Alexis Sherman's (ENG '26) op-ed, "A Wrinkle in Hollywood," was published on August 16, 2023 on Medium. In "A Wrinkle in Time," Sherman explores, in her words "the sexist and ageist culture that disadvantages even the most famous and decorated of actresses. Studies of television and movies have shown that older women are doubly underrepresented in media due to ageism and sexism in the industry. Aging men have a statistically proven advantage over aging women, having a significantly higher number of roles later in their careers."
Sherman first wrote this piece in her Fall '22 First-Year Writing Seminar -- HUMAN ECOLOGY 1150 Aging and the Media with Dr. Julia Nolte. In this FWS, students asked questions like -- "How is aging portrayed around the world and how has older adults' image changed over time? How do biased depictions shape our choices and attitudes from a young age?" -- and learned "how to write for both scientific and lay audiences" (from course description).
Sherman did not exactly choose this course. As she recalls, "Funnily enough, I originally picked the class because of an incorrect course description on the course roster."
And though it may not have been what she was expecting, Sherman enjoyed the course material, explaining that "the course gave me an incredible perspective on ageism and the way that older adults are portrayed in media. Something that I had never even considered became a topic of great importance to me. Of all the essays that I had to write, I particularly enjoyed this one. Having the opportunity to write an opinion piece on something that is so often overlooked in society was incredibly meaningful."
Here is more about Alexis Sherman from her autobiographical statement: "I am a sophomore from Pittsburgh intending to major in Materials Science in Engineering and minor in Sustainable Energy Systems. I am involved in Cornell Concrete Canoe, National Society of Black Engineers, CUEmpower, and Club Volleyball."
