Watch Fighting Ageism
Episode 6
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Maybe you've lost your job. Maybe you're just worried about it. Or you just feel subtle pressure to step aside and let the young people move on up. Can you be fired because you make more money than a younger colleague? Do you have to laugh along with those digs about your age? What's against the law and what isn't? And what can be done if you think you are a victim of age discrimination?
Robert Lipsyte sits down to get the answers from the experts. Vincent J. Roscigno, Professor of Sociology at Ohio State University and author of The Face of Discrimination: How Race and Gender Impact Work and Home Lives, describes the emotional toll on older employees who get laid off. Michael C. Harper, Professor of Law at Boston University and a leading authority on labor law and employment discrimination, argues in favor of stronger legal protections for vulnerable older workers. And Jacqueline James, research director of the Center for Work and Family at Boston College, speaks up for what's great about seasoned employees: loyalty, reliability, good networks and work ethics.
Next, Lipsyte talks with TV legend Phil Donahue. Donahue fills us in on his latest project: his documentary about wounded veterans of the war in Iraq. The twenty-time Emmy Award winner says he does not miss the spotlight. Why? Because "it's nice not to have to jump out of a cake every day." And what's not-so-great about getting older? His hearing isn't what it used to be, Donahue confesses. Plus "it's harder to get out of the car."
Then Life (Part 2) hears from author and Columbia University Professor of English and Comparative Literature Edward Mendelson who explains the dangers of labeling older people-and why he finds one term of derision to be particularly offensive.
Comments
Ageism
Getting fired because of your age is total bull. This is basically the same as losing your job because of your race, religion, sex, etc. Stronger laws would provide some much needed support against this but it would not change the fact that older people will still be discriminated against. It takes along time for society, in general, to change the way they think about things like racism or other forms of discrimination. In some cases it will never change. Ageism, although similar to other forms, has its differences as well. It will, at some point, affect everyone, not matter race, sex, or religion. Because of that, it is important we give it more attention and figured out the best way of preventing it.
I like his words: "when you
I like his words:
"when you have less time to loose you've got more world to win" He is totally right.
getting fired
I am 57 and was recently laid off by a huge, profitable law firm. In my satellite office, I and four others were laid off -- ALL WOMEN. Three of us are over 55, one is African American and the other was recently out on disability and had just returned to work the week before. This SO still goes on!
getting fired
I'm 58 and I was recently laid off by a Publishing concern,and am not sure if I was chosen because of my age.....(I was one of 18 let go)
Women at work/and now SENIOR CITIZEN
The older worker in many cases "DO NOT" make more money.....younger people are being hired making more money, because they demand more money now days, that previous workers...also
when your an older worker and a woman, they use the excuse you are making your limit...one time I did not get a raise in 3 yrs, but my supervisor, not only got large raises, and $50,000. bonus during this same period. I know because I transfrerred to another department "ACCTG" and I had to pack up the controlers desk when she left...and I saw the paper work. So it DOES go on...its not fare. While I was working hard, the supv. would go out for lunchs, come in late, go golfing, and get tuns of perks...
This goes on rampid in the Insurance industry...and my guess is in all industries. My husband was disabled, I had to retire early to care for him. We now only have our Soc Sec to fall back on. We have no savings, no 401K, no pensions, nothing. I worked my hole life, got my producers license, which i was held back from using in 2 companies I worked for, and they only used my talents for back up, assistant work. Because I was good at getting the job done. Maybe that was my fault...but I was raised to get the job done and work hard... Which is excactly what I always did.
For what....I have nothing now.
Ms. Stanton
Oak Lawn IL
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