A tribute to Whitney Houston has been made in a variety of ways, and some of the more interesting ones are showing up on the Internet. For example — the 90-yar-old woman dancing to her favorite Houston song.
Is there something wrong with the granny in this video “gettin’ down” in tribute to Whitney Houston? Absolutely not —she is fantastic — how many people her age could stay “on stage” as long as she does? It’s evidence that old people can still feel and enjoy life. More old people would fare better if they moved more.
That said, Internet videos have become the circus barker of yesteryear, inviting the curious to take a peek at the bizarre. In times past, people who were “different” could be seen as part of a circus sideshow: The bearded lady; the Siamese twins; the seven-foot tall iron man. Now we can see all such anomalies on the Internet, including “dancing granny” videos, some clearly inappropriate and make the women appear non compos mentis.
Most people who watch the video think it’s cute. I do, but at the same time, it’s disturbing. Wouldn’t it be great if we could see the granny in the video doing something that inspired other 90-year-olds to be more than a source of amusement?
Instead of seeing old people behaving like teenagers I want to see videos of old people who continue to use their skills, education and intelligence to dispel the myth that old people are mentally over the hill and the only value they have is to provide entertainment for those who take pleasure in seeing senility in action. I want to see videos that inspire older women to continue to reach their potential.
I know such videos exist on the Internet, but it’s unfortunate when news outlets pick up and run with the video of granny gyrating instead of the granny who is teaching kids to read, or the granny who is holding public office, or the granny who still works (God forbid!) and instead of being a burden on her family or society, is holding her own and even doing for others.
I am especially irritated with Bill O’Reilly on this issue. Although he was not the only one to show the video, he made a snarky remark about her age – which is not the first time he has made a sniping comment about an older person’s age. Bill often tells viewers who disagree with his comments to “wise up” – he needs to wise up on the age issue. He’s getting up there himself. I’m looking forward to seeing his “dancing grandpa” video any day now.
On a positive note, please watch this video of a 90-year-old couple playing the piano. It’s funny but inspiring. Perhaps it will encourage you to ignite some latent creativity. Whatever it may be, you are not too old to do it!
This couple playing piano together is a relief to see, after dealing with dancing granny, who doesn’t seem real competent.
I agree with you Barbara. I find it disturbing to think that I could have a long life of accomplishment only to see it diminished by being viewed as a sideshow. What’s sad is that the only time older women get any half-way positive attention is when they are the objects of curiosity, and this seems to apply to any woman over the age of 40! Remember the cougar phenomenon? I find it disgusting how many women jumped on that and some people even tried to label me as a cougar (my husband is a decade younger). I always understood it as an insulting moniker not only for the original meaning but the mere fact that a woman doing what men have done forever even needs a label.
Thanks, Donalda, for the feedback. We have such a long way to go. When older women are recognized for accomplishment, usually, it’s framed as “Isn’t she wonderful for her age”? Can we just let go of the “for her age” part? My favorite role model, Her Worship, 90-year-old Mayor of one of Canada’s largest cities demonstrates my point. If you haven’t seen her inspiring video, please watch it: http://www.youtube.com/embed/fY79KbCptTo. While I never tire of watching it, nevertheless it’s one of those “Isn’t she wonderful for her age” things. In any case, I’m gratefull for whatever progress we are making to recognize and honor the talents and competence of older women.