The new ageism

In her latest "Popping Off" column, pop culture writer D. Parvaz tackles the trendy notion that 40 is the new 30:

The thing that gets me about this is that we make it seem as if we're finally recognizing that women over 40 can be cool and attractive and trendy.

Sadly, this celebration of "older" women is nothing but a crock and a sham. Before you start cheering for what Teri Hatcher has done for fortysomething women, realize that all that's being said here is that women who are over 40 but can still look like they're 30 are cool. The rest need to get some Botox and get with the program.

How's that for a kick in the pants?

So let's just say it like it is: They can parade all these over-40 celebrities as examples of how cool it is to be 40, but, ultimately, it's only the ones who look a certain way really will be celebrated.