Reading Classes: On Culture and Classism in America

by Barbara Jensen

the most common questions directed at small children were “question statements” that required no verbal response from the child, for example, “Momma’s got to get some softer bed sheets, don’t she? Bobby’s getting a rash.” These comments are said to the child but are actually directed at other adults such as Dad or Grandma to let them know that mother needs some help. Accusation questions, “Now what are you doing there!” call for only one answer on the part of the child: “I’m sorry.” As Roadville children grew there were innumerable occasions where parents ask “question-directives” such as: “What do you say?” (“Thank you”); “Can you say, ‘Come again?’” Often, all that was needed was a particular look from parent to child to prompt the right response. When this failed, parents asked, “Don’t you have anything to say?”