To think that the attitude to older people, particularly older women on Mumsnet .....

[seeker]

......is utterly shameful, shows mumsnetters in a very bad lightand should be challenged more and harder?

Latara - allow me to be quite offended at the suggestion that knitting is something that only "old" people do. (because actually, it's not)

Going back to sucking my teeth.

30 and been knitting scarves with my nan for YEARS

It's the only knitting stitch thingie I can do but I love my scarves!!

seeker, I trust you feel this way about all stereotypes/ prejudices and not just the one which happens to fit your own (I'm assuming) demographic?

Completely agree seeker 50 and your past it on here, and I say that as a 24yo.

All 20 year old's think 40 is positively ancient, think you've got to let that one go!

However, I do think women can be their own worst enemies, don't know if it's just the modern plague of the self absorbed or if it's just sheer bitchiness.

It's nice to be nice folks!!

KickTheGuru - NannyOgg - brilliant name Is it age related or just the jovial, happy character wot likes her "big softie" cat???

Ta - both!
Though I always imagine that the 'other' one is lots older than me...

People challenge other stereotypes on MN all the time.

Hi Nanny Ogg
Og is Gaelic for young! Are you a young granny?

Then why not just challenge constructively as it comes up in a thread, rather than getting all us and them about it, as the MIL/DGD thread did?

I speak as the owner of several characteristics which regularly take a pasting on here, BTW.

If I challenge on the thread it becomes us and them, it's a no win situation really.

Fair enough.

seoladair
Um - 50s, so not ancient! But probably much older than the average MNetter.
And I stole the name from the Discworld, my favourite books.

I challenge lots of stereotypes on MN, but am constantly told I have a chip on my shoulder etc.

It does get a bit wearing TBH.

I've now been and had a look at that thread.

Older as in age or older as in length of time on MN?

Actually I see you mean older in age.

LOL @ ear trumpet Nanny0gg.

Blimey seeker, you did a post and run.

Was it past your bedtime my dear?

How does one know how old posters are? unless they say 'granny' in their username (though tbf, there are a fair fews grannys in their 30s where I live)

Sorry, meant to say must be my age - I try not to ever group people and make judgements about them, so hopefully I wouldn't have a negative attitude to any group, older people included.

Older than what?

Are you getting over-sensitive in your old age, seeker?

I haven't seen any overtly ageist threads, can never really tell how old a poster is unless they make reference to it in a post. I have however seen a lot of the same user names getting all pissy and flouncy whenever they've been challenged about a particular view point. I have also encountered folk that go out of their way to be offended and misunderstand a post regardless of how many times the original poster tries to clarify. So, yeah seen lots of that.

My own theory is if you can't take it, don't dish it out. But don't sit there and make a whole heap of offensive/ misinformed comments yourself and then cry "bullying" or whatever else when you get right back what you throw at others.

Sorry- didn't mean to post and run- I was in the car, and my (slightly) younger dp got tired and I took over the driving.

What concerns me is that people post and debate and argue with no idea of the age of the people they are talking to. But if age is mentioned anything past 50 is obviously past it. People talk about "old biddies" and "old bags" and nobody challenges. 50 year olds are "starting to slow down" and that's accepted as obvious. It's bizarre. I accept that a teenager might think of a 50 year old as beyond decrepit, but I would expect better from sensible adult women.

I was actually joking about older women having rocking chairs & knitting...

seeker, I don't recall ever seeing a thread where this happened. Perhaps you could link to an example?

Because without seeing any evidence to the contrary, I have to agree with alrighty then, I think.