Today’s blog post, inspired by this photo …
… might seem like a logical extension of yesterday’s post, if logic is something you value.
I also value this opportunity to explore what we value and devalue in our culture, including older people. During the last few months, I have
- heard and read many jokes about older people, focusing on lack of ability, attractiveness, and other things we value,
- defended the benefits of growing older to groups of younger people expressing nothing but fear about aging,
- been told by an otherwise culturally sensitive younger person that “people of my generation” think and act a certain way, and
- experienced my own internalized ageism, as I struggle against devaluing myself for looking and growing older.
What do I value about my photos from yesterday?
I value our home, so I took this photo yesterday of a water stain on the ceiling. We want to watch that stain, so our home doesn’t decrease in value as we and our home age.
My friend Jenn values pugs and I value Jenn, so I take pug-related photos and send them to her.
I value cats, so I took this photo at the supermarket yesterday evening. I also noticed a Life Magazine about Dogs and remarked to my valued boyfriend Michael that the Dogs Life Magazine cover did not promise a feature on “DOGS vs. CATS.” Michael — who values dogs and cats and who doesn’t value conflict — had nothing to say about that.
I took this photo because I value expressing joy, and I assumed I would be able to use that image very soon. Sure enough, people I value shared some good news within the hour and I sent that image in an email.
I value great people and I value puns, so I knew I could use this in today’s blog post, no matter what the topic.
I value myself and other people, even when we’re procrastinating. As is usual for me during this time of the year, I am procrastinating completing my taxes, because I value doing almost anything else more.
I value all the meals Michael makes for me, even leftovers, because they are so delicious!
I value this video I found on Youtube by searching for “what do we value ageism”:
… and this one:
What else do I value? Your comments and expressing gratitude, here and now.
