Should ageism be considered a hate crime?

No, ageism should not be made a crime. The police should be investigating real crime, not perceived crime.

Personally I have never come across ageism. I just feel we should all address anything that makes us feel upset or uncomfortable as/when .....but I agree with sodapop, don’t we have enough in this world to deal with .....

No it shouldn’t. I’m nearly 69 and don’t feel old and don’t expect to be treated as old. I volunteer at a community centre and most of the staff are young. They treat me the same as everyone else. I go kickboxing and I’m by far the oldest, but I don’t suffer from ageism there either. I go out to the pub and for meals with the other women and I’m definitely one of the girls.

Yes

No, it should not.

Now, baby boomer ism might be a different thing.
I agree kittylester
Add to that 'Millennialism'
and 'Snowflakeism'

I dislike the inter-generational strife that is being whipped up by such as the Intergenerational Foundation.

Absolutely not. There are too many rules and regulations now. We'll all end up like robots.
Not that I like ageism, of course, but the whole world seems to be taking offence against everything these days.

Yes Smilesless It's getting ridiculous. We are becoming too sensitive. Wolf whistling is considered a hate crime I believe. When I was a teenager, if I didn't get wolf whistled when I went out, I would be upset. Yes, times change and we have to move with them but sometimes I despair.

What does ageism as a 'hate crime' include?
Speech? Physical abuse? Neglect?
What penalties?

I agree Katy and of course ageism isn't just something that the elderly face, the young can also be targeted.

No. It's annoying, irritating and patronising but a hate crime? I don't think so personally.

Depends on the definition of hate crimes, if a persons ‘age ism ‘spills over into violent or abusive behaviour then surely it is already covered by the law .

No! Obviously ageism in employment is not a good thing but I am fed up of all the isms we have to content with.

Now, baby boomer ism might be a different thing.

I think we have enough hatred in the world without creating more.