Agony aunt read and match:
BOY WHO WEARS HIS HAIR LONG TUSSLES WITH DAD WHO DOESN'T
DEAR ABBY: I am an almost-14-year-old boy in Iowa. My father thinks my hair is too long and says I should get a summer cut -- short like his, of course. The reason, according to my mom, is adults have said how bad my hair looks. I believe if they're going to be so rude as to say that to my mom, I should keep it long to keep them mad.
I get the feeling that my dad is afraid, as a physician, that it's hurting his reputation.
Abby, I'm a good kid. I get straight A's. I'm involved in many constructive activities, and my hair is just a little over my ears, almost touching my T-shirt collar in the back, and my bangs are brushed to the side. Who's right here? -- IRRITATED IN IOWA
DEAR IRRITATED: You appear to be intelligent and a high achiever. Please don't let a power struggle over the length of your hair ruin your summer. A compromise may be in order. Take a long, hard look in the mirror. If a number of people have said your hair looks "bad," perhaps it could be shaped -- a little -- into something less shaggy and more flattering. If you're afraid your dad's barber might scalp you, consider consulting your mother's hairdresser. Where I live, it's common to see males in beauty salons because their girlfriends, wives or mothers have sent them there.
1. Why does the father want the boy to get his haircut?
2. Does the boy have a good reason for wanting to keep his hair long?
3. Does the boy deserve to have his hair any style and length he wants?
4. Do the people in his town seem open-minded? Why do you have that impression?
5. Do you think Dear Abby’s advice is good? Why or why not?
6. If you think it isn’t good, what would advice may be better for the boy?
7. Would you offer any advice for anybody else involved in this situation?
Have students write a problem give to another student to write a response.
