Sunday November 1, 2009
Weird, but so dad
By TRECIA TAN
I WANNA make love right now, nana …
So what? I’m still a rock star …
Are these lyrics familiar to you? If they are, I’m not surprised. Chart-topping hits like Right Now (by Akon) and So What (Pink) can be heard everywhere, from the radio stations to clubs and MTV.
Personally, I think these songs are cool. But when I hear him singing them in the car, bobbing his head as if he were a true rock star, “cool” is the last word that comes to my simple mind.
You may ask, “What’s wrong? It’s a free country, right?”
Well, he is my dad. Do you know how embarrassing it is to have your father singing along to songs of your generation?
People say they want to crawl into a hole and hide from embarrassment. Me? I would have pretended not to know dad and just tell everyone that he was my driver. It’s way more realistic than finding a hole on the ground, right?
Some of you would call me cruel for saying that, but try to see things from my point of view. Let’s imagine me, a 16-year-old, singing to the Beatles or Teresa Teng. Unbelievable, right? Then, some of you adults would think that it’s very admirable to have a teenager enjoying your music. Okay ... this may not be the best example.
The main point is, my dad, my mature, old-fashioned (tucked-in shirt and socks with sandals – need I say more?) dad, is singing about making love and being a rock star. Do you get me now? If you still don’t understand, that means you’re an adult, too.
I’m not saying you can’t let loose and reach out to your (cough) youthful side. But please, do it in private! Maybe deep down, you feel like a rock star. But we teenagers (especially me) don’t want to know that. (PS: Bono is one of the few extinct “old” rockers.)
Some teenagers might disagree with me, and say that my dad is cool as he listens to our music. They may say that I’m very lucky because I can bond with him through music and we can talk about the same topic. But, seriously, ask yourself this: Do you really want a dad like mine?
My friends asked me: “Do you want a lame dad or a cool dad?” I thought about the times dad told me his jokes and my telling him how lame he was. His reply was always: “I’m not lame. I can run!” Now, that’s lame. But, at least, he’s acting his age!
On the up side, my dad hasn’t sung any Disney songs yet. So, should I be grateful?
Anyway, although I’m embarrassed by his eccentric ways, I do not want him to change. Because all fathers are supposed to be weird, right?
Parents and their children at any age can have different points of view over just about everything. Or do they? We invite parents and children to write in to show us where the generation gap closes and widens. E-mail us at starmag-gap@thestar.com.my. Include your full name, IC number, address, and contact phone number. Contributions without these details will not be entertained.
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