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RE: Ageism in America is a Real Problem.
This is a huge issue. Government promotes ageism in many ways, and because government itself is ageist, they teach everyone else that it is ok.
Our economy discriminates on the basis of age by government decree. We outlaw children from being able to contribute to the economy by having minimum employment ages. We then outlaw a large number of low-skilled teens and young adults from entering the work-force with stringent and unnecessary licensing laws and minimum wage laws. And finally, we kick old people to the curb with mandatory retirement...
Could you imagine if family farms had to follow the employment standards that those in the cities are forced to follow?
I agree. Much as I've been maligned for suggesting that minimum age requirements for employment infringe on the liberty of both the young teens/pre-teens seeking employment and the employers who wouldn't mind giving these kids a chance to test the waters, it's undeniably a fact. Same goes for mandatory retirement, as well as incentivizing retirement at a certain age through Social Security and Medicare. I don't take issue with helping those in their twilight years if they want it, but just like anything else: if you tax and restrict it, you get less of it, and if you subsidize it, you get more of it. Older people are uniquely positioned to be in control of their lives because of the enormous wisdom of their years. That should be acknowledged and encouraged, like you said @lauralemons. They shouldn't be treated like they're helpless.
I only just started thinking about the political side as I was reading up on it. I didn't feel I could coherently talk about that side of it yet but you are absolutely correct. The government definitely is a huge contributer to ageist culture. They can't profit from the elderly...so....