Editor, The Gauntlet
Re: “Ageism in the workplace,” Feb. 7, 2005,
I appreciated the article “Ageism in the workplace” by Emily Senger.
Her points are well taken regarding inappropriate remarks to younger people in the workplace. Negative and sarcastic comments do nothing to enhance good collaboration between the generations. Baby-boomers benefit when we take the time to respect our youthful coworkers. However, sometimes, depending on many factors, too many to state, people say the damnedest things. I have put my foot in my mouth, so to speak, many times, not exclusive to when I was in my forties or when I worked in the workplace. So we’re human, we sometimes do and say stupid things.
I wonder if I will be the brunt of jokes and rude comments in Fall of 2005 when I enter into the Faculty of Humanities. Will I experience a reverse ageism, in my 46th year of life? My insecurities are plaguing my mind, voices from the youthful past haunt me “Oh, what a loser.” “She’s too old to hang out with,” “Gee where do you shop, Tan Jay?” “Do you work in the library?” “Oh that sucks, look at her hairdo.” This fall I hope my self-esteem will be up to any reverse ageism that may come my way or better said any negative and sarcastic influences.
As Emily put it, “Youth should be seen as an asset, not as a factor used to explain inadequacies or to draw attention to in an inappropriate manner.” As I would like to rephrase/plagiarize, “All people should be seen as an asset, not as a factor used to explain inadequacies or to draw attention to in an inappropriate manner.” I look forward to braving it at university this fall. Hopefully some will find my middle age influence somewhat intriguing.