What Happened to “Old School”?

Old School is actually defined as ”typical of an earlier style or form; based on a way of doing things that was common in the past; using or supporting traditional practices; adhering to traditional policies or practices <an old–school coach>; characteristic or evocative of an earlier or original style, manner, or form <old–school music> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school

Old school, variously spelled old skool, oldschool or oldskool, is a slang term referring to an older school of thinking or acting, and to old objects in general, within the context of newer, more modern times. Rather than carrying the negative connotation of obsolete or outdated, it may be used to refer to a time of perceived higher standards or level of craft. The term "old school" may be effectively equivalent to "They just don't make 'em like this anymore."  https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080131090251AATFkpR

As a nation, a community, a church, a family, and an individual, we appear to have lost our way. Particularly these past decades (2000 & 2010) which have shown increases in Bad Behavior; School Violence; & Social Erosion.

Growing up as a late Baby-Boomer (born in 1964), I recall a time in which things seemed more simple and happier.

Cases in Point:

#1 – Old School MUSIC

This reflects an era in time that “real music” was played. You were able to appreciate the artist’s true talent. Their abilities have transcended time & are still appreciated and relevant to 3, 4, even 5 generations of fans.

Several include: Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie, Patti LaBelle, and Smokey Robinson; to George Strait, Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, and Reba McIntyre to groups such as Earth, Wind, & Fire, Rolling Stones, and Frankie Beverly & Maze. They have an uncanny ability to allow their talent to remain true to themselves, yet relevant to the times. No need for technological acoustics or extreme profanity…just pure, expressive, memorable music.

#2 – Old School DISCIPLINE

The modern day philosophy of “time-out” was unheard of. Kids didn’t need Ritalin or other drugs to behave in school. I never heard the term“ADD.” There was the occasional “bad behavior” of fist fights, but this was looked upon so negatively, especially by your peers, that it did not happen very often. When a kid got in trouble at school, they got in trouble at home. Yes…we were disciplined…oftentimes by spanking from the hand, belt, fly-swatter…and who could forget the “switch?” These didn’t happen often, but when they did, they were effective and memorable.J Disrespecting your parents or any authority figure was unthinkable. We KNEW we had better be where we were supposed to be.“When the street lights come on” was the universal indicator to come home.

#3- Old School FUN

We played outside. We made mud pies, caught lightening bugs at night & June bugs during the day. We rode our bikes, played Tag & Hide-N-Go-Seek. We went to Drive-In movies. We mastered games such as Monopoly, Chess, Dominoes, or Spades. We sat out on the front porch, greeted and talked to our neighbors. We ate dinner together and watched one TV together…shows like Star Trek, Ponderosa, Leave It To Beaver, The Carol Burnett Show, I Love Lucy, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, Sanford & Son, or The Jeffersons.

#4 – Old School ETHICS

We did’t cheat each other. Your “word was your bond.” Profanity, Promiscuity, and Bad Behavior we negatively looked upon and reflected a “lack of class.” You did not want to bring “shame” on the family name. Example: “McGowens don’t do that.” You paused at a funeral procession. You said, "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Sir" and "Thank You."

#5 – Old School PATRIOTISM

Governmental bad behavior was shunned and punished. Politicians gave a strong appearance to “walk the talk.” The abuse of power was not obvious. Our elected officials were clearly focused on doing what was best for the people…not themselves. They understood “One Nation Under God.” All television stations signed off at midnight with the Star-Spangled Banner. We stated the Pledge of Allegiance every day and “prayed” in school. We all sang "God Bless America." We had the utmost respect for our veterans and those who serve in the military.

As we sigh, we remember the words of the theme song of the classic TV Show All in the Family sung by Archie & Edith Bunker, "Those were the Days." J

Although we like to believe that the generation we grew up in is superior and more innovative than any others, the Bible makes it quite clear that this is not the case.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NKJV) says, “That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.”

We all may be best served if we refrained from focusing on “Old School,” “New School,” or ”Baby-Boomers vs. Millennials,” and focus on GOD’s Way of Doing Things….