Why Does It Feel Like Ageism Is Getting Worse?
We’re hearing a lot about ageism in the media lately – from the news to social networking sites and video sharing sites. We’re hearing ways to combat the age bias stereotypes we face in society and in the office. We’re hearing personal stories from those impacted by ageism throughout their lives and careers.
We’re also hearing from professional mentors and HR representatives about what they see, and how they face it. So, why does it feel like ageism is getting worse?
An important factor to understand is that when you’re in a circle of news, you will see more negative in the immediate future. You are a part of the fight to end ageism, and so you will see an abundance of bad news before you start seeing a plethora of good. This happens with every change that is future-based, with every fight that is had to end an -ism.
Keep in mind that the bad news is good news. Every story that gets published about someone out of work due to ageism actually helps the fight to end the overall age bias in our culture. Bringing these stories not only to our inner circle fighting against age bias, but also to mainstream media readers, is a way to grow knowledge and understanding of what ageism is and how to push back against it.
While it might feel like most news pieces you hear about ageism are negative, realize that these negative stories will bring about change, but it’s a process.
So yes, it will feel like ageism is getting worse, because you will be hearing about it more often – and most of what you’re hearing won’t be good. But, the future of all of this sharing will be extremely positive.
What Can You Do To Get A More Positive Look At The Ageism Fight?
It can be hard to exist in a world filled with negative news, even if you know the negative stories are needed to create a positive future. So, what can you do to get a more positive look at the fight to end ageism? Here are some ideas:
1. Join An Ageism Support Group
Whether you join an ageism support group in-person or on social networking sites, being around a group of individuals looking to talk about ageism impacts and future changes can create a more positive story for you. You’ll be able to hear a good balance of good with the bad, and you’ll be able to shape the conversations taking place on a more personal level.
2. Find An Ageism Mentor
Lots of mentors exist to help with careers, and some of those mentors are well-versed in the world of ageism. They will be able to help alter your resume narrative to get you a job in the future. Or, they will be able to talk through different ways to duck-and-weave in your career to avoid ageism for yourself and your co-workers. You’ll be able to have a personal, and hopefully positive, conversation about ageism in the world.
3. Write Ageism Articles
Share your own personal stories. Yes, you might have been negatively impacted by ageism, but when you post your own story you can also share the positives you’ve discovered. Maybe you can share how you were let go from your work because of ageism, but you found a support group or a mentor to help you, and you want others to have that same capability as they experience ageism within their own careers.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it will feel like ageism is getting worse because we are hearing about it more. But, keep in the forefront of your mind that it’s good that we’re hearing more and more about the ageism fight. That means the world is becoming more aware of ageism, and therefore grasping for their own ways to make it better for themselves. This will create a trickle-down effect. Those learning about ageism and ways to end it will share that knowledge with their family, friends and co-workers. Soon, everyone will know about ageism, will be working towards changing it, and will be enacting positive change in our society.
