Ageism

Guide to oppressions & intersections in SF
Basics: Classism Racism Nationalism, colonialism, xenophobia Religious intolerance Antisemitism Sexism Homophobia & heterosexism Size & beauty standards Disability & ableism Ageism
Manifestations: Institutionalized, systemic, structural Unconscious Conscious Internalized Power relations
Responses: Activism: Antiracism, feminism, etc. Consciousness-raising Redress & affirmative action Diversity & representation
SFnal treatments: Race and feminist SF Race-and-gender stereotypes in SF
See also: Women of color in SF Queer women in SF Women Make SF
About the GOI

Ageism is the practice of stereotyping, harboring prejudice, and discriminating against people based on their age.

Manifestations

• General world

In SF, ageism can be seen most readily through the preponderance of stories featuring young adult protagonists: protagonists who are going through coming of age stories, or protagonists who have entered adulthood but have not yet been saddled with responsibilities for families.

Intersections

Other topics:

• ageism as relates to sexism
• ageism as relates to racism (older = safer; magical negro)
• ageism and prejudice against youth culture; plays out in real-life significantly; see disdain for YA fiction in major awards
• assumptions of adult rights over children
• war between the ages in SF
• themes of immortality, fear of death; also particularly gendered
• themes of seductiveness and sexualizing youth; feminist critique, backlash & moral panic over pedophilia

Activist responses

• Children's rights movement