The other day I had the opportunity and honor to facilitate an online learning lab focused on bias. Teaching others about the impacts of bias and especially racism, is part of my daily life and work. Thinking about inequities that continue to plague society is always at the forefront. But this piece is not about that work.
What I wanted to share with others is a heartbreaking comment stated during the close of the presentation. It went something like this — “I was hoping that you would talk more about age discrimination that is happening because of this pandemic. Many older people are feeling as if they no longer matter. It feels as if because we’re toward the latter part of our lives, that we are no longer considered a priority.”
Moment of silence.
I thought of the most respectful response I could utter to her in those last couple of minutes that remained.
“You matter to me and to the rest of society. Please know that my family and our communities are being especially cautious because we value your life and the lives of elders throughout our state and nation. I am so sorry to hear that you feel this way and I invite you to continue to join us in these important conversations.”
