Stereotypes In The Television Show: The Simpsons

In the American society, there are many myths about aging. Novak stated, “Some years ago, Robert Butler coined the term ageism to describe these negative attitudes toward aging (3).” These negative attitudes toward aging come from common sources such as, the media, magazines, advertisements, literature, and popular culture (23). One example of this is the television show, The Simpsons. The show depicts Grandpa Simpson as ignorant, forgetful, and timid. Furthermore, ageism lead to stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against older people.
Stereotyping happens to people of all ages. According to Novak, stereotyping usually has some basis in reality, but it represents an overgeneralization about a person or group (534). Novak went on further to describe, “A stereotype can lead us to treat older …show more content…
These stereotypes attempt to arouse sympathy or pity for the elderly people (3). According to Novak this stereotype, attempts to create sympathy for older people, but it doesn’t give a true picture of later life. This stereotype views old age as a time of loss and decline. On example of this stereotype is, when someone would treat the elderly patient like they are fragile and can’t do anything for themselves. However, programs such as Medicare, improved Social security, and the Older Americans Act were created due to these stereotypes. Lastly, the biomedicalization of aging stereotype emerged in the 1800s. Biomedicalization of aging stereotypes are, only a biological process, which is inevitable and unstoppable. This stereotype believes that problems of aging can only be solved by doctors. Therefore, the stereotype views the adults as patients. One example of biomedicalization of aging stereotype is, the solution to any problem of aging can occur, if the medical field will purchase and use more high-cost medical services and technology such as, dialysis machines