Cult of youth

Youth emphasis
Youth oriented society

Nature

The "Cult of Youth" refers to a societal obsession with youthfulness, often manifesting in the glorification of young people and the devaluation of aging. This phenomenon can lead to ageism, where older individuals are marginalized and their contributions overlooked. It promotes unrealistic beauty standards and pressures individuals to conform to youthful ideals, impacting mental health and self-esteem. The cult of youth is perpetuated by media, advertising, and cultural narratives that prioritize vitality and appearance over wisdom and experience, creating a problematic dichotomy that undermines the value of aging and the richness of diverse life stages.

Claim

Adults fear being cheated of the good things of life. They have a horror of ageing and death. They grasp at any superficial signs of youthfulness, making every effort to preserve their outer appearance, to keep looking young and attractive. They are obsessed with clothes, dieting and cosmetics, which require that a women spend hours making up or having her hair done. This extends to wearing wigs or having a face lift. Men are also increasingly obsessed with maintaining an appearance of youthfulness, which may require having their hair styled and dyed. The individual's own concerns are reinforced by peers and employers. Especially business and politics worship the cult of youth.

Counter-claim

The so-called "cult of youth" is an exaggerated concern that distracts from real societal issues. Obsession with youthfulness is a personal choice, not a systemic problem. People have always valued vitality and energy, which is natural. Instead of demonizing this preference, we should celebrate the diversity of age and experience. Focusing on the cult of youth diverts attention from pressing matters like poverty, education, and healthcare, which truly deserve our urgent attention and action.