There is that nasty passive-agressive emotional... more coercion than abuse, I would say.
Like, the first time Stephen said he was going out for the school play, everyone stopped eating. Looked at his father, who pushed his food around for a little while more before clearing his throat and asking "Don't you think that's a little faggy, son?" in a tone that made it very, very clear that Stephen was supposed to agree and recant.
Mom did the same "you'd better not be a homo because things will end very badly for yo if you are" kind of sudden iciness when Lulu wondered if it would maybe be fun to take Auto next year.
AND COPYPASTA FROM ANOTHER COMMENT:
I don't think it's that hitting is a calculated, intentional punishment so much as it is like. Surprise! Rage! Looks like you found out what was lurking beneath Daddy's austere-but-placid exterior, Stevie!
(SERIOUSLY PTAH WE'VE DEGENERATED INTO THROWING HEARTS AT EACH OTHER AND TALKING ABOUT PLUSH WHALES THIS IS RIDICULOUS)
Re: ARE WE HUMAN? OR ARE WE DANCER?
Like, the first time Stephen said he was going out for the school play, everyone stopped eating. Looked at his father, who pushed his food around for a little while more before clearing his throat and asking "Don't you think that's a little faggy, son?" in a tone that made it very, very clear that Stephen was supposed to agree and recant.
Mom did the same "you'd better not be a homo because things will end very badly for yo if you are" kind of sudden iciness when Lulu wondered if it would maybe be fun to take Auto next year.
AND COPYPASTA FROM ANOTHER COMMENT:
I don't think it's that hitting is a calculated, intentional punishment so much as it is like. Surprise! Rage! Looks like you found out what was lurking beneath Daddy's austere-but-placid exterior, Stevie!
(SERIOUSLY PTAH WE'VE DEGENERATED INTO THROWING HEARTS AT EACH OTHER AND TALKING ABOUT PLUSH WHALES THIS IS RIDICULOUS)