Changes

{{quotation|Honestly, I think a lot of it comes from VERY young women who are only used to seeing older women as mothers and teachers. And yeah, of course young girls don’t want mothers and teachers spying on their hobbies. I sure didn’t when I was a young teen.

{{quotation|Honestly, I think a lot of it comes from VERY young women who are only used to seeing older women as mothers and teachers. And yeah, of course young girls don’t want mothers and teachers spying on their hobbies. I sure didn’t when I was a young teen.

HOWEVER. How young and sheltered do you have to be to think that older women are ONLY teachers and mothers? How self-centered do you have to be to think that older women SHOULD all revolve their lives around the wants or “needs” of kids? (I know it’s natural and normal for young teens to be just THAT self-absorbed, but honestly, it’s not a good look on anyone, so stop it.)<ref>[http://ravenmorganleigh.tumblr.com/post/144557614520/ageism-in-fandom-too-old-to-fangirl Ageism in Fandom: Too Old to Fangirl?]</ref>}}

HOWEVER. How young and sheltered do you have to be to think that older women are ONLY teachers and mothers? How self-centered do you have to be to think that older women SHOULD all revolve their lives around the wants or “needs” of kids? (I know it’s natural and normal for young teens to be just THAT self-absorbed, but honestly, it’s not a good look on anyone, so stop it.)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ravenmorganleigh.tumblr.com/post/144557614520/ageism-in-fandom-too-old-to-fangirl | title = Ageism in Fandom: Too Old to Fangirl? }}</ref>}}

Some felt that the expectations of younger fans were rooted in outdated beliefs

Some felt that the expectations of younger fans were rooted in outdated beliefs

{{quotation2|one more thing, i can’t help but notice that a lot of tumblr’s popular ideas about what 30+-year-old women — and it’s almost always women — should be doing instead of having fun online seem to line up pretty closely with very conservative beliefs about what women’s options should be. especially that women should have children and that once they have children their lives should revolve around those children completely, with no time for breaks or hobbies or internet discussion or other selfish, frivolous, unmotherly activities. to be a mother or a woman old enough to be expected to be a mother is to be a specially regulated class of person, judged by her performance as a self-sacrificing caregiver and exemplar of chaste maturity.<ref>[https://enoughtohold.tumblr.com/post/166541699026/one-more-thing-i-cant-help-but-notice-that-a-lot one more thing, i can’t help but notice that a lot of tumblr’s popular ideas about what 30+-year-old women]</ref>}}

{{quotation2|one more thing, i can’t help but notice that a lot of tumblr’s popular ideas about what 30+-year-old women — and it’s almost always women — should be doing instead of having fun online seem to line up pretty closely with very conservative beliefs about what women’s options should be. especially that women should have children and that once they have children their lives should revolve around those children completely, with no time for breaks or hobbies or internet discussion or other selfish, frivolous, unmotherly activities. to be a mother or a woman old enough to be expected to be a mother is to be a specially regulated class of person, judged by her performance as a self-sacrificing caregiver and exemplar of chaste maturity.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://enoughtohold.tumblr.com/post/166541699026/one-more-thing-i-cant-help-but-notice-that-a-lot | title = one more thing, i can’t help but notice that a lot of tumblr’s popular ideas about what 30+-year-old women }}</ref>}}

Or a lack of interaction with mature individuals outside a familial or professional setting

Or a lack of interaction with mature individuals outside a familial or professional setting

As parents and teachers (and doctors, and trainers, and counsellors, and so on) are first and foremost there to care for them, it’s quite possible that younger people in fandom have not yet come to the realization that there is a huge segment of the middle-aged population that is neither obligated nor willing to do the same, especially if that “caring” takes the form of special consideration, of prioritzing their well-being - their comfort, their interests, their sensibilities.

As parents and teachers (and doctors, and trainers, and counsellors, and so on) are first and foremost there to care for them, it’s quite possible that younger people in fandom have not yet come to the realization that there is a huge segment of the middle-aged population that is neither obligated nor willing to do the same, especially if that “caring” takes the form of special consideration, of prioritzing their well-being - their comfort, their interests, their sensibilities.

