This posted original appeared on EdenAlt.org
So, I watched the Oscars with a friend last night. As midnight here on the East Coast neared, it was time to reveal the winning film for the Best Picture category. Like a bizarre replay of the recent Miss Universe foible, the wrong film was announced as the winner. A little time would reveal that the mistake involved a backstage mix-up in the handoff of the envelopes to the award presenters. Yet, immediately after the kerfuffle took place, several comments and Tweets let loose, targeting the age of the esteemed presenters, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.
Here are two of the most gifted artists in film history, with several award-winning acting and directing credits between them, who were chosen to present this prestigious award in honor of the 50th anniversary of their lauded 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde.” In the blink of an eye, they were reduced from icons to the “old people.” One well-intended Tweet still left a sting saying, “Don’t y’all go blaming the old people for that one. They gave Warren Beatty the wrong envelope.”
Ah, the knee-jerk response that is ageism…. I’ve been teaching and speaking and writing about ageism for years now. But, this was one of those times it felt deeply personal for me, even if I can’t call Faye and Warren BFFs. Here were two artistic giants from MY time. As a lover of fine films, I grew up watching Warren and Faye own the screen in darkened movie theaters (yeah, pre-Netflix and all). They deserved better than this.
For all the joy it can bring by creating connectedness, the speed of social media seems to give us permission to blurt the first thoughtless thing that comes to mind and broadcast it to millions. This is, indeed, its shadow side. When it comes to ageism and ableism (or any ism, for that matter), the speed/easy access combination creates a forum where negative messaging can reverberate at the speed of light.
So, I have a challenge for you. Let’s flood social media today (this week!) with positive reflections of the Elders in our lives! Let’s turn that speed and reach around to serve our mission! Share a bit of wisdom from an older, wiser human that has touched you, buoyed you, or transformed you. Reflect on the brilliance, kindness, creativity, or thoughtfulness of an Elder in your world. Tweet, post, or shout it from the rooftops. It really can be different….
Hello, I am an AGNG 200 student at the Erickson School of Aging. This is something that surprised me when it happened. I also thought that it could of happened because they are “old” but my next thought was they are old enough to have some sense and no-one breathed one mention of age when Steve Harvey read his cue card incorrectly and he is 60 years old himself. I.E. not that young. This relates to many of the topics that I have been learning in class. We have talked about how our senior citizens, as they age become in the eyes of younger people less and less capable in taking of themselves and can be seen as senile, forgetful and younger people can be really ageist towards our elders.
It is easy to be defensive about this. But I live in Florida and see people all around me who ARE befuddled and, if you ask if you can help, you practically get knee-capped. So.. how do we age gracefully, fully aware of our shortcomings and age-related issues, and still let people know that we are independent, capable, and in possession of all our faculties?? It seems like that is the greater issue. As I stand up for myself, I don’t want to cut someone else down…
Because they’re elders, they were easy to blame.
But Warren’s confusion followed by what Faye read certainly support the fact that they had the wrong card, ultimately clarified as one of complete backup set that was erroneously given to them. Still the whole thing was embarrassing and if I were Warren Beatty, or related, I’d be furious. It did present fodder for ageists and the academy should be challenged to compensate for this in their event next year.
I felt exactly the same ! I am sure it was someone 1/3 his age behind the scenes that made the error yet the 1st attacks were about the doddering old fools !! We need to change this attitude we have allowed far too long !