Gransnet forums

Everyday Ageism

The Invisible Woman

(28 Posts)
JackyB Sun 28-Feb-21 13:49:49

I just heard this song on Cerys Matthews' Sunday morning programme.

It's about us!

youtu.be/WyIQDLLyyoA

Nannarose Sun 28-Feb-21 14:22:28

At our local Co-op the other day I saw a woman of about my age wearing a sweatshirt saying 'Under-estimate me - that'll be fun'

Redhead56 Sun 28-Feb-21 14:31:11

That a lovely song!

Nannan2 Sun 28-Feb-21 14:37:02

Ive not listened to your link. But speaking personally, I am not invisible, in any way.???

Nannan2 Sun 28-Feb-21 14:38:01

Nanna-rose, id love that sweatshirt!?

ginny Sun 28-Feb-21 15:07:08

Can’t say I recognise myself in the song.

Blossoming Sun 28-Feb-21 16:02:49

Peggy Seeger is fabulous.

EllanVannin Sun 28-Feb-21 16:51:10

Gosh I hope I'm never reduced to thinking or even singing in that vain. You may as well shoot yourself grin

nightowl Sun 28-Feb-21 17:29:43

Wonderful JackyB. I can’t imagine Peggy Seeger would ever be invisible but she hits the nail on the head. I think invisibility has its advantages though.

Greeneyedgirl Sun 28-Feb-21 17:54:26

I love Peggy Seeger, and do think she’s spot on with the lyrics, and like it or not it’s often how older women are seen - or not seen - in today’s society. I think however it’s not a song of acceptance because she says “she has plenty to say, and won’t go away” and is more a song of protest. I always make sure that its impossible for me not to be heard!

Eloethan Sun 28-Feb-21 18:35:01

I'd never heard that song - or singer - before. It was brilliant. Thank you.

I think it is fairly evident that Peggy Seeger is an interesting and gifted person - with a very nice voice. She is not saying she feels she - or any older woman - is worth nothing; she is saying that often older women - are overlooked. There sometimes appears to be an assumption that they have limited interests and little knowledge of current affairs.

I am surprised that some of the people here have never experienced that - not just in public life but, no doubt with no ill intent, from within the family.

M0nica Sun 28-Feb-21 18:43:11

I am still waiting to experience this invisibility that I keep getting told is my lot.

Greeneyedgirl Sun 28-Feb-21 19:41:36

You are obviously a formidable woman MOnica grin

M0nica Sun 28-Feb-21 22:10:43

I am not sure about formidable, but certainly assertive, which means I probably am formidable, Oh dear! grin

MerylStreep Sun 28-Feb-21 22:26:47

its about us
It's certainly not about me. I've never been invisible and have no intention of being so.

MayBee70 Sun 28-Feb-21 22:43:09

I thought this thread was about a film we saw at the cinema which was one of the worst films I’ve ever seen.

MayBee70 Sun 28-Feb-21 22:46:29

...not the Felicity Jones film, though. It had subtitles....

nightowl Sun 28-Feb-21 22:50:20

We can believe we’re not invisible if we wish to, but quite honestly no one really sees or takes any notice of old women. And Peggy Seeger, who has led a remarkable life, and is a musical icon, still gets that.

Grammaretto Sun 28-Feb-21 23:00:49

I can relate to the song. I think Peggy Seeger is great.
She is certainly not invisible. She's 85 and still sings beautifully

Redhead56 Sun 28-Feb-21 23:25:26

Never judge a book by it's cover and do not make assumptions.
Peggy Seeger was an advocate for equality and rights and most definitely not invisible. The song is reference to how some (not) all people dismiss the older woman. I think it's a lovely well written considerate song. Its not meant to make the listener feel invisible it's a message that we are not.

Greeneyedgirl Mon 01-Mar-21 09:04:46

Redhead56 ??

Redhead56 Mon 01-Mar-21 10:08:00

I definitely make sure I am heard and until it was snowy (hair) I was definitely seen!

foxie48 Sat 06-Mar-21 19:11:06

As long as I am "visible" to the people I care about, then I'm happy

Katie59 Sat 06-Mar-21 20:20:48

If you’re worried about being invisible just smile and say hi, I got chatted up in the queue at Waitrose today.

Gwyneth Sat 06-Mar-21 20:24:52

I’ve heard many romances begin in the supermarket katie?