And that that segment of the population has wants and needs the same way they do, and that these wants and needs are not all that different from theirs, and that these wants and needs are equally valid and important.<ref>[http://uniwolfwerecorn.tumblr.com/post/164016322795/part-of-fandoms-blatant-ageism-might-also-stem Part of fandom’s blatant ageism]</ref>}}

And that that segment of the population has wants and needs the same way they do, and that these wants and needs are not all that different from theirs, and that these wants and needs are equally valid and important.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://uniwolfwerecorn.tumblr.com/post/164016322795/part-of-fandoms-blatant-ageism-might-also-stem | title = Part of fandom’s blatant ageism }}</ref>}}

Others connected ageism in fandom to broader issues such as [[misogyny]] and the desexualization of older women

Others connected ageism in fandom to broader issues such as [[misogyny]] and the desexualization of older women

{{quotation2|Which seems to be tied to the idea that a woman has worth only when she is sexually active and on the “market” (which is wrong), and that a woman’s sexuality is limited to her twenties (this is also wrong). A lot of girls seem to think that they have a very short shelf life as a human being worthy of respect, and it’s all just terribly self-limiting.

{{quotation2|Which seems to be tied to the idea that a woman has worth only when she is sexually active and on the “market” (which is wrong), and that a woman’s sexuality is limited to her twenties (this is also wrong). A lot of girls seem to think that they have a very short shelf life as a human being worthy of respect, and it’s all just terribly self-limiting.

And then, of course, we can get into, if a sexless woman (as are apparently all women over 30) is not worthy of respect<ref>[http://lapelosa.tumblr.com/post/30732777082/ageism-is-terrible-in-this-fandom-it-strikes-as Ageism is terrible in this fandom]</ref>}}

And then, of course, we can get into, if a sexless woman (as are apparently all women over 30) is not worthy of respect<ref>{{cite web | url = http://lapelosa.tumblr.com/post/30732777082/ageism-is-terrible-in-this-fandom-it-strikes-as | title = Ageism is terrible in this fandom }}</ref>}}

==You're middle aged and still have a tumblr?==

==You're middle aged and still have a tumblr?==

Often referred to as one of the primary examples of ageism on [[Tumblr]], on December 14, 2014, Anonymous asked a Tumblr user: {{Quotation|'''You're middle aged and still have a tumblr? LOL''' <Ref> [http://eeyore9990.tumblr.com/post/105585292478/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol eeyore9990.tumblr] </ref>}}  This post generated a great deal of discussion and older fans trying to enlighten others about their fandom history and continued engagement, as of June 2017 it had over 17,000 notes.  Some responses:

Often referred to as one of the primary examples of ageism on [[Tumblr]], on December 14, 2014, Anonymous asked a Tumblr user: {{Quotation|'''You're middle aged and still have a tumblr? LOL''' <ref>{{cite web | url = http://eeyore9990.tumblr.com/post/105585292478/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol | title = eeyore9990.tumblr }}</ref>}}  This post generated a great deal of discussion and older fans trying to enlighten others about their fandom history and continued engagement, as of June 2017 it had over 17,000 notes.  Some responses:

{{Quotation2|[drgrlfriend]: I always wonder what people who make these comments think middle-aged people do. Like, sit around, doing their taxes and talking about escrow 24/7?

{{Quotation2|[drgrlfriend]: I always wonder what people who make these comments think middle-aged people do. Like, sit around, doing their taxes and talking about escrow 24/7?

Do they really expect not to have any fun or waste any time after age 30? Or maybe they think that people are just not awesome enough to be able to have a professional job, a family, and still waste time on Tumblr.

Do they really expect not to have any fun or waste any time after age 30? Or maybe they think that people are just not awesome enough to be able to have a professional job, a family, and still waste time on Tumblr.

