Instructions Review: The Five Greeting Cards PowerPoint

Instructionsreview The Five 5greeting Cards Powerpointand Answer The

Review the five (5) Greeting Cards PowerPoint and answer the following questions. Do you think that those greeting cards showed how ageism is at work in our society? Why or why not? Select one of the cards and discuss how it demonstrates ageism. Are there other examples of advertising, either television or radio that is also an example of ageism that you have heard or viewed? How do you think that ageism passes from one generation to the next, or is this unique to each generation? Your paper should be: One (1) page or more. Use factual information from the textbook and/or appropriate articles and websites. Cite your sources – type references according to the APA Style Guide .

Paper For Above instruction

The pervasive nature of ageism in society is often reflected subtly and overtly through various forms of media, including greeting cards, which serve as cultural artifacts that reveal societal attitudes toward aging. The analysis of the five greeting cards PowerPoint illustrates how ageism manifests subtly through language, imagery, and messaging. These cards often reinforce stereotypes that associate aging with decline, dependence, or diminished relevance, thereby perpetuating a societal view that aging is undesirable or shameful. For example, a greeting card depicting an elderly person with humorous but belittling captions may evoke amusement but simultaneously reinforce negative stereotypes about aging, implying that old age is synonymous with endangerment or comical frailty. Such representations exemplify how ageist attitudes are embedded within everyday social interactions and cultural expressions.

Focusing on one of the greeting cards, particularly a card that features an elderly individual with a caption suggesting they are "past their prime," highlights explicit ageist messaging. This portrayal conveys an assumption that aging diminishes a person's value or relevance, marginalizing older adults and stigmatizing the aging process. It reflects societal tendencies to dismiss the elderly as less capable or less important, which can influence public attitudes and policies that fail to recognize the contributions and dignity of older individuals. Such representations contribute to age discrimination in various contexts, including employment, healthcare, and social inclusion.

Beyond greeting cards, advertising in television and radio also reveals widespread ageist stereotypes. Many advertisements target youthfulness and often marginalize older adults by portraying them as out of touch, frail, or less desirable as consumers. For example, commercials for beauty products predominantly depict young women, subtly suggesting that older women are invisible or unattractive. Similarly, advertisements for retirement communities or health aids often depict aging as a period of inevitable decline, reinforcing negative perceptions. These media portrayals influence societal attitudes, shaping perceptions of aging that can lead to discrimination and social exclusion.

Ageism appears to be transmitted from one generation to the next through cultural norms, media representations, and social attitudes. Younger generations may internalize stereotypes from elders and media messages, perpetuating negative perceptions of aging. Conversely, each generation's experiences with aging can differ considerably due to advancements in healthcare, changes in social roles, and shifting cultural norms. For example, in recent decades, there has been a movement toward positive aging, emphasizing active lifestyles and the value of older adults. This suggests that ageism is not entirely fixed but evolves across generations, influenced by societal attitudes and policy initiatives aimed at combating age discrimination.

In conclusion, greeting cards and media representations serve as mirrors of societal attitudes toward aging, often reflecting and perpetuating ageist stereotypes. These depictions influence public perceptions and attitudes, contributing to systemic age discrimination. Understanding how ageism is transmitted and challenged across generations is vital for fostering a more inclusive society that values individuals regardless of age. Society must continue to challenge negative stereotypes and promote positive narratives about aging to combat ageism effectively.

References

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• Levy, B. (2009). Stereotype Embodiment: A New Paradigm for Understanding the Aging Process. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 60(Special Issue 2), S1–S16.
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• Palmore, E. (2015). Ageism: Negative and Positive (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
• Riley, G. (2004). Ageism in Advertising. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 16(4), 1-20.
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