The Oppression Of Ageism In Our Society

Ageism is an identity category which has affected my life, and is a topic I have been able to learn more about through this class. Keri DeJong and Barbara J. Love examine ageism and adultism in our society, and explain how ageism is the oppression of young people and elders as age-based social identity groups, and the ways in which access to participation in society and relationships are organized on the basis of age. Ageism has affected decisions about power, voice, and decision making as a result of societal expectations rather than biological differences. An example of ageism which I have experienced is the denial of teenagers to vote until they are eighteen years old. Teenagers may be allowed to engage in political campaigns, and help support …show more content…
I had a teacher my senior year of high school who on the first day told us he can be a scary, evil man and that if we did something wrong he would show us that side of him. He told us that he is the teacher and we are the students, so if we made a complaint about him, he would always win and we would always lose. When I asked him a question he called me a four year old and embarrassed me in front of the entire class. This teacher took advantage of his power over young people, and made comments that many people including myself have internalized and affected the way we view oneself. During my life I have been aware that I lacked certain rights, but I did not understand that this was ageism and the extent to which it affected me. As I look back at the way fellow students and I were treated during my school years, I wish I could go back and fight the oppression, and challenge the way young people are treated throughout …show more content…
Schlosser discusses the many advantages Christians have in society. This article included a list of privileges that Christians have and take for granted everyday. I am technically Catholic, and reading this list showed me how much privilege those who follow a dominant religion have. I never thought activities such as hearing religious music on the radio, or not having to attend school on Christmas was considered as privilege. I grew up being able to take part in activities which I had assumed everyone was able to do with their religions. As I grew older, and read more about religious oppression, I learned this was not the case. Christianity has an abundant amount of privilege that most people do not think about or discuss. All religions should be receiving equal treatment, and not be oppressed in our society. I must use my privilege to challenge basic ideals in our society, and fight for equal treatment among