Well, I’m here, friends, to tell you that it is possible! You can have it ALL — the career, the family, and the incredible time-suck of fandom! <ref> [http://drgrlfriend.tumblr.com/post/105625527487/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol drgrlfriend.tumblr] </ref>}}

Well, I’m here, friends, to tell you that it is possible! You can have it ALL — the career, the family, and the incredible time-suck of fandom! <ref>{{cite web | url = http://drgrlfriend.tumblr.com/post/105625527487/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol | title = drgrlfriend.tumblr }}</ref>}}

{{Quotation|[sertetlen]: Oh middle aged WOMEN in particular are just… not allowed to have fun, I think? We’re supposed to be past it, pathetic and devote the remaining dregs of our time, energy & attention to caring for others, and studiously avoiding anything that someone might find worthy of mockery. Then we die (or become invisible). (I mean, maybe we’re allowed to have fun if it’s APPROPRIATE fun. Like, a small sherry after an age-allowed exercise class? A couple of hours of watching BBC2? Not fandom. Never fandom!)

{{Quotation|[sertetlen]: Oh middle aged WOMEN in particular are just… not allowed to have fun, I think? We’re supposed to be past it, pathetic and devote the remaining dregs of our time, energy & attention to caring for others, and studiously avoiding anything that someone might find worthy of mockery. Then we die (or become invisible). (I mean, maybe we’re allowed to have fun if it’s APPROPRIATE fun. Like, a small sherry after an age-allowed exercise class? A couple of hours of watching BBC2? Not fandom. Never fandom!)

This post has reminded me I still need to do my tax return. But that’ll take an afternoon, not my whole 40s. <Ref> [http://sertetlen.tumblr.com/post/105696683279/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol sertetlen.tumblr] </ref>}}

This post has reminded me I still need to do my tax return. But that’ll take an afternoon, not my whole 40s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://sertetlen.tumblr.com/post/105696683279/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol | title = sertetlen.tumblr }}</ref>}}

{{Quotation2|[labelleizzy]: Also middle-aged (because I don’t figure on living much past 90) and here reblogging and yelling at stupid people on Tumblr, sharing beautiful art and writing. I wanted this when I was a teen and I’m SURE gonna enjoy the hell out of it now! <Ref> [http://labelleizzy.tumblr.com/post/130626760957/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol labelleizzy.tumblr] </ref>}}

{{Quotation2|[labelleizzy]: Also middle-aged (because I don’t figure on living much past 90) and here reblogging and yelling at stupid people on Tumblr, sharing beautiful art and writing. I wanted this when I was a teen and I’m SURE gonna enjoy the hell out of it now! <ref>{{cite web | url = http://labelleizzy.tumblr.com/post/130626760957/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol | title = labelleizzy.tumblr }}</ref>}}

{{Quotation| [labelleizzy]: Wow, I am middle-aged now? Who knew?

{{Quotation| [labelleizzy]: Wow, I am middle-aged now? Who knew?

Yeah, I have a Tumblr, too. I do Tumblr when I am not casting spells, watching Marvel movies, or talking to my Beast Herd.  

Yeah, I have a Tumblr, too. I do Tumblr when I am not casting spells, watching Marvel movies, or talking to my Beast Herd.  

Seriously! <Ref> [http://labelleizzy.tumblr.com/post/135016063087/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol labelleizzy.tumblr] </ref>}}

Seriously! <ref>{{cite web | url = http://labelleizzy.tumblr.com/post/135016063087/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol | title = labelleizzy.tumblr }}</ref>}}

{{Quotation2|[spitandvinegar]:  

{{Quotation2|[spitandvinegar]:  

You can lay back, darling. You can let yourself be carried. You can sink to the deep with the anchor round your neck.

You can lay back, darling. You can let yourself be carried. You can sink to the deep with the anchor round your neck.

