I always say I am an “old school” type. Many people got it wrong and think that it means “old fashion”. NOPE … “old school” is NOT “old fashion”.
So, what is “old school”? OK, let me tell you from my point of view. “Old school” people like me have a preference for things from our era. The presence of the word “old” doesn’t mean we are outdated or obsolete. Though we may prefer some values and ideas that are from our generation, we did not stay behind … our mind set move along as we progress.
For example, I grew up with Madonna, Tina Turner and Shaun Cassidy … that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to appreciate Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”, Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold” and Justin Bieber’s “That Should Be Me”. I keep Pink Floyd, Queen and Deep Purple CDs in my car but I also love songs of Linkin Park, Jonas Brothers and Tokio Hotel on the radio.
We use the convenience of modern communication tools like Skype, Facebook, SMS and emails but we never let these modern necessities replace the true social quality of friends meeting up, gathering and getting together. “Old school” people like me still very much hold on to the essence togetherness.
Amidst the mushrooming modern cafes, the likes of Papparich, Old Town Kopitiam and other copycat outlets, we still prefer good old coffee shops that offer an aromatic cup of Kopi O” (black coffee) and the great taste of “roti bakar kaya” (toasted bread with coconut jam). But nevertheless we don’t mind a regular latte and butter croissant at Starbucks every now and then.
We may display the popular high fives, fist bumps and trendy gestures but we still uphold the importance and significance of a handshake … a simple gesture that is as good as a contract … an “old school” gesture that carries the virtues of trust, honesty and loyalty.
Put it this way … an “old school” person like me grasp the best of both worlds. On the one hand I still hold on to the values that cast out the basis of what I am today … on the other, I embrace the practicality and necessity of new ideas and new things as I move on in life. Like I said earlier … “old school” doesn’t mean that I am “old fashion”.
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