Snippets of SnapDragon

I am not a large person.

I’m just over five feet tall, and my pants-size is usually in the single digits. (Then again, it’s been awhile since I’ve–you know–worn actual pants. I jumped on the legging bandwagon in an effort to avoid overbuying maternity clothes, and it’s pretty much been the best decision of my life. Who knows if I’ll ever go back?)

ANYWAY.

My entire life I’ve been mistaken for a much younger girl. I’d be lying if I said this hasn’t been less than ideal at times. (e.g., teaching high school)

And it’s not because I begrudge my short stature. It’s not because I ever wanted to sneak into the clubs. (Hell, I still don’t.)

It’s because ageism is a very real thing.

Because somehow youth is synonymous with stupidity.

Naiveté.

And that just ain’t fair.

In our world we are quick to challenge sexism; racism; classism; homophobia; xenophobia–and rightfully so!

So why not add ageism to the list of social diseases to eradicate?

Because it seems to me that we’re all in this thing together.

Ignorance can impede anyone, from anywhere, at anytime.

And the goodness? The wisdom? The beauty, intelligence, and empathy we long for?

It can emerge from even the tiniest bubbling spring.

Because Horton was right, friends:

A person’s a person, no matter how small.

Now let’s get out there and change the world.

. . .

SnapDragon is a writer, painter, and new mom.

Follow her Two-Bit Musings and more on Snippets of SnapDragon.