This clip features British presenter Jonathan Ross interviewing Madonna in the early 1990s. At 34, the pop star spoke about the problem of “ageism”, the constraints on women’s sexuality as they age, and the tendency of society to put women “out to pasture” once they hit 40 years of age.

discussion

What does Madonna say we’re told you’re not able to do when you reach a certain age?

Madonna’s sexuality has long been a major part of her public and artistic persona, up to today. Should pop stars like Madonna be expected to tone down the sexual aspects of their work as they got older?

Is there an age at which it becomes inappropriate, from society’s standards, or less than profitable, from the industry’s perspective?

Can you think of other examples of things we believe people shouldn’t do once they turn a certain age?