The Problem With “Old School”

Don’t ask him. He’s so “old school”.

She doesn’t get it. She’s “old school.”

Being “old school” has nothing to do with being liberal or conservative, the amount of education, or type of personality.

It’s a negative label someone gives to someone else, with the sole purpose of establishing segregation.

It’s the same as calling someone stupid, ugly, pathetic, freak, or loser.

It separates, isolates, and denigrates.

[Note: if you refer to yourself as “old school” you are equally promoting segregation.]

So why do people use it?

The term “old school” is used to define “us” versus “them”.

It’s used to suggest “We’re hip. We get it. We’re the future”; and “They’re history. They don’t get it. Their time has past.”

A better way to look at it is: They don’t share our values. And that’s fine.

Maybe they value tradition, uniformity, carefulness, and modesty – while you value contemporary, diversity, fluency, and being demonstrative.

Does that make them bad – or less than you? No. It just means what they value, or their priority of values, is different.

Here’s a surprising truth.

I have found that many of the people who have been labeled “old school” possess some of the most creative and forward-thinking ideas. But the “others” don’t want to hear them.

Imagine what would happen if instead of labeling someone “old school” – and ignoring them – we listened to their ideas; asked thoughtful questions; and understood what really matters to them – and why.

Each of us can be defined by our own set of differentiating values. Learning how to work together is what makes for a healthy society.

 

What are some ways you might engage those you feel are “old school”?