Writing in the Telegraph this week, Selina Scott, 59, talks about the report she's compiled (together with Age UK) on sexism and ageism at the BBC and how she's never felt comfortable with the discrimination against women at the corporation:
'Of course the BBC is not alone in creating a youth-obsessed society in which anyone over 50 is considered redundant and of no value. However, it is the leading reflector of social values. It creates attitudes and therefore how the BBC shapes its programmes and who presents them exerts an influence, usually subconsciously, on us all. With what some think is staggering self-regard, the BBC described itself in its annual report published this week as “Britain’s favourite channel … at the heart of our cultural life” and “part of the national conversation”.
If the BBC really believes it is part of the national conversation it is a pretty dumbed-down conversation we’re having. If all we ever see on television is young people and older women either treated as joke figures or presenting themselves as caricature – Anne Robinson as Cruella de Vil or Loose Women as gossiping harpies - what are we to think?'
So, what are we to think?
Read the full article here
9 comments:
Ouch - Maybe AR thinks that she's simply working a good look for her personality and maybe the Loose Women are just a bunch of women who like to sit around chatting and making people laugh.
It doesn't matter what you do, someone, somewhere will manage to find a stereotype label that you have apparently 'conformed' to.
I don't know whether Ageism is any more rampant at the BBC than it is in any other industry where a large part of what you do is based on visual appeal.
We sure don't see many ugly people on the TV - unless it's a reality show or similar, do we?
Am I playing Devil's Advocate?
I'm not entirely sure.
Ali x
Here in France there are lots of older women as news presenters or weather women. The media does not automatically put the age of everyone as they report. The older woman is seen as sexy and something to aspire to.
I dont know .. I am not in the public eye. So this will never really effect me. I love to see gracious older women on TV it inspires me, I actually find a constant stream of youthful characterless presenters dull.
I think women become more interesting as they get older and its a shame to hide them awayxx
I think that she looks beautiful. And that I am so glad that she doesn´t look like a blown up Hollywood doll without wrinkles. it is so reasuring to see her. They are many ages in life and they are all valid if you live them to the full.
Never mind the brainless American influence and the cult to youth. Who wants to be 20 again anyway???
Ali - but what about Jeremy Paxman? Age and looks haven't wrecked his career!
Rosie, W & S - I couldn't agree more. Think I need to go and live in France where I can be wrinkly without feeling constantly under pressure from the media - oh and drink fine wine/shop at lovely local markets too!
when I made the comment about looks, I was thinking more about how being older doesn't necessarily equate with being less good looking.
Anna Ford is a fine looking woman!
Jeremy Paxman - looks like an afghan hound chewing a wasp.
I'm all for people getting jobs that they are qualified to do, whether they have faces like roof-tiler's nail bags or Madonna :-)
Ali x
Alison, that wasp comment is too funny!!!!! Rosie, I couldn't agree more. When I was staying in Paris, we rented an appartement off rue Sebastopol. The balcony looked over a street one-up-from-the-main, where older ladies of the night (and day) plied their trade. (I couldn't tear my 74-year-old sister away from the window...not even to see the Eiffel Tower.) What struck me was how much RESPECT these women attracted. One was in her 80s. The local panini seller was always fussing around her, giving her a chair, and bringing her food. Men wearing hats would take them off and bow as they passed by. There were several ladies there, ranging from age 45 to 80-something and all thought themselves to be beautiful as did their customers and non-customers. It seems to be only in NA and the UK that this youth-obsessed culture prevails. It is sad. Very sad.
Ali - you're right being older doesn't equate with being less good looking, and people should be judged on ability, not just looks (hence the Paxo comment).
Rosina - that's hilarious. Can't believe your sister preferred to spend her time in Paris watching the prostitutes rather than visiting the Eiffel Tower!
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