I have never seen a celebrity or super famous person suffer ageist comments and damn-right abuse than I have Madonna.
You're 27, what would you know?
How old was Cliff Richard when Radio 1 stopped playing his records? Or Status Quo? What's so special about Madonna?
Pop music is, and always has been, about young people. Then they get old and they either evolve, disappear or become 'jokes'. Madonna's sound evolved after Vogue, culminating in Ray of Light via Evita. Since then she's done nothing of significance, leading to people being less kind to her. Today she releases records that aren't bad but aren't iconic either - They're not worthy of a superstar. She's going through the same as Michael Jackson and anyone else who's ever been in the same position.
She's a white, middle-aged blonde woman. It's easy to attribute what people say about her to ageism that would be attributed to racism or something else to others. At the end of the day, if she wrote and released a new Vogue, no one would complain any more than they would if Michael Jackson had made another Thriller, Prince made another Purple Rain, Kylie Minogue did another Light Years or Fever, or George Michael made another Older.
In fact, she hasn't, so people are critical. That's pop music. You're only as good as your last single, and hers was only OK. Some people carry a lot of sentiment for Madonna, but pop music culture is less forgiving as a whole.
I admire her for being so stubborn and continuing to do what she's always done, even though she's nearly 60. I just hope she's remembered better than Mae West. But it's inevitable that with every few years, new young people will come of age for whom Madonna means less and less.
But that's the crux of ageism thinking that people of a certain age have to act a certain way. I don't see her as trying to be in her 20's but being Madonna. She's always been sexual and provocative. A lot of people in their 20's don't act that way. It's just who she is.
She has every right to act however she wants at whatever age, but remember we aren't talking solely about her rights, but her CAREER. You can't force reactions on people or simply imply they're all in the wrong simply because they aren't buying what she's trying to sell.
If this was just about how people discussed her it would be one thing. But we're also talking about market realities here, and you can rail all you want about those, but changing the way an entire society thinks isn't either your right, or your responsibility.
How old was Cliff Richard when Radio 1 stopped playing his records? Or Status Quo? What's so special about Madonna?
Pop music is, and always has been, about young people. Then they get old and they either evolve, disappear or become 'jokes'. Madonna's sound evolved after Vogue, culminating in Ray of Light via Evita. Since then she's done nothing of significance, leading to people being less kind to her. Today she releases records that aren't bad but aren't iconic either - They're not worthy of a superstar. She's going through the same as Michael Jackson and anyone else who's ever been in the same position.
She's a white, middle-aged blonde woman. It's easy to attribute what people say about her to ageism that would be attributed to racism or something else to others. At the end of the day, if she wrote and released a new Vogue, no one would complain any more than they would if Michael Jackson had made another Thriller, Prince made another Purple Rain, Kylie Minogue did another Light Years or Fever, or George Michael made another Older.
In fact, she hasn't, so people are critical. That's pop music. You're only as good as your last single, and hers was only OK. Some people carry a lot of sentiment for Madonna, but pop music culture is less forgiving as a whole.
I admire her for being so stubborn and continuing to do what she's always done, even though she's nearly 60. I just hope she's remembered better than Mae West. But it's inevitable that with every few years, new young people will come of age for whom Madonna means less and less.
I don't think the post was ageist, but most of it was nonsense! Madonna hasn't released a "Vogue"? Well, in 2000, Music was a pretty career defining song. In 2005, "Hung Up" became one of her biggest hits ever. Sure, I do recognise that "Hung Up" was her last massive single although 4 Minutes did get her tons of recognition in 2008.
I did agree about the Cliff Richard and Status Quo comments. Radio 1 (and 2) have largely boycotted those artists. Why? Because they are not "relevant". But another reason, is that their music regressed. It didn't remain consistent, instead morphing into "easy listening" or a safe style. This is why Madonna is ridiculed, unfairly, because her music has remained pure, unadulterated pop! She is 56, so what. She makes music based on what she likes to listen to. And, she isn't ready to get her Jim Reeves or Celine Dion records on yet! The world likes a familiar structure. Pop music for kids, and other, mature styles for grown ups! How dare Madonna to come along and tear up the rule book. Just how dare she. She is 56! She is meant to be singing cover versions of the classic songs from yesteryear with orchestra, long sequined dress and an operatic voice! How dare she break the rules that society made in order for it to contain it's many isms. What a dirty bitch. What a ****. What a disgusting woman she is cavorting around in an Armani basque, fully covered and not revealing any flesh mind you, but the nerve of her wearing feminine clothing and looking good for a woman of her age. What a cheek.
