Parenting Quote by Josip Novakovich
““MY FATHER TRIED IT. In Daruvar, Croatia, he bought a piano, sat my oldest brother at it, and hired a teacher. Whenever Vlado made a mistake, the teacher caned his fingers. After a few such lessons, Vlado skipped one; the teacher complained and wanted his money. Vlado said he was beaten; the teacher denied it. Father believed the teacher, and beat Vlado for maligning such a gentleman. After that, Vlado made sure not to play the piano again. Father attempted to persuade him a few times with the belt and a stick, which only confirmed Vlado’s impression of the piano as the black instrument of torture.””
About This Quote
A harrowing account of a father's misguided discipline that turns a cultural pursuit into a source of trauma and fear.
In simple terms: Abuse corrupts artistic expression
Violence can scar cultural heritage
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parent‑child conflict
- musical education
- intergenerational trauma
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- advocacy for safe teaching
- psychological counseling
Questions to Reflect On
- How does violence reshape perception of art?
- What safeguards protect children in cultural learning?