Discrimination And Ageism

There once was a grandma that went to a job interview, finally able to do something on her free time. She was energetic, strong, kind, and understanding. Probably one of the best women ever known in her block. But then she wasn’t accepted. Why? Because a younger woman, got the position, even though grandma’s resume and personality were better. She wasn’t accepted because was old, and there’s a higher risk in having her on the job because she might be too frail, and might not be able to work as well as the younger employees. This is ageism the “discrimination on the basis of a person’s age”(ageism). Ageism affects people mentally, the elderly are not the only ones being discriminated against, and it’s so simple to prevent.

First of all, most

First step is to “recognize the ageist stereotypes they hold and work to overcome [them] by treating each person as an individual”(Ways to Reduce). Most are ignorant of ageism happening, and when they hear about it, they try and deny that it exists. Some see one person doing something, and they expect everyone in that category to do the same. Secondly, kids and adults should be educated to not have ageist attitudes, and not practice it. They should be incorporated into the diversity programs in schools, and the workplace. (Ways Reduce). Some don’t realise they’re doing it, until they’ve become aware of what they’re doing is wrong. Teaching kids and adults about the negatives of what they’re doing, gives them a big opportunity to change their ways for the better. And lastly, if a claim is heard, that goes against an age group, that they know isn’t right, they should try and “[overthrow] myths, and misconceptions”(Prevention Strategies). Because how else is someone else supposed to learn what they’re saying is wrong, if no one tells them? If no one else bothers to teach them, atleast put some time and some effort to steer them to the right direction. Plus the media should stop portraying each age group in a negative light. Pretty much everything that we learn is through the media, and some people think that most of that is true. But if the media changed that and showed the young and the old in a positive light, then a lot of the misconceptions and stereotypes will reduce. These steps are so easy to follow, yet people seem to want to stay ignorant about it, or just plainly don’t want to change. Most teens do not know that ageism exists so they don’t speak out against it. So if people were to just know about it, and have the courage to stand up and fix it, this discrimination will be likely to go