-Opinion-
Lynzee Lamb
News Editor
Ageism is a form of discrimination that isn’t discussed often. As a college student, being treated like an equal is something I take for granted. Most of my peers and colleagues range within a five year span of my own. Of course, there is always someone out there to remind you of where your “place” is in the hierarchy of community college.
While working on news stories last week, a reader came into the office to discuss content in the latest issue. She was approximately in her 30s. I turned to greet her and before I introduced myself, she looked to me and asked, “When is someone higher up going to be available?”
Unfortunately, expressing heated indignation is not considered professional behavior.
Earlier this year, The Independent had a guest speaker present on how to follow news angles. The staff went around the room introducing themselves and their position. I was promptly cut off by him before my title left my mouth.
When he asked about a potential source, a member of the class suggested interviewing Clark administration. He followed up the suggestion with a blatantly ageist statement. In his opinion, college journalists are naturally resistant to talking to administration or government bodies.
Fed up by this point, I could only ask aloud, “Why?”
‘Why’ is the real question. Why is it as a journalist in my 20s, I must inherently be against “the man”? Why is it inconceivable that I hold an authoritative position, not just for this publication, but in any area? As America’s baby boomer generation retires, many of us in the younger demographic will line up to take their place. Yet, there is an unspoken idea that one wises with age. The most academically decorated 25-year-old is still subjected to ridicule as long as someone has “kids your age”.
I think it is about time we’re taken seriously when we submit ourselves as such. I am personally tired of being chided, the inflection always sugary, by various faculty, bosses, or in the previous case, older students. I don’t know when the unspoken cut off age is when I’m no longer referred to as a child, sweetie or honey but frankly, it’s offensive.
We’re all legal adults here. It’s about time we respected one another.
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