Or you can decide that you don’t give an everloving fuck and reblog a bunch of GIFs if you damn well feel like it, because one of the benefits of not being a puerile youth is that you’re not hysterically concerned with what other people may or may not think about your hobbies. <Ref> [http://spitandvinegar.tumblr.com/post/135019867348/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol spitandvinegar.tumblr] </ref>}}

Or you can decide that you don’t give an everloving fuck and reblog a bunch of GIFs if you damn well feel like it, because one of the benefits of not being a puerile youth is that you’re not hysterically concerned with what other people may or may not think about your hobbies.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://spitandvinegar.tumblr.com/post/135019867348/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol | title = spitandvinegar.tumblr }}</ref>}}

{{Quotation|[elfwreck]: I grow old, and I stand with the power of decades in my blood and the legacy of centuries of women behind me, and I can look at the delightful shifting passions of youth and think, glad someone has the energy for all that, and also, when you have a moment to rest, sit beside me, and I will tell you of your foremothers and their passions… how they paid for the right of two women to kiss in public with blood and pain; how they built entire technologies to show their friends the thoughts that burned in their hearts when they saw the tv shows where the only true trust and love was between men; how they shared stories and songs and art with each other when all these things were hard and took irreplaceable resources–not just the fic and filk and pics, but the sharing itself.

{{Quotation|[elfwreck]: I grow old, and I stand with the power of decades in my blood and the legacy of centuries of women behind me, and I can look at the delightful shifting passions of youth and think, glad someone has the energy for all that, and also, when you have a moment to rest, sit beside me, and I will tell you of your foremothers and their passions… how they paid for the right of two women to kiss in public with blood and pain; how they built entire technologies to show their friends the thoughts that burned in their hearts when they saw the tv shows where the only true trust and love was between men; how they shared stories and songs and art with each other when all these things were hard and took irreplaceable resources–not just the fic and filk and pics, but the sharing itself.

But you’re going to miss a lot of the good stuff if you waste your energy–which is limited, I assure you, and you’ll figure that out soon enough–telling other people we don’t belong in this fannish location, or should not have that fannish hobby, or must not create some particular kind of fanworks.

But you’re going to miss a lot of the good stuff if you waste your energy–which is limited, I assure you, and you’ll figure that out soon enough–telling other people we don’t belong in this fannish location, or should not have that fannish hobby, or must not create some particular kind of fanworks.

We may not have speed and agility anymore, but wow do we have stamina. And patience. And time is on our side… we can wait you out, but that doesn’t work the other way around. If you wait, you’ll eventually join us. <Ref> [http://elfwreck.tumblr.com/post/135031544529/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol elfwreck.tumblr] </ref>}}

We may not have speed and agility anymore, but wow do we have stamina. And patience. And time is on our side… we can wait you out, but that doesn’t work the other way around. If you wait, you’ll eventually join us.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://elfwreck.tumblr.com/post/135031544529/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol | title = elfwreck.tumblr }}</ref>}}

{{Quotation2|[eeyore9990]: Lol, I read them all through the power of notes, heh. And the thing is, it’ll go MONTHS with no likes or reblogs and then suddenly get a thousand new, wonderful stories in a single day. I love the way a little bit of fandom history gets added with each iteration.

{{Quotation2|[eeyore9990]: Lol, I read them all through the power of notes, heh. And the thing is, it’ll go MONTHS with no likes or reblogs and then suddenly get a thousand new, wonderful stories in a single day. I love the way a little bit of fandom history gets added with each iteration.

We will sit in our rocking chairs, eating our jello, and shriek at each other – because hearing aids only do so much – about what a nice, round ass that boy on the television has. Or what gorgeous lips that girl has. Or maybe we’ll just discuss the fanfics of old. We’ll reminisce about fandon wank we survived. We’ll hang our favorite, framed fan art. We’ll watch holographic fanvids of the newest iteration of Sherlock or the Harry Potter reboot or WHATEVER.

