Reflections on Age and Cultural Changes

W. H. Auden opens one of his late poems with a stark statement: “It’s not the Earth that I call my planet.” In this piece, he reflects on the vibrant cultural shifts happening around him, yet he seems quite content to remain anchored in the past.

Then speech is polite and an art;
It’s like learning not to burp or fart.
I can’t decide which is worse,
Anti-novel or free verse.

Those PhDs aren’t my brothers either.
Who digs into symbols and myths:
I consider myself a literary person
A person who writes for his or her own benefit, or who desires to do so.

Sometimes I dare to call it tolerance.
Educational success?
The classroom I was sitting in was better;
Forced to study Greek and Latin.

I think this term is nonsense,
There is also a generation gap,
Who is responsible? These people are young and old,
There is no one who does not learn their mother tongue.

Auden’s poetry captures an essence not often found among today’s older cultural figures: a total disinterest in appealing to youth. At 62, he penned these lines, making one wonder how many in coming generations will happily label themselves “senior citizens” in just a few years.

There’s a line here worth noting: the façade of youth doesn’t really convince genuine young folks, yet it does serve as a red flag.

Interestingly enough, Auden didn’t shy away from acknowledging his age. His face had taken on a distinctly rugged look, and we could jokingly say we bore a resemblance. It’s a curious sort of solidarity.

The Rise of Celebrity Culture

In another culture shift, pop icon Madonna rose to fame largely through a 1984 performance of “Like a Virgin” at the MTV Video Music Awards. The striking 26-year-old at the time made waves with this memorable moment, connecting her name to a giant wedding cake prop.

Now, at five years older than Auden was when he wrote his poem, Madonna has certainly availed herself of various cosmetic procedures available to those who can afford them. She looks ageless, but it’s undeniable that age is present in some way. She is also a far cry from the youthful star she once was.

Madonna continues to showcase her “youthful” image by donning the same kind of revealing outfits from her 20s. And while that appeals to her loyal gay fan base, one can’t help but feel she may struggle with fully letting go of the youthful identity she’s maintained. Her collaboration with the dating app Grindr to promote her latest album is a testament to this.

A Lesson in Wisdom

Regardless of what you think about her music, Madonna has, in many ways, achieved her status in the cultural lexicon; there’s little left for her to prove. But it’s hard to ignore the possibility that she has much to offer in terms of insight gained from decades in the spotlight.

This situation is a common struggle, not just for celebrities but for many of us living ordinary lives. As a kid, I often found myself weary of adults trying too hard to connect with me, shedding their authority to relate better.

As I move into a teaching role, I find myself at a crossroads similar to Auden and Madonna’s. I sometimes feel tempted to adopt a “cool” adult persona; yet, experience shows that this tactic tends to wear thin, especially among students.

This dilemma signals deeper moral questions, as highlighted by historian Christopher Lasch in his work. Time has a way of eroding meaning, often leading us to superficial solutions.

Challenging Youth Culture

Mr. Rush’s commentary, which still resonates today, critiques the modern “youth worship” phenomenon. This fixation reflects a society’s anxiety surrounding aging, and it reaffirms the misguided value placed on youth over wisdom.

In a society that fears old age and death, aging holds a special fear for those who fear dependence and need the admiration usually reserved for youth, beauty, celebrity, or charm to maintain their self-esteem.

Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with cosmetic tweaks if done thoughtfully, but often, those small changes indicate a deeper surrender to societal pressures. The passage of time is often seen as a corrupting force, rather than a doorway to wisdom.

A Different Approach

Not everyone buys into the fear of aging. Figures like Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith, and Meryl Streep embrace their age with grace. The truth behind attractiveness begins with confidence, radiating from within.

The effort to project fake youth cannot fool genuine younger individuals. In some ways, these signs of aging serve as an invitation to youth—not as equals but as guides who offer perspective from lived experience.

This perspective gives me hope, especially as my own reflections in the mirror grow less appealing. I hope to find the strength to accept the natural course of life and embrace what lies ahead.