Mrs. Watson dislikes the new hairstyle because it appears ridiculous in her opinion, and the use of strong, corrosive chemicals may be harmful to her son, but the reasons for their disapproval go much deeper than the traditional battle between adults and teens that repeats itself over generations. The hairstyle is an attempt on the part of black kids to look less black, and Mrs. Watson Byron to be happy with "... daddy, and God gave you." Byron is always trying to gain the approval of his peers by being hip and engaging in questionable behavior; he is never happy with just being himself. His parents are upset because Byron got new hair in defiance of their wishes, and since it is only the latest in a string of poor choices Byron has made about his lifestyle.
