Ageism

Respect and reverence for elders are deeply ingrained in South Asian culture, but co-exist with with ageism, or discrimination based on a person’s age. This unit will explore the ways in which older adults in South Asian societies are viewed and treated.

Traditional South Asian perspectives emphasize caring for aging parents and grandparents at home, looking to them for wisdom, and according them deference. At the same time, common ageist stereotypes exist around seniors being inflexible, out-of-touch, or burdensome, leading to their mistreatment and abuse. Much of eldercare is undertaken by young married women, leading to their withdrawal from the workforce. As societies modernize, economic pressures and changing family structures can strain this traditional and idealized support system.

Analyzing how depictions of the elderly in media and literature have evolved over time across South Asia raises important questions: Do contemporary portrayals challenge ageist myths or reinforce them? How do lived experiences mesh with or diverge from these representations? The case studies in this lesson show the struggles of South Asia’s rapidly growing senior population, and their contribution to our culture.

By examining advertisements and movies, students can gain an understanding of how ageism manifests in South Asian popular culture. They will take first steps towards learning to identify ageist biases and reckoning with personally experienced intergenerational conflicts.

Activities

Task 1.1

Watch the advertisement “Taiyaar Sabko Hona Hota Hai [Everybody Has to Get Ready]” by Simaaya, a fashion brand, in which a bride and her grandmother have a conversation as she gets dressed for her big day. As you do, think about the following questions:

• Why is the bride taken aback? What does our society expect from seniors and the elderly?
• Is traditionalism to be expected from seniors?

Task 1.2

Watch the short film Kheer, which presents opportunities to discuss questions about the aging process and how our relationships change as we age. In this film, a widowed grandfather and his friend, Rekha, spend time with his grandchildren. After you watch the film, think about the relationship between Nanu and Rekha. How would you describe it? Why might Naina and Nanu both want to keep their relationships private? What do Naina’s perceptions of their relationship reveal about the expectations society has for friendships and relationships?

If you have trouble viewing the film, a transcription is available here.

Image Source: The Times of India