This short video is made by AARP (formerly called the American Association of Retired Persons), a U.S. organization focused on issues affecting those over the age of fifty. This one-minute video shows rapid-fire lines from films and television which reflect ageism at its worst — and at its best. Starting with quick cuts of ageist sound bites perpetuating clichés of negative stereotypes, the video then moves toward moments that highlight the new awareness of age in Hollywood.  The video ends with the statement “Aging is a State of Mind. Own it. #DisruptAging.”

discussion

What examples of ageism do we see in this clip?

What changes does the clip argue are happening in Hollywood?

Who do you think is the primary audience for this clip?

What other changes would you like to see in how Hollywood and the media portray people over 50?