Title: The –isms of Life – the sociological social worker
Headings: the sociological social worker
the sociological social worker
The –isms of Life
Published by Mara Bennett

Content: Women’s physical appearance is so policed that ageing is regarded as a shameful error that should be prevented or avoided, as if it is a choice. Not surprising, if you Google image search the term “ anti aging skin cream ,” 99.9% of the images are of women. My hero Sarah Silverman points out the ridiculousness of misogynistic and ageist discrimination propelled at women, stating that “my crime is not dying .” Besides misogyny and becoming older, ageism also applies to normative understandings of children, adolescents and young adults. Why do many adults impose the idea upon their kids that “they know best,” as if their children’s perspectives are not worthy of consideration in the making of decisions? Why do many people not negotiate with their children because they believe adults are more capable of deciding what’s right? Why is there an impression that youth’s romantic relationships aren’t as valid as adult relationships, as if our experiences and emotions are only legitimate after we’ve reached an elusive state of maturity? Why are “young parents” frowned upon as if they are doomed for failure and hardship? And why is abortion or adoption encouraged to young single women as if motherhood at a young age is the embarking upon a tragic trajectory into the abyss of lost opportunity? Which -isms are you passionate about from a social justice perspective?