Article by Ceri Wheeldon
According to Carol Vorderman who has become an ambassador to address ageism on behalf of a well known life insurance company- it should be. She says in the press what many of us have been saying for many years- ageism is the last taboo. Should it be the next #MeToo?
I think it’s unfortunate that she has waited to become so vocal on this topic until she is seemingly paid to do so- but I agree with her sentiment.
I’m not sure that choosing to highlight the effect of ageism by choosing to share the reaction to a dress (very short and very low cut) she wore on the red carpet at the BAFTAs nearly 20 years ago is perhaps the best way to illustrate it . Ageism comes in many forms – and its not all about how people look or what they choose to wear. The fact is she chose to wear something that was very much a statement dress at a high profile event – and it did gain her column inches in the press – but perhaps not the press reaction she was hoping for. Everyone has the right to wear what they want at every age – and should she wear that same dress today the reaction might be different. Times have moved on – and so has fashion. Nobody should be belittled as a result of what they choose to wear- but is the best example of ageism?
More serious aspects of ageism
Surely there are more serious aspects of ageism to highlight – such as in the workplace, where the over 50s are finding it difficult to gain employment – or in the financial sector where it becomes more difficult to get a mortgage as you get older , or the general media which although making progress is still relatively youth obsessed.
Carol talks about the various phrases such as ‘past it’ or ‘over the hill’ which are ageist – and in some instances some phrases can be considered ageist – it’s all a question of context.
Ageism does exist – we all know it- and would all like to see it eradicated and consigned to history.
Collectively we can change perceptions and mindsets.
Have you ever been a victim of ageism? If so- in what context?
Is ageism the next #MeToo?
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