Ageism – October 2010

Ageism

we refer to, ‘them’
as, ‘old’, complete –
with negative connotations
of, ‘disability’ and ‘weakness’
like rather cartoonish
visions, or nursery rhymes
fatalities,
‘old lady’ or ‘old man’
they lose their name
and become one
inherit ageism reinforces
by societies negative views
it is what i call,
a collective form of abuse
stereotypes prop us up
and almost legitimise –
the negative and often –
discriminatory treatment –
those of a certain age receive
i wonder if anyone truly –
knows how condescending it –
might be, to be seen as,
‘dear’, ‘love’, ‘old lady’ or just,
‘old man’
compassion in society needs to grow
just as we all need to understand




James Garratt – October 2010