Ageist comment from co-worker

[Anonymous]

You called him in it. He apologized.
Keep it moving.

[Anonymous]

Good to call him on it even if the other co-worker doesn't care. He has learned something.

You may find out that he's a problem employee. I've found that using this kind of terminology and others that may skirt the line but are definitely rude is often not a one-time mistake. I had to deal with this several times and one of the worst people that was let go for an EEO violation kept calling the HR reps "you ladies" in an interview about this offense. It's a mindset. Some don't want to change and are either idiots, feel superior, are threatened or are self-sabotagers or all of the above. Often they will go further in their comments and behaviors.

[Anonymous]

Keep it moving, but I stand with you... rude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Keep it moving, but I stand with you... rude.

+1. So rude and unprofessional. I’m 34 and am very well aware that this is a dumb thing to say.

Ageism is a thing in the workplace. People should not be joking about race, religion, gender, age or sexuality. You can be funny without potentially offending people around you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My coworkers (in 40s and 50s) refer to the 20 somethings as the ‘kids.’ I find that offensive too.

Op, you did the right thing.

I agree. One of my co-workers who is in late 60s was calling young people who are barely 20 as "kids". One day, one of the senior leaders was chatting with her and she was talking with her about those " kids". The senior leader called her out on it and told her to not call them "kids" and that it is inappropriate. I liked that. I think we need to be very careful at workplace and think twice before we say anything to anybody.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Im 50. I don’t mind being called old necessarily, but I also wouldn’t like being grouped in as “old ladies” by a young person at work.

But what’s worse than being an old lady? Probably being a humorous old lady. Now he’ll just call you a Karen.

I am 50 and called myself an old lady at work recently. It was in context of “I am not doing that shitty task, I’ve earned my dues.” Honestly it probably wouldn’t have bugged me but I am much less sensitive to my age than many who post here. Honestly I’m pretty proud to be where I am. I am snappy though so I probably would have said that one day he won’t be young and dumb anymore.

[Anonymous]

It sucks but age comes for us all (if we are lucky).

In a few years all the early and mid 20s staff will think he’s old and feel sorry that he has to skip HH for daycare pick up.

In 20 years he too will be 50, likely losing his hair and trying to stretch out his back in a meeting because it’s so stiff.

Age is the great equalizer and it comes sooner than we think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sucks but age comes for us all (if we are lucky).

In a few years all the early and mid 20s staff will think he’s old and feel sorry that he has to skip HH for daycare pick up.

In 20 years he too will be 50, likely losing his hair and trying to stretch out his back in a meeting because it’s so stiff.

Age is the great equalizer and it comes sooner than we think.

I'm pretty sure it takes 50 years to get 50 years old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are old. That part is just factual biographical information. You're the one that made it negative, not him.

And you are equally ageist.

The comment in the workplace setting was extremely inappropriate

He was rude, glad that you called him out. I’m older than you and I think the PP has a point. You are old for the workplace, also more experienced, seasoned, mature etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sucks but age comes for us all (if we are lucky).

In a few years all the early and mid 20s staff will think he’s old and feel sorry that he has to skip HH for daycare pick up.

In 20 years he too will be 50, likely losing his hair and trying to stretch out his back in a meeting because it’s so stiff.

Age is the great equalizer and it comes sooner than we think.

I'm pretty sure it takes 50 years to get 50 years old.

Yes, but like I said, you are always going to be old to someone once you get passed early 20s.

[Anonymous]

You are too sensitive. I’m also 50 and sorry to tell you, but it’s old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are old. That part is just factual biographical information. You're the one that made it negative, not him.

And you are equally ageist.

The comment in the workplace setting was extremely inappropriate

Why do you think it is so bad to be old?

It’s not bad to be old.

It’s bad to be treated “less than” because of your age.

OP wasn’t treated “less than”.

Of course she was!

She wasn’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are too sensitive. I’m also 50 and sorry to tell you, but it’s old.

And it’s not a bad thing.

[Anonymous]

She may be sensitive but after having had to go through micro aggression training, I say call him out. If we are supposed to call people out for any little thing that offends us, then go for it.

[Anonymous]

Old precedes elderly, when you are 55 you can draw from 401k without penalty so that is elderly