Hoodies, hoodies everywhere.

The Hoodie Dilemma ails PAF Chapter

Sakina Abbas A1C4

“When will we get our hoodies? Winters are just round the corner! What if we do not get them in time? Gosh, I will freeze to death.” No exaggeration there, but really. Every A2 student I have come across, be it in the school premises or over Facebook, has been saying this.

Yes, so winters are just round the corner and just like every other year, this year too, the A2’s will be getting there hoodies. Work over the designs of these hoodies began way back in October. Multifarious samples were submitted to Mr. Jalebi, out of which, six best ones were shortlisted and posted on the PAF Chapter’s Blog. This is when it all began. This is when the emotions of A2’s oozed out. Some seemed happy and contented with the designs, while some were just depressed and whined and argued, simply because no one would take their word. They could feel their world collapse when their favored design would not be encouraged by the rest of their batch mates, or the supporters of the designs posted. The A2’s expressing their grief, sorrow or happiness is very much understandable. But the AS expressing such emotions? Well, that is beyond my comprehension. They are not even going to get these hoodies this year! Why are they being sensitive about this hoodie dilemma? It is just as if they are standing in an isolated, barren desert, with dry winds blowing and dust balls scampering and bouncing about, and they are shouting at the top of their lungs. So what exactly are they doing? Protesting! To who? The dry wind and the active dust balls. The point being, the AS simply made a laughing stock of themselves and gave the audience a reason to enjoy the serious comments of the A2’s, on the posts.

As I mentioned earlier, the sole reason for this hoodie dilemma among the A2’s was due to the design and the colour combinations. Pictures of hoodies with colour combinations including blue, red, green, black and grey were posted. While on the other hand, the mutual designs were that of ‘Chapter’ typography, flamingos, the School’s monogram, name of the hoodie bearer, and words like PAF and batch of 2014. Generally, everyone had their own perceptions and everyone wanted some alteration or the other. The most interesting arguments, however, were regarding the flamingos and ‘PAF’. According to some boys of the A2’s, flamingos seemed too feminine and hence they were an infringement of their gender. They eventually got the poor flamingos removed from the hoodie sample. Racism against animals? (if that is even possible). Apart from the flamingo issue, there was a 'PAF' issue, as some believed that PAF would simply represent Pakistan Air Force and people would think it is a Pakistani Air Force hoodie, rather than PAF Chapter’s hoodie. Now I would pay my highest regards to these people because they are just too thoughtful and emotionally attached to PAF Chapter. Of course, people would be unable to notice the School’s monogram so they will jump right to the conclusion that it indeed, is a Pakistan Air Force hoodie. Very thoughtful of these people. Hats off to them!

Furthermore, since there were many samples to choose from, the majority favoured the red and black hoodie. But to their disappointment, it turned out that IBA had already chosen a red and black coloured hoodies for the following winter. This really upset the A2’s, and why should it not? It brought their hopes down. But nonetheless, Mr. Jalebi posted two navy blue samples, and everyone unanimously agreed with the colour. However, they still had disagreements over the design. The never ending disagreements. This seemed like just another Kashmir issue, where they would argue and argue, but would not reach to an agreement. So it was quite evident that they wanted a very personalized hoodie. Mr. Jalebi was already putting in his best efforts to try to satisfy everyone. What else could he do? Publish a handsome picture of the hoodie bearer at the hoodie’s back? Yes, this would have been a good decision. Everyone would have been instantly pleased.

These discussions, arguments and exhibition of feelings and emotions prolonged for approximately one entire month. Since not much could be made out of these arguments, Mr. Jalebi intervened and announced the final hoodie sample. Following this, Ms. Shireen Karamally made some alterations to the sample, and the final one was put up on PAF Chapter’s blog, at the end of October. Surprisingly, every A2 student was happy with this design. Now that, indeed, was a joyous moment. Heartiest congratulations to all the A2’s out there. Never in my life have I witnessed such happiness. The Kashmir issue is finally solved!

With the final design out, orders are soon to be placed for these much awaited hoodies for the batch of 2014. I must say the navy blue colour is a pretty good to look at. The hoodies play a pivotal role in the life of the A2s students at The PAF Chapter. They shall forever remain with them and will be a token of remembrance for them no matter which part of the world they go to, thus making the disagreements inevitable for they just want the best for their last year at the A-levels section. I hope they look as good in real as they do in the design.

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THE FINAL DESIGN FOR THE 2014 BATCH.