Right, I'm off to work. Porn mags to sell and there's some 30 year old women in them cavorting around naked with all their lady bits in full bloom! See ya!
The comments are not about the fall, but about what damage it could have done to her body. She's not 20 anymore...
I think the only one being ageist is Madonna herself. She's so desperate to show that she's not old -honest!- that she's making a fool of herself in doing so.
The comments are not about the fall, but about what damage it could have done to her body. She's not 20 anymore...
I think the only one being ageist is Madonna herself. She's so desperate to show that she's not old -honest!- that she's making a fool of herself in doing so.
But, she's NOT old! Can't you see that? She is just 56! And, haven't you heard of the saying "you're only as old as you feel?"
Young people these days seem way more serious and prudish than they were in the 80's and 90's. I sometimes have difficulty in seeing a young person smile!
Oh no it's not, it's spot on. You can't just shout 'Ageist' or 'sexist' when people have a differing opinion on a star you idolize. When challenged most fans cannot come up with an intelligent argument, they just respond with knee jerk reactions to any criticism of their idol, even when valid.
The comments are not about the fall, but about what damage it could have done to her body. She's not 20 anymore...
I think the only one being ageist is Madonna herself. She's so desperate to show that she's not old -honest!- that she's making a fool of herself in doing so.
You are the most sensible, and logical poster I have seen on here so far
If she hadn't had that fall we would be discussing how crap her performance was. And it was crap!
She is an old bird with an ageing body and face (despite the fillers and lifts) which just doesn't cut it for the image she is trying so desperately to promote.
Lulu looks much better than her (and she is older), has style, can still sing and doesn't need to expose herself like some sad old cut price ****.
folk have been slagging off cher for years, don't you remember when turn back time came out and she was astride a cannon or something wearing a bodysuit?
and folk slagged tina turner off for being an old granny in the 80s
folk also made similar remarks about mick jagger being a grandad in the 80s and the band have the nickname the strolling bones
this is just another load of crap from folk that don't have a clue what they are talking about. it's all been done before, it's yet another thing madonna has done or hasn't done which has been done or not done before by other artists
the rock stars mentioned don't get as much critisism today as they aren't relying on dressing up half naked and rolling about the stage with half naked dancers. the people who go to see them don't give a toss what they look like and just want to hear the music. they aren't interested in theatrics. but as madonna doesn't do that, and still does the type of routines that 20 something female pop stars do when she's old enough to be a granny, and looks ridiculous most of the time, she gets critisism for it
if she just turned up and sang her song like most other musicians, and impressed with vocal and musical ability she wouldn't have fallen. likewise if it was a young guy who fell as she did, such as kayne, he would have had the piss taken out of him too. it's got nothing to do with madonna specifically. folk fall and trip all the time and if its someone famous on tv who cocks up, they inevitable get the piss taken out of them. if madonna hadn't have fallen it would have been kanye getting all the press for his performance being ridiculously censored
Yes; but the point of, and the definition OF ageism is that people shouldn't be teasing other people for acting a certain way just because of their age. If what people say about Madonna isn't fair, pulling out examples of other people who have been teased for their age and the way they act isn't really a counterargument.
Furthermore though, age is just another thing to bash Madonna on. What age IS appropriate to be dancing in a short skirt or your underwear? The same people that bash Madonna for doing that at 56 bash Beyonce for doing it at 33 and Miley Cyrus for doing it at 21; age is just an excuse to moan about behaviour that they don't see as appropriate or are shocked by.