We will sit in our rocking chairs, eating our jello, and shriek at each other – because hearing aids only do so much – about what a nice, round ass that boy on the television has. Or what gorgeous lips that girl has. Or maybe we’ll just discuss the fanfics of old. We’ll reminisce about fandon wank we survived. We’ll hang our favorite, framed fan art. We’ll watch holographic fanvids of the newest iteration of Sherlock or the Harry Potter reboot or WHATEVER.

But this is my dream. To live and die on the Fannish Road. <Ref> [http://eeyore9990.tumblr.com/post/135576193858/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol eeyore9990.tumblr] </ref>}}

But this is my dream. To live and die on the Fannish Road.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://eeyore9990.tumblr.com/post/135576193858/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol | title = eeyore9990.tumblr }}</ref>}}

{{Quotation| [animatedamerican] quotes a [[filk]] ]:  

{{Quotation| [animatedamerican] quotes a [[filk]] ]:  

:Till the Con Suite runs out of Ensure.  

:Till the Con Suite runs out of Ensure.  

:- Tom Smith, “ConValescence” <Ref> [http://animatedamerican.tumblr.com/post/137161266882/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol animatedamerican.tumblr]  </ref>}}

:- Tom Smith, “ConValescence” <ref>{{cite web | url = http://animatedamerican.tumblr.com/post/137161266882/youre-middle-aged-and-still-have-a-tumblr-lol | title = animatedamerican.tumblr }}</ref>}}

==Youth Perspectives==

==Youth Perspectives==

Some younger fans point out that accusing fans of ageism may be a way to cover up bad behavior:  

Some younger fans point out that accusing fans of ageism may be a way to cover up bad behavior:  

{{Quotation| And then sometimes having older fandom friends is like when you go home for the holidays and your grandma says something racist. And it’s like … you love your grandma … but she just said something racist … what are you supposed to do now?

{{Quotation| And then sometimes having older fandom friends is like when you go home for the holidays and your grandma says something racist. And it’s like … you love your grandma … but she just said something racist … what are you supposed to do now?

So you’re sort of left with the feeling of “thank gods your friends aren’t here to hear grandma being racist.” But when this happens on tumblr and “racist grandma” is “racist older fandom friend” all your friends can hear grandma being racist. (Or sexist. Or homophobic. Or biphobic. Or transphobic. Or anti-Semitic. Or ableist.) [snipped] And like how much nastiness are you supposed to put up with from the older generations for the sake of bonds in other areas, whether it’s racist grandma, or a close friend who shares media recommendations with you in a small fandom.   <ref> {{source| url = http://out-there-on-the-maroon.tumblr.com/post/134236855375/older-fandom-friends | title = Older fandom friends | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6dR4Lwbwp | archivedate = 2015-11-30 }} (November 2015) </ref>}}

So you’re sort of left with the feeling of “thank gods your friends aren’t here to hear grandma being racist.” But when this happens on tumblr and “racist grandma” is “racist older fandom friend” all your friends can hear grandma being racist. (Or sexist. Or homophobic. Or biphobic. Or transphobic. Or anti-Semitic. Or ableist.) [snipped] And like how much nastiness are you supposed to put up with from the older generations for the sake of bonds in other areas, whether it’s racist grandma, or a close friend who shares media recommendations with you in a small fandom.<ref>{{source| url = http://out-there-on-the-maroon.tumblr.com/post/134236855375/older-fandom-friends | title = Older fandom friends | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6dR4Lwbwp | archivedate = 2015-11-30 }} (November 2015)</ref>}}

{{quotation2|A number of older female fans are obnoxious, immature bullies who deserve to be called the hell out for their bad behavior, and don’t have the excuse of being too young to know better.<ref>[http://lj-writes.tumblr.com/post/167827943785/a-number-of-older-female-fans-are-obnoxious A number of older female fans are obnoxious, immature bullies]</ref>}}

{{quotation2|A number of older female fans are obnoxious, immature bullies who deserve to be called the hell out for their bad behavior, and don’t have the excuse of being too young to know better.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://lj-writes.tumblr.com/post/167827943785/a-number-of-older-female-fans-are-obnoxious | title = A number of older female fans are obnoxious, immature bullies }}</ref>}}

