Jimmy Kimmel and Dr Phil weigh in on a barber in Atlanta who is offering a very creative solution for parents of kids who misbehave, he gives them an old man haircut. The barber, who appeared on several ‘news’ shows last week, gave his own son a “George Jefferson haircut” as punishment. You probably remember Weezie’s spouse George, with his bald forehead, and fringe of hair. It is also called the ‘Benjamin Button’ cut. The barber’s son went from a smart mouth youngster to a middle-age bald guy in less than 15 minutes. The effect is disconcerting to say the least. How the cut has effected the boy’s behavior has yet to be reported, but I’ll bet he’s happy to stay grounded until it grows out!
Some people are calling it emotional abuse, which can have many unwanted repercussions. It is head-turning to see a ten-year-old with a bald pate! I remember when long hair was a fashion and political statement, and the worst thing a parent could do was to shave their son’s head. Now that shaved heads are popular, as is hair in every color of the rainbow,
the balding look is the only embarrassing option parents who are bent on destroying their child’s ego and social life have left at their disposal.
What do you think… is this a good way to discipline, or is it emotional abuse?
For answers, Jimmy called in Dr. Phil, which may not have been the best idea for this particular issue. Phil believes that giving a boy “a great haircut” is not punishment, but a reward! Enter young Tommy. Dr Phil boosts young Jimmy’s self esteem immeasurably with a custom haircut and a mustache, I don’t know what this kid did to deserve being a Dr. Phil look-alike…I suspect the crime of show-biz ambition. “Thank you for the haircut Dr. Phil,” Tommy politely says without conviction. Phil uses a Texas-ism I’ve never heard to compliment young Tommy. “Why thank you Tommy, you’re as handsome as a beaver in a bow-tie.” Tommy run! If you pick up any more of those ‘Phil phrases’ with that haircut, you are destined to be an embittered, lonely man – by age twelve.