AGEISM Begins at Twenty -- Part 1

Mom passed in January of her 100th year.

People kept telling me how fortunate I was 

And how I would "follow in her footsteps".

Figure if I would, I should do some research

Even though the internet is available

I prefer methods used since childhood.

Stopping by a local library several days ago, 

decided to wander the aisles 

as I've done since I was a small child.

 

A habit that's become a great life gift 

I suggest everyone pick up.

On one shelftop was a book

standing on display by itself. 

I wasn't looking for any specific subject, 

title or writer, but this book

caught my eye and I'm glad it did:

Fighting the New Ageism in America

by Margaret Morganroth Gullette

It's not a quick read and some areas 

may need to be reread.

 

Ms. Gullette, in my opinion, 

shows many of our life challenges 

for what they really are.

We used to call them "prejudices" --

but then new labels 

added "ism" to many words 

including  sexism, racism & ageism.

DEMENTIA. 

The belief this affliction 

cannot be managed, 

delayed or avoided leads to

 

AGEISM 

which classifies 

anyone beyond the age of 50 

as "questionable" 

as to what they can learn 

and what they still retain.

SHIFTED "ISM" 

FROM SEXISM TO AGEISM.  

In the 1960's,

women were pushing 

for an Equal Rights Amendment.

 

The outcry then was:

"If a woman takes a job, 

she takes it from a man. 

There won't be enough 

jobs to go around."

Today, with repercussions from 

the "Great Recession", 

the outcry has become:

Step Aside, We Need Jobs

Not Just "Any Jobs"

We're Ready to Take Over

Run Businesses

After all, we have AI

No need to climb the ladder.