What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression?
I most striking incident that came to my mind was my mother. My mother is one of the first female computer programmers in the world. She worked very hard to gain supervisory positions that were usually dominated by male counterparts. When she turned 50, the firm she was working for was taken over by another company. She was not taken over and had to find new employment. However, due to her age, she got discriminated against by companies. Even though she had a great deal of experience and knowledge, companies often chose younger counterparts who just finished college over her.
In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?
My mother is very open about her age and is not afraid to share her age. However, in our society, once you have gained a certain age, companies often choose not to hire you because most people do not want to associate themselves with the elderly. My mother was often times the most qualified person who applied, yet she never got chosen.
What feelings did this incident bring up for you?
After talking with my mother about why she often did not get chosen made me feel sad because even though she did not admit it, it hurt her feelings. I often find that most of us do not appreciate age and feel that we have to look and act younger than we are. What I don't understand is why so many people are afraid of getting older. I remember that I had many friends who dreaded becoming 30. Most of them told me "Just wait until it's your turn." My 30 birthday came and nothing changed for me. That surprised many but I don't feel that a number tells much about how we perform in life.
What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?
I think the only way to gain more equality with any "-isms," we have to change our point-of-view first. Oppression and inequity can only go on as long as we as a society allow it to happen. I never thought about ageism much because I do not care about getting older. That is why I treat everyone with respect despite their age. I try not to judge a book by the cover and I don't think age should be such a big deal. Why hide how old we are? I think we should let our performance speak for itself rather then judge someone for their age.
Anna,
ReplyDeleteYour mom's story makes me think of my girlfriend. She is 53 and has moved her way up the ladder of a very large company. They did away with her department and so in order to stay with the company, she applied for a position that was a major jump up. She was up against a bunch of younger men If she didn't get it, she would have been offered a wonderful retirement package. She already has a fabulous pension and company stock. Money was not the issue, position and pride were. She knew she had the experience and education to do a better job than any of the men. She was determined, and won out. She got the job!!