Everyday sexism/ everyday ageism
Dear Chuggers, young man working in Sainsbury’s , receptionists, checkout workers, etc
I am 61 years old, going a little grey (quite like the silver highlights) , rather overweight (working on that). I like to wear comfortable shoes and dress in a way that means I don’t have to think about what I’m wearing once I’m wearing it. You meet me out and about on weekdays because I decided to retire at 60 and now I am a free agent. That does not make me senile or stupid or gullible and, chances are, that if I were male, you would not think that it did.
If asked, I could tell you that I have three university degrees, two of them at postgraduate level and obtained in my 40s. I am a qualified teacher who has taught at every level of the school system, including A Level. I have lived abroad, coped with early widowhood and ageing parents, and brought up three daughters to be superb young feminists. Now, I make things, I sing, I exercise, I am interested in the world, I get on with my neighbours. I even use public transport all by myself! So please don’t patronise me or treat me with contempt, don’t call me ‘my dear’ as the 20 year old male ‘chugger’ did this morning, or ‘love’ as the young man in Sainsbury’s did the other day. Not unless you are prepared to do the same for my seventy year old husband who will probably stop and engage you in conversation in just a minute.