The notion of aging became especially threatening and stimulating among women in recent years. One of the outcomes of this trend is the creation of blogs. Women post their best photos to show their personality. Rocamora states that “blogs reproduce women’s position as specular objects, but also as a space of empowerment through the control it grants bloggers on their own image” (410). Personally, after visiting the offered website, I felt ambivalent emotions. On the one hand, it is quite new and unusual to see elderly people dressed so brightly. On the other hand, I like this style of their self-expression. Wearing red coats and cocktail dresses, they strive to show that they want to be involved in life to the same extent as others.
People acquire more experience and knowledge with age, and often we consider them as old-fashioned and conservative. However, the readings for this essay prove that elderly people tend to remain active and fashionable. In particular, Gibson emphasizes a stylish aging and an “unacknowledged growth in recent years of new fears around aging related specifically to appearance” (382). This phenomenon is explained by Rocamora as a “therapeutic tool” that helps women to project their emotions and feelings, both positive and negative ones (408). Thus, the fashion bloggers act as the mirrors showing them to other people.
Moreover, I would like to express my view on the text presented on the blog. Bob Miller, a best-dressed older gentleman, discusses his experience and things related to aging (par. 1). In my opinion, the text is quite interesting and thought-provoking. I agree with the author that there should be no discrimination towards aged people in our society. We should treat them properly avoiding a disrespectful tone. Unfortunately, I observed that adults compare their elderly parents with children. Yes, they can forget some things, but it is not a reason to talk to them inappropriately. In this connection, I support the author’s opinion.
The other topic is political involvement of elderly people in different programs. The current situation can destroy one’s self and lead to the insult. I believe that a range of governmental projects can significantly improve this discrimination called ageism. For example, it can be useful to employ a program that would prohibit doctors to talk with assistants about the aged patient’s disease and, instead, would promote direct communication with the patient. Also, I think that these programs should be discussed and resolved at all levels including local, national, and global ones. At the same time, aged people are to be proactive themselves showing their strong desire to live a full life. The appearance plays an important role in this process. I would like to stress that it should be age-appropriate and modern at the same time. Otherwise, it can lead to the deeper misunderstanding from the society.
I think that the blog affected my understanding of aging. I have never considered this problem so clearly. Often, I saw aged people wearing bright dresses and looking like a movie star. However, I could not even image the meaning of this appearance. I understand now that fashion blogs, bright colors, and overall appearance of elderly people shows their struggle with social and political misunderstanding and mistreatment. Moreover, I learned that there is a need for the development and implementation of relevant programs aimed to improve the present situation.
Works Cited
Gibson, Pamela. “Fashions, Fears and Ageing.” Fashion Cultures Revisited. Ed. Pamela Gibson and Stella Bruzzi. London: Routledge. 2013. 322-337. Print.
Miller, Bob. “Ageism.” Advanced Style. Advanced Style. 2016. Web.
Rocamora, Agnès. “Personal Fashion Blogs: Screens and Mirrors in Digital Self-portraits.” Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture 15.4 (2011): 407-24. Print.