Yes; but the point of, and the definition OF ageism is that people shouldn't be teasing other people for acting a certain way just because of their age. If what people say about Madonna isn't fair, pulling out examples of other people who have been teased for their age and the way they act isn't really a counterargument.
when people are suggesting that it only happens to madonna, or it's because she's female, when it's been happing for a long time and happens to both men and women, then it is a most valid counter point as it disproves what people have said. and people can check for themselves
Furthermore though, age is just another thing to bash Madonna on. What age IS appropriate to be dancing in a short skirt or your underwear? The same people that bash Madonna for doing that at 56 bash Beyonce for doing it at 33 and Miley Cyrus for doing it at 21; age is just an excuse to moan about behaviour that they don't see as appropriate or are shocked by.
to me, i see people talking about age and weight for example, with a set figure being too big or small. to me, i say if you look good it doesn't matter what your weight or age is, as people aren't going to weigh you or check your age. so it's not a set age as such, as opposed to madonna simply looking ridiculous doing what she does now, and she's looked ridiculous for a while. a change of style and/or change of performance and it may suit her better, be more flatter, and reduce the opportunity for people to critisise. others have mentioned other older women who are praised for looking good or sexy at ages similar to or older than madonna. it's a case of doing what suits and flatters the most. there's nothing shocking about what madonna does in this day and age. just go onto google and search for naked grannies and you will see far worse. there's not much she can do to geniunely shock in this day and age
But, she's NOT old! Can't you see that? She is just 56! And, haven't you heard of the saying "you're only as old as you feel?"
Young people these days seem way more serious and prudish than they were in the 80's and 90's. I sometimes have difficulty in seeing a young person smile!
I know she's not old, but she refuses to see that she's no longer 20. There's a difference.
She seems to absolutely refuse to accept her age, wearing her daughter's clothes etc. She doesn't realise that it makes her look older and more desperate in doing so.
(Oh, and I'm 41, so no 20-something anymore either...)
I know she's not old, but she refuses to see that she's no longer 20. There's a difference.
She seems to absolutely refuse to accept her age, wearing her daughter's clothes etc. She doesn't realise that it makes her look older and more desperate in doing so.
(Oh, and I'm 41, so no 20-something anymore either...)
I'm sure Madonna is well aware of her age. She has never denied her age. You have no idea that she refuses to accept her age.
What she does refuse to accept, by the looks of things, is the idea that there is a "correct" way for a woman to act when she reaches a certain age. If it makes her feel happy and empowered to dress and dance and perform in the way she does then it's a non-topic, as far as I can see. She does not harm anyone, dressing and performing the way she does. Therefore she is accountable to no-one.
Thanks for correcting me about Madonna's current musical and cultural significance by pointing out she made a good record 15 years ago.
A quick glance at radio airplay shows that Music is the 25th most 'popular' Madonna record, with 29 plays around the UK in the last 30 days, half of which were on Absolute 00s and none of the others were on a proper national radio station. Unsurprisingly, the top record is her current one. This is followed by Like a Prayer (1989) which has a quarter of the airplays that her current single got, Vogue (1990) and Papa Don't Preach (1986).
Hung Up is at 17, with 49 plays, two of which were on Radio 2. And this was all in the run-up to a very high profile performance at The Brits I don't expect Living for Love to be anywhere near the top in a year from now.
Madonna's top-10 records on radio in the last 30 days account for 3861 plays. Ellie Goulding's top-10 records made 8234 plays, Sam Smith's 12,316, Taylor Swift's 10,810 and Ed Sheeran's 10,879.
Even poor old George Azra's top-10 records clocked up 6827 plays, whilst Take That's got 7691, despite one of them being put in an old folks home or something.
Probably because she's one of the few performers her age who are still making pop music. A lot of other female performers her age have abandoned the pop scene to do some other style of music like jazz standards.
I think there is also a part of sexism mixed in with the ageism. There are a lot of male rock stars who are older who are still rocking out and acting immature in tight leather pants and singing about girls, but they don't get the same criticism.
Madonna said in an interview that in the future it won't be as bad because thirty years from now there will be more older women still doing pop.
I think men get the comments too. Perhaps not as much (not sure about that) but they definitely get it. It depends really on what image they project. Cliff Richard (forget the current stuff and go back maybe 10 years) used to get laughed at for the pious christian/Peter Pan of pop mix (which is an odd mix, let's face it), the Rolling Stones get the Strolling Bones stuff and comments about zimmer frames as they still make similar youthful rock or at least have the same sort of high-energy live shows without much recent development (IMO), and boy bands like New Kids On The Block will always get laughed at if they are looking at 50 and making the same music they would when they were 20 and concentrating on dance routines and stuff like that, or their new haircuts.
