The beatings will continue until morale improves
Encyclopedia
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.
. Supposedly, the phrase was first used by a commander of the Japanese Submarine Force. The quotation was not meant to be taken literally but instead was facetious. Another story relates to a case in Canada
over a military officer fired for political reasons in which he uttered a similar quotation.
and Buy.com
sell merchandise adorned with the famous quotation. The phrase has made appearances on The Simpsons
as well as Life in Hell
, both projects of Matt Groening
. [NOTE: The reference provided to prove the use of this phrase in The Simpsons and Life in Hell does not actually provide any proof of such use. Accordingly, unless specific information can be provided as to where this phrase is used in those programs, this statement should be deleted from this article.]
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
.
Morale
Morale, also known as esprit de corps when discussing the morale of a group, is an intangible term used to describe the capacity of people to maintain belief in an institution or a goal, or even in oneself and others...
, such as within a military unit
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
or other hierarchical
Command hierarchy
A command hierarchy is a group of people committed to carrying out orders "from the top", that is, of authority. It is part of a power structure: usually seen as the most vulnerable and also the most powerful part of it.-Sociology:...
environment, will be improved through the use of punishment
Punishment
Punishment is the authoritative imposition of something negative or unpleasant on a person or animal in response to behavior deemed wrong by an individual or group....
. More importantly, the phrase is used sarcastically
Sarcasm
Sarcasm is “a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter jibe or taunt.” Though irony and understatement is usually the immediate context, most authorities distinguish sarcasm from irony; however, others argue that sarcasm may or often does involve irony or employs...
to indicate the counterproductive nature of such punishment or excessive control over subordinates such as staff in the workplace or children living at home.
Origin
The most commonly cited story for the origin of the phrase comes from the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Supposedly, the phrase was first used by a commander of the Japanese Submarine Force. The quotation was not meant to be taken literally but instead was facetious. Another story relates to a case in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
over a military officer fired for political reasons in which he uttered a similar quotation.
Modern usage
The phrase is used commonly on t-shirts and bumper stickers. Both ThinkGeekThinkGeek
ThinkGeek is an American online retailer that caters to computer enthusiasts and other "geeky" social groups. Their merchandise includes clothing, electronic and scientific gadgets, unusual computer peripherals, office toys, pet toys, child toys, and caffeinated drinks and candy...
and Buy.com
Buy.com
Buy.com, Incorporated is an online retailer based in Aliso Viejo, California.Buy.com began by selling computers and electronics in 1997 and has since expanded into many other categories...
sell merchandise adorned with the famous quotation. The phrase has made appearances on The Simpsons
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
as well as Life in Hell
Life in Hell
Life in Hell is a weekly comic strip by Matt Groening. The strip features anthropomorphic rabbits and a pair of gay lovers. Groening uses these characters to explore a wide range of topics about love, sex, work, and death...
, both projects of Matt Groening
Matt Groening
Matthew Abram "Matt" Groening is an American cartoonist, screenwriter, and producer. He is the creator of the comic strip Life in Hell as well as two successful television series, The Simpsons and Futurama....
. [NOTE: The reference provided to prove the use of this phrase in The Simpsons and Life in Hell does not actually provide any proof of such use. Accordingly, unless specific information can be provided as to where this phrase is used in those programs, this statement should be deleted from this article.]
The phrase also appears in the lyrics of the KMFDM
KMFDM
KMFDM is an industrial band led by German multi-instrumentalist Sascha Konietzko, who founded the group in 1984 as a performance art project...
song 'Free Your Hate', and the Winds of Plague
Winds of Plague
Winds of Plague is an American deathcore band from Upland, California, formed in 2002. They are best known as one of the only deathcore bands to incorporate symphonic elements into their music....
song 'Unbreakable' and is used as a song title on the album Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?
Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?
-External links:*...
by Murder by Death
Murder by Death (band)
Murder by Death is an American five-piece indie rock band from Bloomington, Indiana. Their name is derived from the 1976 Robert Moore film of the same name.- Early years :...
. The quote can also be found in the lyrics of 'Remorse is for the Dead' by Lamb of God
Lamb of God (band)
Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1994, the group consists of vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, bassist John Campbell, and drummer Chris Adler...
.
Professional wrestler
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
Sgt. Craig Pittman used this phrase frequently during his time in World Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling
World Championship Wrestling, Inc. was an American professional wrestling promotion which existed from 1988 to 2001. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, it began as a regional promotion affiliated with the National Wrestling Alliance , named Jim Crockett Promotions until November 1988, when Ted Turner and...
.