Ageism is Center Stage in Local Show

We were poised for an enjoyable evening of light, live theatre. Prior to the show a couple emerged from the aisle and into a spotlight. They were young actors, costumed to look old and clownish. They proceeded to do a short skit intended to encourage season ticket subscriptions and donations to a building fund. Their characters were hard of hearing (lots of shouting and repetition), forgetful and full-on stereotypes of the elder set. Do I have to tell you that I didn’t find the skit amusing?

Below are excerpts from an email I sent to Buck Busfield, Bill Blake and select members of their board:

 "...  The satirical portrayal of the "old people" ... really has no place in a culture in which more than 10,000 people are turning 65 every day.  I carefully checked out the audience and there were, perhaps, six people under the age of 50. This demographic commands almost 77% of the nation's wealth. It's rich in wisdom, experience and generosity.

 

... I readily admit that most people are accustomed to ageist humor and will laugh, thinking "you have to have a sense of humor." But, like other humor that comes at the expense of an entire class (or race, religion, etc.) of people, it is really not funny. Older people are accustomed to silently accepting derisive humor. However, once someone points out such 'jokes' are really not appropriate and certainly not respectful, they think further and mostly agree. Indeed, older people may be their own worse enemy. But, as baby boomers rise in numbers and prominence I am confident this will change. 

 ... I am also sure the talent at the B Street Theatre is up to the task of creating scenes that are sharp, funny and thoughtful. The piece I saw ...  was none of the aforementioned. I hope you choose to seriously consider this input and think about it. It is one thing for those of us in our age group to laugh about our foibles, but quite something else for young people to make fun of us. ...

 Consider this - there were many decades in which we felt perfectly fine with satirizing Jews, Japanese, Chinese, Blacks, and others - we are still struggling with gay! Once we realize it's not "okay" and not funny, we stop. Really, one of my first thoughts when the skit ended was, "How would we be reacting had this been done in black-face." 

... You've greatly benefited Sacramento and we wish you well. I hope you take this input seriously, in the spirit intended. ...

Darby Patterson"

Two weeks later I receive this from Mr. Busfield (only after I shoot out a second email):

 “Should have given you a one sentence response like, ‘I’ll get to this soon’ but got busy. ... We do take all notes seriously, and frequently make changes as a result.

In short, the skit definitely, without doubt, creates caricatures of the elderly. But in this case, I am okay with it ...   I do apologize, however, that the skit offends your sensibilities...”

 Buck Busfield, Producing Managing Director”

How inadequate and dismissive! Serious consideration of my concern (one shared by the many people I’ve consulted about this) would have led to a far better outcome for the theatre that is in the midst of a capital campaign.

Tolerance for this kind of attitude is what kept us mired in decades of racial, ethnic and gender slurs. It’s my hope that others will let the B Street Theatre (and its sponsors) know that elders should not be the subject of thoughtless humor that ridicules and stereotypes.

For Baby Boomers and those who led the way to healthy and productive longevity, it’s a matter of self respect that we make our disapproval known and withdraw support of entities that choose to insult and demean us.