There is a balance between extremes, BS. You can spank without "beating the crap" out of a child. You can scold without using words that are abusive. The point of discipline is teaching a child not to repeat a behavior. Punishment should fit the crime.
An example - if my 11 year old son leave his dirty laundry on the floor repeatedly, he has to do all the laundry for a week. That's discipline - and teaching a skill at the same time.
No spanking or scolding involved. He's more responsible and has laundry skills, too.