Teens experience ageism too | Amelia Conway | TEDxManhattanBeach

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Published 2017-12-08
Amelia believes when what we can or can't do is determined by our age, we are limiting ourselves and our society. At the young age of 11, Amelia started directing commercials, short films, and documentaries. 4 years later, she reflects on defying ageism, how she has benefitted, and her hopes for the future. Amelia Conway is a film maker of short films, music videos and commercials. She is also fourteen years old, and can’t figure out why her age is such a big deal. Amelia made her debut in the entertainment industry when she co-hosted a radio show on the internet station “Little Radio” at seven years old. Since her radio days, she has gone on to make several short films and music videos. She has worked with many well-known brands — including Toms Shoes, Beats Music and American Girl Doll — and recently directed campaigns for Target and NASCAR.

Amelia has a finely-honed taste for music and old films that has served her not only in her filmmaking, but also in her musical endeavors. She has been a member of Ryan Gosling’s band “Dead Man’s Bones” in the children’s choir, and traveled on the “Railroad Revival Tour” with Mumford and Sons.

For Amelia it’s not about being known as a young director, or even a girl director for that matter. It’s about being a creative director, one aimed at inspiring people of every age and gender to do what they love and pursue their passions no matter the obstacles. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
All Comments (21)
  • @izzypilx
    One time in school we had to do this project on ageism. My teacher had told us that ageism only happened in the elderly, but I wanted to show that it happened in young people too. We had to do a project on discrimination and i chose ageism. I tried to keep it balanced and included examples of ageism in elderly and children so I could show that it happened in both. One of my points happened to be “young adults voices aren’t heard as much as adults.” I handed this project over into my teacher and went to school the next day. When I looked back at my project script, I realized that my point was gone. I asked the teacher if it was a mistake and she said “ no, I just don’t thing young people should have power, they don’t know much” This experience shows how much ageism occurs in young people.
  • @ErutaniaRose
    I feel this WAY too much. When I was in school I always got in trouble for doing anything I liked or got in trouble for asking questions. I was ashamed for not knowing everything. (I was, what...10?) But I always did art and loved it, and outside of school I did paid commissions and went toe to toe with adults who did the art for a living. If you ask me, ageism mostly comes from School BS where they have this overwhelming desire to control every aspect of your life like some sorta dictator.
  • @crazymaskedkillerguy
    im an 11 yr old girl , i can’t tell you the amount of times people have complimented my art, discovered my age and then degraded my art once they knew I was 11. its jealousyy
  • @billwong6077
    You did great that day! Glad I had a chance to say hi to you the other day.
  • @andretchaikowskycom
    Wonderful job! Lots of confidence and, yes, age should not stop you from anything. Love, Andre
  • @a-the-na6901
    YAYYYY! That was terrific, so exciting. And the comments are excellent.
  • @gabrielf111
    I feel this alot myself, and it's nice to see that I'm not the only one. Funny thing: I also started to feel that way when I was 11.
  • @jantrojanowski440
    Amelia thank you for making my day. The last time I saw you you were only 3 years old. You have grown into a lovely young woman. I’m so proud of you. Tara's mom.
  • @RicardoReyes-hl6be
    people also see young adults as annoying For some reason people only like talking to children because they are seen as innocent and naive Then for some odd reason they avoid talking to teenagers and young adults as much as possible😊
  • @YtDay
    Literally everytime I play a game with proximity chat while talking to my friends in discord Random guy: YOO MY MAN SOUNDS LIKE A CHIPMUNK I can't control my voice, and neither can you.
  • @AmeliaConway
    Hey hun, my name is Amelia Conway too and I'm an actress... I'm pretty sure I should be in one of your films!!
  • @martillodelajusticia7211
    Well if she has tution great, but depend oh how competitive is what you chosse to do, you will need advice an take time to consider what you like, experiencing different things.