ago, Adam Smith said “Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent” You feel that

you must ground me, in order to serve James justice and make him happy. This quote cannot

possibly apply to us though because James is just as guilty or just as innocent I am. Punishing me

is not serving either of us justice. He teases me as much as much as I tease him. I cannot control

his behavior. I cannot show him kindness when you continue to give into his desires, not

acknowledging how it affects me at all. So I am asking you as the daughter who makes the honor

roll every year quarter in the school year, to please reconsider this unreasonable punishment.