I have chosen to write about ageism and the role I believe the media plays in perpetuating it. These days, older people are often described as crabby, worthless and in a nutshell not fun to be around. The media should stop describing older people as less productive because I do not believe productivity has anything to do with age. In most of the commercials, they are rarely presented as valuable, smart, and beautiful. The messages from the beauty industry warns against growing old and less attractive, and the pharmaceutical companies (have you watched nightly news lately) urge them to take medications to be more active, sexually performing, and therefore happier. The messages are discriminatory and infuriate me. I believe these imagines build fear and discomforts toward older people especially among children who do not have daily contact with them.
Aside from wisdom, they have much to offer to all of us. I grew up with my grandparents and they have contributed to who the person I am today. They have helped me learn new skills, broaden my horizons, and awaken my intellect. Yes, older people can be physically active, smart, by all mean pleasant, and fun to be around. We should always consider people’s strengths and the ways we can each contribute to our societies. I am fortunate enough to have older people in my life that contradict these images and I usually talked to my children about them. We talk about prejudices and the way they can influence their view on aging. I also make it a point for them to build loving and respectful relationships with older people because I believe intimate contact is the true way to build understanding among people.
Nar,
ReplyDeleteYou are totally on point here! I grow up with my paternal grandmother and it was wonderful! I gained a lot of wisdom from this virtuous woman. My children are growing up with their paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather. They have very close relationships and respect them greatly. They both still work part time to keep active even though they have retired from their careers. The media does stereotype our older generation to be lost or insecure with medicine. I'm glad my children have great role models to follow
This is so true! According to make-up company, saying it will give you "smooth, ageless skin" is the selling line. Our society has sent an imagine that getting old is awful. I am glad you have wonderful people in your life who contradict this statement, I do also. My grandfather is 88 years old and more active in a week than I am. He works in his large vegetable garden everyday for may hours. Its like still having a full time job for him. It is a wonderful reminder to all of his grandchildren ( including me) that age doesn't mean very much, and that if granddaddy can do it so can we. Thank you for sharing your post!
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