What conflict exists between Squeaky and her mother?

Squeaky tells readers specifically what her mother doesn't like about her. A major area of conflict is that Squeaky is serious about her running. She's so serious that she practices form and strength exercises every chance that she has. Her mother thinks it's embarrassing.

I’ll high-prance down 34th Street like a rodeo pony to keep my knees strong even if it does get my mother uptight so that she walks ahead like she’s not with me, don’t know me, is all by herself on a shopping trip, and I am somebody else’s crazy child.

The previous example actually highlights the root of the conflict that exists between Squeaky and her mother. Squeaky is a tomboy. She likes running and competition. Additionally, she's aggressive and not a person likely to back down from a confrontation. She's not a "girly girl," and that is what her mother would like Squeaky to be. Squeaky's mother would love for her daughter to wear a pretty dress and participate in the "May Pole" dance. Squeaky, on the other hand, wants absolutely nothing to do with something so feminine. She thinks that kind of thing is just ridiculous.

The biggest thing on the program is the May Pole dancing, which I can do without, thank you, even if my mother thinks it’s a shame I don’t take part and act like a girl for a change. You’d think my mother’d be grateful not to have to make me a white organdy dress with a big satin sash and buy me new white baby-doll shoes that can’t be taken out of the box till the big day. You’d think she’d be glad her daughter ain’t out there prancing around a May Pole getting the new clothes all dirty and sweaty and trying to act like a fairy or a flower or whatever you’re supposed to be when you should be trying to be yourself, whatever that is, which is, as far as I am concerned, a poor black girl who really can’t afford to buy shoes and a new dress you only wear once a lifetime cause it won’t fit next year.