There are many people in this world, of many different ages and many different abilities. Stereotypes and prejudice surround most when they state their identification with something, or even just due to a number attacked to their person. Hence ageism. Like sexism or racism it is a presumption of behaviour or nature attached to a person due to their age. And it's everywhere.
I won't deny that this is in part a response to a particular comment aimed at me suggesting that I should "do something with my life" before offering opinions or satire. As a highschool student I get that attitude dolled out a lot, be it online or in 'real life' where my views are dismissed due to a school uniform.
In many ways this is a subconscious thing. People are often stunned when someone of my age programmes games, paints, draws or sculpts well above the skill of their older counterparts. In a similar way there is an automatic presumption that elderly or even middle-aged people are incompetent with technology. Some of this stereotype is no doubt grounded in common experience, but it is a stereotype none the less and like other such assumptions, should only ever be taken as a guide.
It certainly isn't ground to attack someone.
My own distaste at ageism stems mostly from the impediments it puts before me. I sometimes go out of my way not to look 16 so my views and expression isn't immediately dismissed as the stupid ideas of a gigging schoolgirl sensationalist. I try to fit in to a degree to make it easier for me to convey things which I otherwise wouldn't be able to say. Would my words from any older mouth really be so changed?
Don't get me wrong, I very well understand the importance of composer context in regards to both what one writes an the meaning one puts into it. Something written by a staunch capitalist could be said sarcastically by one of opposing economic views, and so context becomes essential. However, I don't quite understand why my age should give anyone ammunition to try and rip holes in my creations. Doesn't make sense, like degrading someone for having a bald spot.
So I'm a teenager. I eat, I sleep, I write and I rant when something pisses me off. Were I 25, I would fine the latter two getting quite a different reception than I do now, even with the same words. I'll go back to my schoolbooks now like a good little girl. Thanks all for reading.
In terms of discussion let me put a few prompt questions up. What are, if any, your personal experiences of ageism? Do you see it as a righteous division or a plague upon intellectual possibility? How much weight do you give to ageist stereotypes?
I won't deny that this is in part a response to a particular comment aimed at me suggesting that I should "do something with my life" before offering opinions or satire. As a highschool student I get that attitude dolled out a lot, be it online or in 'real life' where my views are dismissed due to a school uniform.
In many ways this is a subconscious thing. People are often stunned when someone of my age programmes games, paints, draws or sculpts well above the skill of their older counterparts. In a similar way there is an automatic presumption that elderly or even middle-aged people are incompetent with technology. Some of this stereotype is no doubt grounded in common experience, but it is a stereotype none the less and like other such assumptions, should only ever be taken as a guide.
It certainly isn't ground to attack someone.
My own distaste at ageism stems mostly from the impediments it puts before me. I sometimes go out of my way not to look 16 so my views and expression isn't immediately dismissed as the stupid ideas of a gigging schoolgirl sensationalist. I try to fit in to a degree to make it easier for me to convey things which I otherwise wouldn't be able to say. Would my words from any older mouth really be so changed?
Don't get me wrong, I very well understand the importance of composer context in regards to both what one writes an the meaning one puts into it. Something written by a staunch capitalist could be said sarcastically by one of opposing economic views, and so context becomes essential. However, I don't quite understand why my age should give anyone ammunition to try and rip holes in my creations. Doesn't make sense, like degrading someone for having a bald spot.
So I'm a teenager. I eat, I sleep, I write and I rant when something pisses me off. Were I 25, I would fine the latter two getting quite a different reception than I do now, even with the same words. I'll go back to my schoolbooks now like a good little girl. Thanks all for reading.
In terms of discussion let me put a few prompt questions up. What are, if any, your personal experiences of ageism? Do you see it as a righteous division or a plague upon intellectual possibility? How much weight do you give to ageist stereotypes?
