Lots of discussion on ageism, driven by so many forces. How are you doing?
Back in 2020 when I got back from Africa to a country which had lost its mind over Covid, one lovely woman in her sixties was horrified at the age hate which was directed at us Boomers simply because....we were older.
In a heartbreaking story over on Medium she expressed her sadness that simply because she was over sixty, somehow overnight she was the enemy. Many of us can relate. Those of color know this from birth, but this isn't that article. This is about the -ism which eats at us all.
Nothing new here. That kind of idiocy has always been with us. When we get old enough we see it and suddenly, shockingly, feel it because now we are old.
We're in the way. We take up space and resources.
Move over granddad.
There's also considerable push back. That's necessary when a Yale professor spouts that anyone over 65 should commit suicide, at least in Japan.
Really now. You first.
What remarkable hubris the young have until they aren't any more, then realize that not only did they waste much of their youth (don't we all), then scrambled too damned hard for decades, only to be spat out finally to do what they wish with what time is left to them.
Suddenly, they, like us, are in the spotlight of new haters who have decided that now THEY are the enemy.
Ah. So that's what it was like for my grandparents. My folks.
Here are a few articles to consider with one piece which ends on a high note. We've been needing that lately.
https://www.laprogressive.com/social-justice/ross-douthat-old-people
Only if we are truly fortunate do we get to live long enough to regret the ill will we may have felt towards our elders. And only with the frosting of our own hair, the end in sight, can we truly value time, and how we spend it. It does become ever so much more precious, right about the time others want to take it from us.
They can't have it.
Eat well. Move much. Love hard. And have a reason to get up every day. That is how we push back.
Dear Walkabout Saga Reader:
Thank you so much for taking a few minutes out of your life to read my work. WalkaboutSaga is an act of love and devotion, and I hope that you found value in it.
If my work appeals to you, may I kindly invite you to consider joining those Patreon supporters whose generosity keeps the gas in my tank as it were.
Such articles take time, resources, research and effort. Even a small amount of support truly helps me keep this going. In challenging times, I recognize that even a small amount is hard. Those who can give, I appreciate it. Those who cannot, I hope my words are helpful.
My purpose is to Move People's Lives. I can do more of that with your help.
Thank you.
You can explore that option here.
However you decide to partake of my writing, again, thank you.
Comments powered by Talkyard.