Ageism Snakes its Way into Politics

This political election cycle h as been crazy, as so many pundits have reminded us.  Indeed it has been a strange and unpredictable period of political history. However, even in the midst of this unpredictability, examples of ageism are front and center. Its presence proves that our culture is soaked in the prejudice of ageism.

Four years ago an 84-year-old Clint Eastwood spoke to an empty chair during the Republican Convention.  It did not go over well.  The most common ‘analysis’ by pundits was age-related:  “What were they thinking, asking an 84-year-old-man?”

Two years ago Chuck Todd interviewed Nancy Pelosi in the context of national elections possibly resulting in the Democrats regaining control of the house.  Chuck wondered if Former Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, would seek that position once again, asking her if she didn’t think that perhaps she was too old for that position. 

Last month there was much chatter about the unfortunate decision of Bill Clinton to visit Attorney General Loretta Lynch while their planes were on the tarmac in Atlanta.  One commentator mused that he wondered if perhaps Bill Clinton is “not at the top of his game” any longer.  In other words, Bill Clinton, at age 69 – in making what many consider a very unwise decision – made that decision because he’s slipping, because, after all, he’s 69.  What else can you expect?

To date, no one in the public area has come back to denounce any of these instances as ageist, as negatively prejudicial.  Had Chuck Todd suggested that Pelosi is unqualified as Speaker because she is a woman, he would have lost his job at NBC.  Sexism – not acceptable.  Had someone suggested that Clint Eastwood’s flop performance was due to his Irish ancestry, the outcry would be to denounce ethnic prejudices.  Racism -- not acceptable.

But  ageism? No one speaks up against blatantly ageist remarks.  Why? A major reason is because collectively, as a society, we do not recognize this bias. Ageism is so ingrained in our culture that we don’t sense its presence. We too soak it up without realizing it.

And what’s the challenge:  There are two.  See this space tomorrow.