==Dislike of Older Characters in Canon==

==Dislike of Older Characters in Canon==

Ageism can look like a fan who ships all the non-canon ships … except Doctor Mechanic, because it’s “gross” and “Abby is basically her mom.”  The inherent desexualization of age-difference relationships is often rooted in ageism.  You don’t have to ship it!  But if you insist that no one should ship it, then there may be some ageism in the roots of your ship-shaming.<ref name=abby>[http://kane-and-griffin.tumblr.com/post/164960658961/hey-so-i-know-that-youre-the-most-famous-person I have a lot of thoughts, some of which may not be the thoughts you were hoping that I would have]</ref>}}

Ageism can look like a fan who ships all the non-canon ships … except Doctor Mechanic, because it’s “gross” and “Abby is basically her mom.”  The inherent desexualization of age-difference relationships is often rooted in ageism.  You don’t have to ship it!  But if you insist that no one should ship it, then there may be some ageism in the roots of your ship-shaming.<ref name=abby>[http://kane-and-griffin.tumblr.com/post/164960658961/hey-so-i-know-that-youre-the-most-famous-person I have a lot of thoughts, some of which may not be the thoughts you were hoping that I would have]</ref>}}

Accusations of ageism is also often associated with [[The Walking Dead]] fandom's treatment of the character [[Carol Peletier]],<ref>[http://carolageismandsexismposts.tumblr.com/ CAROL HATE: AGEISM, SEXISM, VICTIM-BLAMING]</ref> forum user Doctor grimes summarizes:

Accusations of ageism is also often associated with [[The Walking Dead]] fandom's treatment of the character [[Carol Peletier]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://carolageismandsexismposts.tumblr.com/ | title = CAROL HATE: AGEISM, SEXISM, VICTIM-BLAMING }}</ref> forum user Doctor grimes summarizes:

{{quotation2|ageism is at play in some parts of this fandom. I've certainly seen my fair share of some people lobbing ageist remarks about Melissa McBride/Carol. From diminishing her capabilities solely on the basis of her age, to the fact that she's "too old" to play opposite male characters like Daryl or Rick in a romance. She's been referred to as a "mother" figure to men closer to her own age than the age of her canonical on-screen child (Sophia) -- men that she couldn't possibly have birthed.  

{{quotation2|ageism is at play in some parts of this fandom. I've certainly seen my fair share of some people lobbing ageist remarks about Melissa McBride/Carol. From diminishing her capabilities solely on the basis of her age, to the fact that she's "too old" to play opposite male characters like Daryl or Rick in a romance. She's been referred to as a "mother" figure to men closer to her own age than the age of her canonical on-screen child (Sophia) -- men that she couldn't possibly have birthed.  

I do believe this is a result of societal conditioning. We've been shown consistently older men still being sexy and suave and roping younger women (sometimes half their age), while older women get shoved into the margins. To play mothers to younger starring characters, grandmothers, or minor supporting roles. They're rarely given the chance to be shown doing anything active -- let alone driving a plot.<ref>[http://spoilthedead.com/forum/showthread.php/22188-Women-and-Ageism-on-TWD/page4 Women and Ageism on TWD, forum thread]</ref>}}

I do believe this is a result of societal conditioning. We've been shown consistently older men still being sexy and suave and roping younger women (sometimes half their age), while older women get shoved into the margins. To play mothers to younger starring characters, grandmothers, or minor supporting roles. They're rarely given the chance to be shown doing anything active -- let alone driving a plot.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://spoilthedead.com/forum/showthread.php/22188-Women-and-Ageism-on-TWD/page4 | title = Women and Ageism on TWD, forum thread }}</ref>}}

Also, [[Tumblr]] user jeleha reminds others that ageist comments not only discredit the character, but can hurt fans who deeply care about Carol:

Also, [[Tumblr]] user jeleha reminds others that ageist comments not only discredit the character, but can hurt fans who deeply care about Carol:

{{quotation|Saying ageist things about Carol is not only hateful and disrespectful to Melissa McBride (undoubtedly one of the greatest actresses of all time) it’s awful to the many women who watch the show and champion Carol. Sometimes I watch the show with my Mom (a domestic abuse survivor who is Carol’s age) and I see the happiness it brings her to see a character that reminds her of herself who is such a force of nature. Representation matters, and when you diss a character like Carol for trivial shit like her (lovely) gray hair, you’re attempting to invalidate what she represents based on age alone. She represents survivors. She is strong and capable. She is beautiful and desirable.<ref>[http://jeleha.tumblr.com/post/157487191051/saying-ageist-things-about-carol-is-not-only Saying ageist things about Carol is not only hateful and disrespectful to Melissa McBride]</ref>}}

{{quotation|Saying ageist things about Carol is not only hateful and disrespectful to Melissa McBride (undoubtedly one of the greatest actresses of all time) it’s awful to the many women who watch the show and champion Carol. Sometimes I watch the show with my Mom (a domestic abuse survivor who is Carol’s age) and I see the happiness it brings her to see a character that reminds her of herself who is such a force of nature. Representation matters, and when you diss a character like Carol for trivial shit like her (lovely) gray hair, you’re attempting to invalidate what she represents based on age alone. She represents survivors. She is strong and capable. She is beautiful and desirable.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://jeleha.tumblr.com/post/157487191051/saying-ageist-things-about-carol-is-not-only | title = Saying ageist things about Carol is not only hateful and disrespectful to Melissa McBride }}</ref>}}

Author K. Ancrum points out that ageism against male [[POC]] characters is also seen within fandoms, using characters played by [[Samuel L. Jackson]] as an example:

Author K. Ancrum points out that ageism against male [[POC]] characters is also seen within fandoms, using characters played by [[Samuel L. Jackson]] as an example:

A [[Tumblr]] anon also gives an example of ageism against an older male character, [[Blackwall]], in [[Dragon Age]] fandom:

A [[Tumblr]] anon also gives an example of ageism against an older male character, [[Blackwall]], in [[Dragon Age]] fandom:

{{quotation|Before Blackwall was confirmed as an LI, everyone was like “Ewww, he’s too ooooold.” And now they’re saying “Gross, he looks like my dad/my uncle/etc!” The implication is that older people... are not sexy and young enough to have hot romances. Not everyone in this fandom is under 20. Us older fans want to have love too - with people our own age.<ref>[http://alldragonageconfessions.tumblr.com/post/98734066484/can-we-talk-about-the-ageism-in-this-fandom Dragon Age Confession September 2014]</ref>}}

{{quotation|Before Blackwall was confirmed as an LI, everyone was like “Ewww, he’s too ooooold.” And now they’re saying “Gross, he looks like my dad/my uncle/etc!” The implication is that older people... are not sexy and young enough to have hot romances. Not everyone in this fandom is under 20. Us older fans want to have love too - with people our own age.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://alldragonageconfessions.tumblr.com/post/98734066484/can-we-talk-about-the-ageism-in-this-fandom | title = Dragon Age Confession September 2014 }}</ref>}}

Fandom hatred, and ageist behaviors, towards older characters may occur more frequently in youth oriented fandoms.

Fandom hatred, and ageist behaviors, towards older characters may occur more frequently in youth oriented fandoms.

* [[Fanosaurs]]

* [[Fanosaurs]]

==Further Reading==

==Further reading==

===Unclear Date===

===Unclear Date===

*  [http://web.archive.org/web/20180822224356/http://catchmewhispering.tumblr.com/post/137706195372/the-hilarious-thing-about-growing-up-that-all-the Getting older doesn’t actually ''feel'' like anything] by @catchmewhispering  

*  [http://web.archive.org/web/20180822224356/http://catchmewhispering.tumblr.com/post/137706195372/the-hilarious-thing-about-growing-up-that-all-the Getting older doesn’t actually ''feel'' like anything] by @catchmewhispering