Unseenism: Actress Tina Lifford On the Impact of Being Overlooked

Unseenism is a pervasive yet often overlooked phenomenon that deeply impacts individuals, particularly women over the age of 40. It describes the feeling of being ignored, overlooked, or unheard, stemming from societal biases based on age and gender. This concept, eloquently articulated by actress Tina Lifford, sheds light on the challenges faced by many (particularly Black women) who feel marginalized or unseen in various aspects of their lives. Whether in healthcare settings, professional environments, or everyday interactions, unseenism can have profound effects on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Lifford’s personal experiences have deeply resonated with the concept of unseenism. Despite growing up in a household that encouraged speaking up, she has still encountered moments where she felt unseen or ignored. Lifford’s mother, who recently passed away at 91, served as a role model for advocating for yourself, highlighting the importance of speaking up, especially in healthcare settings. “My mom was 91 years old and at 91 she was in the hospital advocating for herself. We were right there with her,” Lifford tells BlackDoctor.org. Unfortunately, many people overlook the crucial role of self-advocacy in their health journey. According to a new Insmed Incorporated study, 58 percent of women who chose not...