Breaking Down the Barrier: Understanding the Cultural Norms Related to Age

Breaking Down the Barrier: Understanding the Cultural Norms Related to Age

We live in a society where every individual is judged based on certain parameters such as gender, ethnicity, and age. While many folks are aware of the biases that exist and are fighting to correct them, others perpetuate these outdated perceptions, without a thought on the consequences. Ageism is one such cultural norm that has detrimental effects on society and its individuals. In this article, we will examine the cultural norms related to age, its impact on society, and how we can start to dismantle these biases, one person at a time.

Ageism is everywhere, from advertisements to movies, and even the workplace. It is an unhealthy cultural norm that posits that people of a certain age group are inferior to others, and should be treated as such. This bias leads to discriminatory practices such as denying job opportunities or promotions to people merely based on their age, which ultimately results in a loss of skills and talents. Additionally, the closer one gets to retirement age, the higher the likelihood of being pushed out of the workforce. This could lead to a loss of income and a decline in self-esteem, which can affect one’s quality of life.

Moreover, ageism affects our relationships as well. It is common to hear people say they find it hard to relate to someone older or younger than them. This distance creates a psychological barrier, limiting our ability to connect with others and create bonds. This limitation could also result in losing opportunities to learn from others’ experiences or impart wisdom to those younger than us.

It’s essential to note that ageism is not just an older person’s problem. Ageism affects all of us, regardless of age. Younger people are subjected to ageism in different ways, such as being discriminated against when applying for credit or housing, being talked down to, or being dismissed by adults because they are young. It is time we stopped stereotyping people based on their age and started recognizing that each person is unique, with different experiences, abilities, and talents.

One way we could start eradicating ageism is through education. Tackling these biases from a young age can help dismantle them altogether. Children should be taught that people of all ages deserve respect and dignity and that their opinions matter. Additionally, instead of highlighting differences between people of different ages, we should focus on similarities and shared experiences. By reducing the focus on age, we can create more opportunities for communication and understanding.

Finally, we must emphasize the beauty that comes with aging, the wisdom, the experience, and the knowledge that we gain as we grow older. These are valuable things that we should cherish and learn from. The next time someone makes a derogatory comment about someone based on their age, let’s take the lead and lead by example by displaying that we value and respect people of all ages.

In conclusion, ageism is a cultural norm that affects every one of us. It is time we turned the lens on our biases and started acknowledging that every individual is unique, irrespective of their age. Education, increased interaction, and respect are ways we can close the generational gaps and create a more inclusive society. Breaking down the barriers created by cultural norms related to age will take time, effort, and a constant commitment to re-educating ourselves and others. However, it is essential work, and we cannot afford to shy away from it. Let us pledge to treat everyone equally, regardless of their age.