The beatings will continue until morale improves
"The beatings will continue until morale improves" is a famous quotation of unknown origin. It literally denotes how morale, such as within a military unit or other hierarchical environment, will be improved through the use of punishment. More importantly, the phrase is used sarcastically to indicate the counterproductive nature of such punishment or excessive control over subordinates such as staff in the workplace or children living at home.
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[edit] Origin
The most commonly cited story for the origin of the phrase comes from the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II.[1][2] Supposedly, the phrase was first used by a commander of the Japanese Submarine Force.[3] The quotation was not meant to be taken literally but instead was facetious.[4] Another story relates to a case in Canada over a military officer fired for political reasons in which he uttered a similar quotation.[5]
[edit] Modern usage
The phrase is used commonly on t-shirts and bumper stickers.[6] Both ThinkGeek and Buy.com sell merchandise adorned with the famous quotation.[7][8] The phrase has made appearances on The Simpsons as well as Life in Hell, both projects of Matt Groening.[1] The phrase also appears in the lyrics of the KMFDM song 'Free Your Hate', and the Winds of Plague song 'Unbreakable' and is used as a song title on the album Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them? by Murder by Death. The quote can also be found in the lyrics of 'Remorse is for the Dead' by Lamb of God.
Professional wrestler Sgt. Craig Pittman used this phrase frequently during his time in World Championship Wrestling.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b MetaFilter:Query
- ^ Military Leadership Link
- ^ Armedforces.co.uk: This has also been related to stories of Blackbeard. The Management of Defense, found under Useful Quotations. Link
- ^ History of the phrase Link
- ^ 1967 Winnipeg Free Press (Mar. 30) "Reinstate Admiral, Dief Urges" p. 12: Mr. Diefenbaker said senior retired officers who testified before the Commons defence committee all warned that unification will be detrimental to the morale and effectiveness of the armed forces. "In the last few weeks, HMCS Saguenay in its daily orders, and I have them here, has stated that leave will end 'until morale improves.'"
- ^ funtocollect.com [1]
- ^ ThinkGeek merchandise Link
- ^ Buy.com merchandise Link
