I think of myself as a performance artist. I hate being called a pop star. I hate that.
Madonna CicconeRead
Not only do we suffer from racism and sexism, but we also suffer from ageism. And that is that once you reach a certain age, you're not allowed to be adventurous, you're not allowed to be sexual and I think that's rather hideous. [...] I mean, is there a rule? Are you just supposed to die when you're 40?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote challenges age-related stereotypes and advocates for the continued vibrancy of life regardless of age.
Madonna's quote emphasizes the societal perception that individuals lose their adventurous and sexual identities as they age. She highlights the injustice of ageism, suggesting that there are no rules dictating when one should stop living life to its fullest, thereby advocating for a more inclusive view of aging that celebrates lifelong vitality and exploration.
Themes
AgeismAdventureVitalitySexualitySociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel on ageism in the workplace, this quote can be used to highlight the need for inclusion of older employees.
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