Once women reach a certain age we like to consign them to some dark corner of society where we don't have to bother with them again.
Ulrika Jonsson’s quote highlights the societal tendency to marginalize women as they grow older, particularly when they reach a certain age. She observes that once women hit a certain point in life, society often ignores or neglects them, relegating them to what she describes as a "dark corner of society." This statement reflects the ageism and sexism that older women often face, where they are no longer seen as valuable or relevant, particularly in industries such as media, entertainment, or fashion, which tend to prioritize youth.
Jonsson is critical of how society tends to dismiss the experiences and contributions of older women, reducing their visibility and relevance. The phrase "we don't have to bother with them again" suggests that society views older women as inconsequential or no longer worthy of attention, reinforcing harmful stereotypes about the value of women based solely on their age and appearance. This dismissal can also lead to a lack of representation for older women in media and other public spheres.
The quote calls attention to the harmful effects of ageism and gender bias, where women are often judged by their youth and physical appearance rather than their wisdom, experience, or contributions to society. Jonsson's words challenge the narrow perception of women’s worth, advocating for a broader and more inclusive view of value that transcends age and physical appearance.
Ultimately, Jonsson’s statement serves as a critique of societal attitudes towards aging, particularly for women. It emphasizes the need for greater recognition and respect for older women, encouraging a more inclusive and equitable approach where women of all ages are valued for their experiences, knowledge, and contributions, not just their appearance or youth.
TLthom luu
This brings up a critical point: how can we redefine success, beauty, and purpose for women beyond youth? Are companies, institutions, and communities willing to challenge the ageist mindset that devalues experience and maturity? I’d love to know what concrete steps can be taken—policy-wise or socially—to ensure women remain visible, influential, and respected at every stage of life.
HNhoang nguyen
I really resonate with this statement. It's not just about aging—it’s about how society chooses who gets to matter. Is this invisibility something that happens gradually, or does it hit suddenly, like an unspoken cutoff point? I'd be curious to know whether this trend is consistent across different cultures or if some societies manage to value older women more equitably.
YNLe Thi Yen Nhi
This quote makes me wonder about the role of media in reinforcing this marginalization. Why do so few films, shows, or campaigns center older women without turning them into stereotypes? When did we decide relevance has an expiration date—especially for women? I’d love to see more representation that affirms their identity, complexity, and vitality beyond a certain age.
MPDinh Thi Minh Phuong
Reading this made me pause. Is this why so many accomplished older women feel the need to fight harder to stay in the spotlight—because they know society is conditioned to look away? I wonder how much of this bias is internalized, even by women themselves. What would a world look like where older women were seen as sources of wisdom, power, and beauty instead of being pushed aside?
Hhlan
I find this both powerful and deeply unsettling. Why do we culturally sideline women as they age, while older men often gain reverence and status? The double standard is glaring. Is this just a reflection of systemic sexism, or does it also reflect our collective discomfort with aging itself? How do we begin to undo this mindset and make visibility and relevance a lifelong right, not a fleeting privilege?