Neither my mom nor my dad ever bought me any comic books. Certainly not for Christmas. I suspect that doing so would have violated the Parents' Code.

The quote by Michael Dirda reflects his childhood experience of not receiving comic books as gifts, particularly from his parents. Dirda humorously suggests that had his parents bought him comic books, especially for Christmas, it would have violated the Parents' Code—a set of unwritten rules about what is deemed acceptable or appropriate for children. This line reveals the generational and cultural attitudes toward certain types of entertainment and how some forms of media, like comic books, were often viewed as frivolous or unsuitable for children, especially in the context of traditional values in parenting.

Dirda’s comment touches on the tension between cultural norms and personal interests. In his case, the desire for comic books was likely seen as less refined or too nontraditional by his parents, who may have prioritized more "educational" or serious gifts. The idea of the Parents' Code reflects a broader concept of how parents often make decisions based on their perceptions of what is best for their children, sometimes without fully understanding or supporting their children's personal desires or interests.

The origin of this quote comes from Dirda’s reflections on his upbringing and his later career as a book critic and literary journalist. As someone who has written extensively about literature and the cultural significance of reading, Dirda’s words offer insight into his personal experience with literature and how it shaped his views on what constitutes valuable reading material. His lighthearted remark about comic books reveals his deeper thoughts about how reading material, even comic books, has evolved in its cultural perception over time.

Ultimately, Dirda’s quote highlights the changing attitudes toward reading and entertainment across generations. What was once considered inappropriate or frivolous—like comic books—has since been re-evaluated, and many now see them as important aspects of literary culture. Dirda’s reflection humorously captures the generational shift in how literary tastes and entertainment choices are viewed by parents and children alike.