Ageism?

Cloris Leachman is the latest contestant to be eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars." I'm sure that a lot of viewers anticipated this. Something that bothers me is the way the hosts and the judges draw attention to her age every week. Yes, it is admirable of Ms. Leachman to attempt ballroom dancing at age 82. However, her resume demands more than just acknowledgement of her years. She is an Emmy-winning actress and pageant winner (Miss Chicago) whose talents outweigh the hindrance of her age.

Susan Lucci, I believe, is the next oldest contestant. This week, she was the runner-up with fewest votes. Ms. Lucci may be the next eliminated. Do viewers hold her age against her as well? Or, do they truly take into account the contestants' dancing skills? Above all things, the show remains a popularity contest.

I did not see the season of "Dancing with the Stars" on which George Hamilton competed. I wonder how his age was addressed by the hosts and the judges. Certainly, he was the oldest competitor at the time. Did viewers hold this against him, or was he simply not a strong enough dancer? Does age become a joke at this point? This makes me wonder why Western society does not esteem age, the way other cultures do, and instead makes a joke of it.