Final answer:
Ruthie is likely worried about age discrimination and fitting in with a younger team. It's important for her to attend the interview and highlight her strengths, reminding herself of the protection afforded by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and challenging common stereotypes about older workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ruthie is likely worried about her interview because she fears age discrimination or the perception that she may not fit in with the younger staff or the store's customer demographic. This concern is tied to societal attitudes and stereotypes about aging and the ability or desire of older individuals to work in customer-facing, dynamic environments such as retail. However, it's important for Ruthie to remember that her experience and maturity can be tremendous assets in a retail environment, offering customer service skills and reliability that are highly valued.
Age should not be a barrier to employment, and older workers can provide a wealth of knowledge and stability to a team. It's important for Ruthie not to cancel her interview and to present herself confidently, demonstrating her passion for the store and her capability as a sales clerk. She should also be aware of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act that protects applicants and employees 40 years of age and older from discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, or terms, conditions or privileges of employment.
Ruthie should also challenge the assumptions, like those Peter made towards the older woman in the grocery store, demonstrating that age does not necessarily diminish one's abilities or eagerness to work. Much like in the anecdotes provided, it is essential to ensure that interactions are free from prejudiced assumptions about age.