Old School Values
These days when situations happen, you’ll hear a certain response from people of a particular age. The response is “I’m old school”. Let’s delve into old school and just what this phrase implies and the emotion it evokes. Merriam-Webster defines the phrase “old school” as pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time. Some synonyms for old school are: forgotten, outdated, ageless, bygone, and retrograde. Following are some “old school” traditions viewed from a nostalgic perspective:
- People dressed neatly at all times dressed up and did not dress down for church.
- When an argument transpired, someone might get beat up really bad but not shot.
- Clothes were reasonably priced and young people didn’t need to buy two- or three-hundred-dollar sneakers to feel a sense of self-worth.
- Men respected women and would never degrade them in a song.
- Everyone in the community looked out for one another.
- Elders were respected.
- When a young man dated a young woman, they showed up at the parent’s home neatly dressed not in droopy pants showing their underwear.
- Twerking or “nasty dancing” was not done in public.
- People took pride in their appearance/People took pride in their community.
- Teaching was a highly respected profession.
- People worked hard and did not complain or feel a sense of grievance.
- There were many African American employed as brick masons, carpenters, plumbers, and other blue-collar professions.
- Mock drills were done for bad weather, not mass shootings.
- Healthy lunches were served in schools.
- A wide array of books were read by anyone.
- Neighbors interacted with and communicated with each other.
- There was no such thing as “road rage”/People drove the speed limit and motorists followed the laws.
- Schools were a safe haven.
We by no means can turn back the hands of time. However, wouldn’t it be great if some of the old traditions could be brought back? Things such as hard work, compassion for others, caring about neighbors and the neighborhood, tolerance, and patience are just some examples. The common thread that should bind us all is doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. We all need to take time to revamp our mindset and work towards the common good which is living and thriving in a community where neighbors treat each other with dignity and respect. Thumbs up, like, and share.
Marvin Dixon, Founder
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