Artists who develop like Bowie, Bush, Dylan (possibly less so but he is quite unusual in that he was making mature music even as a kid) and who don't really try to project an image (now) but concentrate on their music tend to be less slagged off. A lot of it is to do with what you project. If your youthful image is part of your appeal then you'll face more ageism further down the line whereas no-one ever cared what Van Morrison (eg) looked like so no-one cares what he looks like now, or what he wears, or any of that crap. His appeal was always solely his music. Youthfulness is far more valued in pop music for some reason - probably because it's on average a younger audience and pop stars tend to chase the sort of accolades which aren't really anything to do with music - e.g. being lauded for their looks, their popularity, what they wear, their dance routines, etc. Personally all I'm interested in is their music.
I think Madonna is doing okay, all in all. I can't see her being destitute or ignored any time soon.
I agree with Isambard Brunel above. It's pop music culture that is obsessed with youth. If anyone has a charge to answer it's them. I don't like Madonna's music but I've never commented on her age or anything else like that. I judge musicians on their music. Pure pop fans don't do that solely.
Everyone seems to have it in for her, despite her being incredibly popular for 33 years
I agreed with Fiona Phillips' comments in her Mirror column about the double standards regarding comments about men and women that have had a fall on stage.
I agreed with Fiona Phillips' comments in her Mirror column about the double standards regarding comments about men and women that have had a fall on stage.
I agreed with Fiona Phillips' comments in her Mirror column about the double standards regarding comments about men and women that have had a fall on stage.
Well I felt sorry for Madonna when she fell, and admired her continuing like an old pro. When Lady Gaga had a mini fall on stage a while back, I did enjoy seeing her balloon burst, perhaps because I just see her as a Madonna wannabe.
When Elton John fell off his chair at that tennis match and helplessly twitched on the floor like a beetle on its back, I found it absolutely hilarious. Maybe next time he bitches about Madonna miming on stage, she should point out that at least she doesn't need her carer to pick her up after she falls.
Either way, I think it's just a part of nature for animals to admire the older males and younger females, so it's inevitable that this is reflected in the way consumers of media respond better to young, 'available' female stars but respect accomplished and mature alpha males.
I think the ageism is purely down to the fact that she's desperately trying keep up with the youngsters. When Kate Bush resurfaced last year not a single ageism comment was made and she's the same age as Madonna ( there were weight gain comments but that's not on topic).
I have never seen a celebrity or super famous person suffer ageist comments and damn-right abuse than I have Madonna. Why are people so horrible about her age? She's not even that old ffs.
I just feel that if we were spouting homophobic or racist abuse it'd be a different story. I felt sorry for her when she fell over because of all people, it had to be her, yet another door opens for a load of abuse to flung at her. Don't get me wrong, I know she's a tough cookie and I doubt she'll sit crying about it but I'd probably say she has so much more to prove now than ever because of her age- which is not her fault!?
I don't get it!
I really think it's more about the fact that she's really unlikeable. The ageism thing is just a convenient hook upon which to hang their dislike. If she was more likeable people wouldn't care how old she is.
Comments
You're 27, what would you know?
How old was Cliff Richard when Radio 1 stopped playing his records? Or Status Quo? What's so special about Madonna?
Pop music is, and always has been, about young people. Then they get old and they either evolve, disappear or become 'jokes'. Madonna's sound evolved after Vogue, culminating in Ray of Light via Evita. Since then she's done nothing of significance, leading to people being less kind to her. Today she releases records that aren't bad but aren't iconic either - They're not worthy of a superstar. She's going through the same as Michael Jackson and anyone else who's ever been in the same position.
She's a white, middle-aged blonde woman. It's easy to attribute what people say about her to ageism that would be attributed to racism or something else to others. At the end of the day, if she wrote and released a new Vogue, no one would complain any more than they would if Michael Jackson had made another Thriller, Prince made another Purple Rain, Kylie Minogue did another Light Years or Fever, or George Michael made another Older.
In fact, she hasn't, so people are critical. That's pop music. You're only as good as your last single, and hers was only OK. Some people carry a lot of sentiment for Madonna, but pop music culture is less forgiving as a whole.
I admire her for being so stubborn and continuing to do what she's always done, even though she's nearly 60. I just hope she's remembered better than Mae West. But it's inevitable that with every few years, new young people will come of age for whom Madonna means less and less.
That is popular culture.
She has every right to act however she wants at whatever age, but remember we aren't talking solely about her rights, but her CAREER. You can't force reactions on people or simply imply they're all in the wrong simply because they aren't buying what she's trying to sell.
