In weakness there is strength

When I was 60 years younger than today, I thought old people had little relevance in the world, but I was so wrong.

Me, 60 years ago. No age to start a scrap with the boss.

You see, the weaker we get (old age) the stronger we become (don’t have to give a damn). Here are some examples.

The boss is pissed because I refuse to work a 60 hour week. He is scared younger, more vulnerable staff will get ideas. Any action he takes against me, will leave him in a delicate position. If he gives me grief, I can resign and sue for bullying. I have kept a careful log of his actions and am a member of a trades union, so I’ll see him in court – unfair dismissal will cover my lost wages until retirement.

So, he does nothing and I can continue the good fight, started by people like my grandfather, who gave us the 37 hour working week. Younger colleagues can be bullied, because they have a mortgage to pay, kids in school etc. I can fight their fight.

I walked across a bridge in York and there were two police officers giving a young Asian kid grief – I know not what for.

I walk across and ask for directions. White, male, old – polite information given and received. I say, ‘That’s most helpful. Thank you. Now I’m going to cross the road and turn around and watch. If you have a reason to arrest this lad, do so. Otherwise let him go on his way.’

White, male, old – receives speechless gawps.

I cross the road, turn round in time to see the youth going on his way. I wave politely and go on my way.

A bus conductor refuses to sell a black man a ticket. He is making up nonsense excuses, such as he doesn’t know the cost, is he sure this is the right bus etc. etc.

I take out a notebook and ostentatiously record his employee number, and say quietly, ‘You are breaking the law. I will make a report to the police as soon as I reach my destination.’

White, male, old – what can he say or do?

The ticket was forthcoming.

If the fascist arsehole had punched my lights out, he would have been in the wrong and where is the street cred in hitting an old man.

If the police had arrested me for say, obstruction, they would have had to release me without charge, unless they had a reason to arrest the Asian youth, and as for my boss? Bullies respect adversaries who challenge their methods.

So get off your backsides oldens. We are so weak, we are fireproof.

60 years on, and (relatively) fearless.