The mask of ageing

 

I was sent to see the branch manager. I wore a face mask.

Deputy Manager: We have to ascertain your age. Are you over 18?

I: ...I am middle-aged.

Deputy Manager: You know, we cannot employ you if you are under 16. This would be against the law....

I: ...I am middle-aged (actually I wanted to say, 'Well, "late-middle-aged" may be considered more correct.'). I have two children.

He looked puzzled, but quickly we talked about the weekly work schedule. I can only work part-time.

If I were still teaching the course Ageing and Gerontology, perhaps I would use this example to discuss the mask of ageing (Featherstone & Hepworth, 1991) in daily life .

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customer service

 

At the end of the recruitment process, the manager asked me, "Do you want to wear one of these badges? Every employee in our restaurants can wear one according to his or her ethnicity." She showed me a small pocket badge of China's national flag.

"I am sorry. I can't wear this. This flag is precisely the reason why I am here."

"Yes. I know. I am sorry. It’s ok if you don’t like this.” The lady was sympathetic.

"By the way, don't worry - I am sure one day you can go back to your profession. You just need to find an appropriate network."

"Thank you. Actually I am also interested in customer service. But thanks a lot for your encouragement. Looking forward to talking to you again soon."

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