If this was just about how people discussed her it would be one thing. But we're also talking about market realities here, and you can rail all you want about those, but changing the way an entire society thinks isn't either your right, or your responsibility.
This post is ageist.
I don't think the post was ageist, but most of it was nonsense! Madonna hasn't released a "Vogue"? Well, in 2000, Music was a pretty career defining song. In 2005, "Hung Up" became one of her biggest hits ever. Sure, I do recognise that "Hung Up" was her last massive single although 4 Minutes did get her tons of recognition in 2008.
I did agree about the Cliff Richard and Status Quo comments. Radio 1 (and 2) have largely boycotted those artists. Why? Because they are not "relevant". But another reason, is that their music regressed. It didn't remain consistent, instead morphing into "easy listening" or a safe style. This is why Madonna is ridiculed, unfairly, because her music has remained pure, unadulterated pop! She is 56, so what. She makes music based on what she likes to listen to. And, she isn't ready to get her Jim Reeves or Celine Dion records on yet! The world likes a familiar structure. Pop music for kids, and other, mature styles for grown ups! How dare Madonna to come along and tear up the rule book. Just how dare she. She is 56! She is meant to be singing cover versions of the classic songs from yesteryear with orchestra, long sequined dress and an operatic voice! How dare she break the rules that society made in order for it to contain it's many isms. What a dirty bitch. What a ****. What a disgusting woman she is cavorting around in an Armani basque, fully covered and not revealing any flesh mind you, but the nerve of her wearing feminine clothing and looking good for a woman of her age. What a cheek.
Right, I'm off to work. Porn mags to sell and there's some 30 year old women in them cavorting around naked with all their lady bits in full bloom! See ya!
I think the only one being ageist is Madonna herself. She's so desperate to show that she's not old -honest!- that she's making a fool of herself in doing so.
But, she's NOT old! Can't you see that? She is just 56! And, haven't you heard of the saying "you're only as old as you feel?"
Young people these days seem way more serious and prudish than they were in the 80's and 90's. I sometimes have difficulty in seeing a young person smile!
Oh no it's not, it's spot on. You can't just shout 'Ageist' or 'sexist' when people have a differing opinion on a star you idolize. When challenged most fans cannot come up with an intelligent argument, they just respond with knee jerk reactions to any criticism of their idol, even when valid.
You are the most sensible, and logical poster I have seen on here so far
She is an old bird with an ageing body and face (despite the fillers and lifts) which just doesn't cut it for the image she is trying so desperately to promote.
Lulu looks much better than her (and she is older), has style, can still sing and doesn't need to expose herself like some sad old cut price ****.
Yes; but the point of, and the definition OF ageism is that people shouldn't be teasing other people for acting a certain way just because of their age. If what people say about Madonna isn't fair, pulling out examples of other people who have been teased for their age and the way they act isn't really a counterargument.
Furthermore though, age is just another thing to bash Madonna on. What age IS appropriate to be dancing in a short skirt or your underwear? The same people that bash Madonna for doing that at 56 bash Beyonce for doing it at 33 and Miley Cyrus for doing it at 21; age is just an excuse to moan about behaviour that they don't see as appropriate or are shocked by.
when people are suggesting that it only happens to madonna, or it's because she's female, when it's been happing for a long time and happens to both men and women, then it is a most valid counter point as it disproves what people have said. and people can check for themselves
to me, i see people talking about age and weight for example, with a set figure being too big or small. to me, i say if you look good it doesn't matter what your weight or age is, as people aren't going to weigh you or check your age. so it's not a set age as such, as opposed to madonna simply looking ridiculous doing what she does now, and she's looked ridiculous for a while. a change of style and/or change of performance and it may suit her better, be more flatter, and reduce the opportunity for people to critisise. others have mentioned other older women who are praised for looking good or sexy at ages similar to or older than madonna. it's a case of doing what suits and flatters the most. there's nothing shocking about what madonna does in this day and age. just go onto google and search for naked grannies and you will see far worse. there's not much she can do to geniunely shock in this day and age
I know she's not old, but she refuses to see that she's no longer 20. There's a difference.
She seems to absolutely refuse to accept her age, wearing her daughter's clothes etc. She doesn't realise that it makes her look older and more desperate in doing so.
