Lucy Knisley Analysis
. Their ‘alienation’ is also shown by their appearance in Knisley perspective, and never being seen outside of her presence. Without her, they would not be able to partake in the cruise and it wouldn’t be as special according to her grandfather (Knisley 151). Andrews makes a keen observation about the treatment of people after World War II “of voluntary or mandatory retirement from the workforce at a predetermined age” (Andrew 57). In parallel, the elders are identified through age and are expected to act a certain way, following the identity of ‘elder’. Seeing as her grandfather Allen also partook in World War II, it is notable that as a soldier he was enlisted either voluntary or mandatory and left the army when he had the opportunity.
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Similarly, categorizing the age classes work in the same manner with a generation deciding from which age does a person classify as an “elder” regardless of others agreements. In Knisley’s case, her grandparents are defined as old not only by age but the health decline stereotypes surrounding them. This subtle ageist perspective shows the reader how imbedded the problem of ageism lies within society.
Her experience with taking care of her grandparents reveal how other characters react to their status as “elders”. Ageism, is often a hidden problem in society and impossibly noticed by various generations who partake in the behaviour.
While Lucy Knisley does not show any ageist attitudes, it is clear by her initial view of her grandparents that she had adopted, unconsciously, ageist ideas. Sik Hung Ng explains that “people are often categorized on the basis of their age in ways that affect how others will perceive and relate to them” (Ng 102). As previously stated, a common ageist idea is the attribution of decline, which Knisley is quick to point out upon seeing her grandparents again. Yet, from Knisley’s point of view she suddenly notices how other people react to her grandparents’ behaviours which demonstrates other examples of ageism. In one instance, a man stares judgingly at Allen because he peed his pants (Knisley 29). This act of gazing but not saying anything suggests the silent attribution younger generations poses on older generations of making assumptions without understanding. In another case, a man fights with Lucy over a seat, despite Allen needing to sit after an asthma attack (Knisley 142-143). The fact that the man is unwilling to give up the reserved seat displays an unconcerned attitude or the elderly. In both cases, it shows how “people may adopt ageist attitudes and behaviours to distance themselves from older people” (Nelson
214). Arguably, the man who refused to give up his seat could be characterized as being selfish and mean-spirited, and the man judging Allen for peeing his pants as simply being disgusted, however both show their inability to understand the elder. In this case, it is arguable that both actions are considered ageist despite being small details. Further, it implies the nonchalant attitudes adopted by younger generations, viewing elders in the stereotypical fashion as overly-dependant and needy. Rather, this would tie in with Nelson who argues “these stereotypes help younger persons deny the self-threatening aspects of old age” (213). Moreover, elder abuse should be taken in consideration as it is also a form of ageism. Phyllis is exploited by the spa attendant by tricking her into buying unnecessary cosmetics (Knisley 128). Not only are elders being treated as children, but they are viewed as easy targets to take advantage of. Lucy experiences then various ageist attitudes directed towards her grandparents, whether they realize it, and demonstrates how ageism is a fundamental problem in society and adds on to her worries of one day growing old. The constant reminder of being on a boat showcases the necessity for isolation to bring forth the fear of death. Death is not a common thought to the youth, and is rather repressed due to the internal fear of the afterlife. However, by being in the presence of her grandparents and constantly reminded of their mortality, Lucy comes to terms with her own mortality. An example of the overwhelming fear of death is when Lucy goes to the snorkel expedition and dives deeper into the sea, distancing herself from the other snorkelers.
Similarly, categorizing the age classes work in the same manner with a generation deciding from which age does a person classify as an “elder” regardless of others agreements. In Knisley’s case, her grandparents are defined as old not only by age but the health decline stereotypes surrounding them. This subtle ageist perspective shows the reader how imbedded the problem of ageism lies within society.
Her experience with taking care of her grandparents reveal how other characters react to their status as “elders”. Ageism, is often a hidden problem in society and impossibly noticed by various generations who partake in the behaviour.
While Lucy Knisley does not show any ageist attitudes, it is clear by her initial view of her grandparents that she had adopted, unconsciously, ageist ideas. Sik Hung Ng explains that “people are often categorized on the basis of their age in ways that affect how others will perceive and relate to them” (Ng 102). As previously stated, a common ageist idea is the attribution of decline, which Knisley is quick to point out upon seeing her grandparents again. Yet, from Knisley’s point of view she suddenly notices how other people react to her grandparents’ behaviours which demonstrates other examples of ageism. In one instance, a man stares judgingly at Allen because he peed his pants (Knisley 29). This act of gazing but not saying anything suggests the silent attribution younger generations poses on older generations of making assumptions without understanding. In another case, a man fights with Lucy over a seat, despite Allen needing to sit after an asthma attack (Knisley 142-143). The fact that the man is unwilling to give up the reserved seat displays an unconcerned attitude or the elderly. In both cases, it shows how “people may adopt ageist attitudes and behaviours to distance themselves from older people” (Nelson
214). Arguably, the man who refused to give up his seat could be characterized as being selfish and mean-spirited, and the man judging Allen for peeing his pants as simply being disgusted, however both show their inability to understand the elder. In this case, it is arguable that both actions are considered ageist despite being small details. Further, it implies the nonchalant attitudes adopted by younger generations, viewing elders in the stereotypical fashion as overly-dependant and needy. Rather, this would tie in with Nelson who argues “these stereotypes help younger persons deny the self-threatening aspects of old age” (213). Moreover, elder abuse should be taken in consideration as it is also a form of ageism. Phyllis is exploited by the spa attendant by tricking her into buying unnecessary cosmetics (Knisley 128). Not only are elders being treated as children, but they are viewed as easy targets to take advantage of. Lucy experiences then various ageist attitudes directed towards her grandparents, whether they realize it, and demonstrates how ageism is a fundamental problem in society and adds on to her worries of one day growing old. The constant reminder of being on a boat showcases the necessity for isolation to bring forth the fear of death. Death is not a common thought to the youth, and is rather repressed due to the internal fear of the afterlife. However, by being in the presence of her grandparents and constantly reminded of their mortality, Lucy comes to terms with her own mortality. An example of the overwhelming fear of death is when Lucy goes to the snorkel expedition and dives deeper into the sea, distancing herself from the other snorkelers.