In most cases, a child will adopt the values and beliefs that their parents believe. This could be religion, political views or even characteristics. However, it is also natural for this child to eventually think for himself and question the morals and values he has been brought up to believe. This rebellious stage in his life causes him to search for what he truly thinks about certain topics in the world. Most of the time, he finds his own thoughts and combines them with the beliefs he was taught as a child. In some cases like in "Everything That Rises Must Converge" by Flannery O"Conner, the child questions the parents" beliefs so much that his new beliefs are the exact opposite. This drastic view change can cause arguments between the parent and the child. In the case of Julian and his mother, the difference in beliefs is so extreme that both parties believe that they are right and the other person is wrong. Each side wants the other side to see how right their beliefs are so badly that they feel the need to shove their beliefs in to each others faces constantly.
Julian's mother was brought up to believe that Negroes are the lesser class. She lived on a plantation with her Grandfather who owned a few hundred slaves. The thought that Negroes are to be looked down upon is natural to her. This is the way that most people were brought up during her generation. She does not treat these people like dirt. She simply talks down to them and considers them not as well off as the white class. She naturally teaches these values to her son.
Even though Julian was taught that Negroes are the lesser class and should be looked down upon, he stands up against this thought and intentionally goes against it. He makes a point to talk to Negroes to such an extent that it is almost as if Julian believes that Negroes are the lesser class but does not want to be anything like his mother. Because of this he takes on the opposite position just to be different than her.