(Oh, and I'm 41, so no 20-something anymore either...)
I'm sure Madonna is well aware of her age. She has never denied her age. You have no idea that she refuses to accept her age.
What she does refuse to accept, by the looks of things, is the idea that there is a "correct" way for a woman to act when she reaches a certain age. If it makes her feel happy and empowered to dress and dance and perform in the way she does then it's a non-topic, as far as I can see. She does not harm anyone, dressing and performing the way she does. Therefore she is accountable to no-one.
I don't like her for die another day
Thanks for correcting me about Madonna's current musical and cultural significance by pointing out she made a good record 15 years ago.
A quick glance at radio airplay shows that Music is the 25th most 'popular' Madonna record, with 29 plays around the UK in the last 30 days, half of which were on Absolute 00s and none of the others were on a proper national radio station. Unsurprisingly, the top record is her current one. This is followed by Like a Prayer (1989) which has a quarter of the airplays that her current single got, Vogue (1990) and Papa Don't Preach (1986).
Hung Up is at 17, with 49 plays, two of which were on Radio 2. And this was all in the run-up to a very high profile performance at The Brits I don't expect Living for Love to be anywhere near the top in a year from now.
Madonna's top-10 records on radio in the last 30 days account for 3861 plays. Ellie Goulding's top-10 records made 8234 plays, Sam Smith's 12,316, Taylor Swift's 10,810 and Ed Sheeran's 10,879.
Even poor old George Azra's top-10 records clocked up 6827 plays, whilst Take That's got 7691, despite one of them being put in an old folks home or something.
I think men get the comments too. Perhaps not as much (not sure about that) but they definitely get it. It depends really on what image they project. Cliff Richard (forget the current stuff and go back maybe 10 years) used to get laughed at for the pious christian/Peter Pan of pop mix (which is an odd mix, let's face it), the Rolling Stones get the Strolling Bones stuff and comments about zimmer frames as they still make similar youthful rock or at least have the same sort of high-energy live shows without much recent development (IMO), and boy bands like New Kids On The Block will always get laughed at if they are looking at 50 and making the same music they would when they were 20 and concentrating on dance routines and stuff like that, or their new haircuts.
Artists who develop like Bowie, Bush, Dylan (possibly less so but he is quite unusual in that he was making mature music even as a kid) and who don't really try to project an image (now) but concentrate on their music tend to be less slagged off. A lot of it is to do with what you project. If your youthful image is part of your appeal then you'll face more ageism further down the line whereas no-one ever cared what Van Morrison (eg) looked like so no-one cares what he looks like now, or what he wears, or any of that crap. His appeal was always solely his music. Youthfulness is far more valued in pop music for some reason - probably because it's on average a younger audience and pop stars tend to chase the sort of accolades which aren't really anything to do with music - e.g. being lauded for their looks, their popularity, what they wear, their dance routines, etc. Personally all I'm interested in is their music.
I think Madonna is doing okay, all in all. I can't see her being destitute or ignored any time soon.
I agree with Isambard Brunel above. It's pop music culture that is obsessed with youth. If anyone has a charge to answer it's them. I don't like Madonna's music but I've never commented on her age or anything else like that. I judge musicians on their music. Pure pop fans don't do that solely.
I agreed with Fiona Phillips' comments in her Mirror column about the double standards regarding comments about men and women that have had a fall on stage.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/madonnas-brits-fall-brings-out-5245000
It is a great read and just spooky how accurate Fiona has it.
Well I felt sorry for Madonna when she fell, and admired her continuing like an old pro. When Lady Gaga had a mini fall on stage a while back, I did enjoy seeing her balloon burst, perhaps because I just see her as a Madonna wannabe.
When Elton John fell off his chair at that tennis match and helplessly twitched on the floor like a beetle on its back, I found it absolutely hilarious. Maybe next time he bitches about Madonna miming on stage, she should point out that at least she doesn't need her carer to pick her up after she falls.
Either way, I think it's just a part of nature for animals to admire the older males and younger females, so it's inevitable that this is reflected in the way consumers of media respond better to young, 'available' female stars but respect accomplished and mature alpha males.
They try desperately to be "cutting edge" and end up looking tawdry.
I really think it's more about the fact that she's really unlikeable. The ageism thing is just a convenient hook upon which to hang their dislike. If she was more likeable people wouldn't care how old she is.