Heightism may be immoral but it isn't illegal...and that's what matters.

   Yesterday, I attended the movie "Young Adult"; a movie featuring the beautiful Charlize Theron and actor/stand up comedian Patton Oswalt.

   I guess you could say the theme of the movie was about letting go of the past so that you can move forward and achieve but both characters were having a tough time doing that. Mavis Gary(Theron)  was the former homecoming queen/popular girl in high school, who now is a writer of a series of books that is no longer selling and, after receiving an email from a former high school flame, returns  to a little town in Minnesota to win him back.  Upon arrival there, she encounters Matt Freehauf (Oswalt) whom she never noticed in high school despite the fact that his locker was next to hers all four years.(It was Patton Oswalt that drew me to this film because I wanted to see how his character was portrayed; Oswalt had played Spence on King of Queens and stands about 5'6")

  It came as no surprise that Oswalt's character was the typical geek/reject who was ignored by Theron's character.  She could only remember him when she saw that he was using a crutch as a result of a beating he took from a bunch of jocks in high school because they thought he was gay.  She then recalls him as Matt "the hate crime kid".   The incident received national attention but then went away when Matt had said that he wasn't gay and said "It turned out that it was just a bunch of jocks beating a fat kid's ass!"

   And...this is where I will again lodge a complaint.  The double standard!  It is perfectly acceptable to pulverize and bully the short or overweight kid; it is applauded! Though this story about Matt was fiction, incidents like his are altogether real.  The writer, Diablo Cody, had it correct, unfortunately.  When he was gay, it sparked outrage but when it turned out he was just an overweight kid, no one cared.   Why should it even make a difference?  Why all the hate and discord towards the short and overweight?  Why does no one care when it is such an epidemic and it ruins lives?

   Could it be that society isn't really as fair, accepting and tolerant as much as it says and pats itself on the back way too much about?   Maybe people shed their prejudices temporarily because they have to, because there are consequences if they exhibit them.  If  society was truly fair, moral and compassionate as it likes to portray itself as being, why are there still so many verbal assaults on short and overweight adults and physical assaults on short and overweight children in the schools?  

  Want an answer?  Because there are NO consequences!  It is seen as funny! Humorous!  We (the short) had better develop a sense of humor about being dehumanzied at work or coming home with fat lips and broken noses.   After all, what we experience is nothing compared to what other groups that have been disparaged have dealt with right?  That's what society will tell us anyway.  Nothing like trivializing an issue, so that they can keep on getting away with it.

   Morals don't matter; what is legal does.  Slavery, as immoral as it was, was legal before emancipation; people had to have a law to tell them to treat people as equals (though it wasn't until the Civil Rights movement that they finally were able to gain some semblance of equality).  Even genocide is legal in some countries, though killing people is highly immoral and evil.

  So, is it any surprise that we  are still discriminated against and disregarded?  It may be immoral and wrong but it isn't illegal and, nowadays, that's what still matters.  Society just needs to mature (as did the characters in "Young Adult") and not be told that they have to.    It shouldn't have to take legislation to get people to treat each other with respect and humanity

  I was just watching the movie  "The Reader" earlier today; this featured Kate Winslet as a former guard at Auschwitz who eventually was sent to prison for her participation in the execution of many.  However, there were so many guards at those camps that weren't held accountable for what they had done and why? As depraved and evil as it was, it wasn't illegal; they were doing what they were told.

   I will close with a quote from one of the characters (Professor Rohl) in "The Reader": "Societies think they operate by something called morality but they don't, they operate by something called law."

Greg Gutfeld hosts The Factor

Greg (5'6") normally hosts Red Eye on the Fox News Channel, which airs at 3am; so, it was nice to see him hosting one of the most watched cable news programs at 8pm

 http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/oreilly/index.html#/v/1349394011001/the-iowa-caucuses-one-week-away/?playlist_id=86923.

Miss Unverse Malaysia to remove height requirement!

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by someone with an interest in the Miss Universe Malaysia pageant but was disappointed to find out that there was a height requirement of 163cm (5'4").

The average height of a Malaysian woman is 153cm (just above 5'0")..  Since the height requirement is hardly a representation of the average Malaysian woman, it is really unfair to have implemented that condition.

I had contacted the pageant director by the name of Andrea Fonseka a few days ago and she responded with some positive news.  She informed me that the height requirement would be set aside so that other women can now enter but told me that other countries (Japan and Venezuela) also utilize a height standard, which should be removed as well..

 Soon, women of any height will be allowed to be Miss Universe and the perception that only taller women can be beautiful will be extinguished.

"Short men...nothing but trouble"

So, another published article by a short man hating female:  Rosemary Mcleod

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/columnists/rosemary-mcleod/6105415/Short-mutts-bad-mad-and-dangerous-to-know

Gee Rosemary, can you be any more ignorant and bias?  I can't believe this was even published.  It reads as if a teenager wrote it.

Women continually ignore the facts and give tall men a pass because they just love their tall men don't they?  Since women refuse to date and/or be seen with shorter men, who are the ones abusing all these women and why is domestic violence such an epidemic?  Women are always saying that they want to be with a taller man because they feel "protected" by them, yet when they are constantly abused by them, they return to the assholes .  It seems that it is these same tall men from whom they need to escape.  Oh wait, that would mean women would then run to short men and God forbid they should be seen by one of their insecure friends with such a pariah.  Better to be seen walking down the street with a big, hunking man who does unspeakable things to her at home...but hey, at least she won't look desperate in public (regardless of the fact that she has to wear glasses to protect her black eyes and long sleeves to hide her bruises)..  He is tall and that is all that matters to these women.

This article is also another illustration of a double standard.  Attacking short men so openly is acceptable; yet, a similar article by a man attacking overweight women or an article attacking gays or blacks in the same disparaging manner this woman bites  and nips at short men would never make it to print.  I doubt even a rebuttal to this hateful piece of trash from a short man would even get it's just due; it would just be mocked.

This woman compares short men to chihuahuas in this lame excuse for journalism but it is the continued disrespect of short men that will put us on the offensive like we are pit bulls!   Then, We Will Be Trouble!

Bullying laws should protect everyone not just certain groups

State senator Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan disagrees with recent bullying legislation because it leaves some unprotected:

This video echoes my previous blog enttry about how we are not protected by law, so we are not protected in the schools.  If legislators pass anti-bullying laws that don't give all groups protection from bullying, then that is a license for kids to bully the unprotected!

You look short, how does that feel?

Last week, on a episode of "Prime Suspect" with Maria Bello (the episode was entitled "bitch" ; her character is a detective by the name of Jane) she made a comment to her partner after he said "You look tired", the comment was "You look short, how does that feel?"

Wow!  This comment wasn't meant in a complimentary fashion either.  After she felt he insulted her. her response was to hurl an insult in his direction. In other words, calling someone short is supposed to be a derogatory response..you know..cause being short is apparently a crime or something.

The remark comes within the first five minutes of the episode:

http://www.nbc.com/prime-suspect/video/bitch/1360629/

Florida legislator wants to overturn ban on dwarf tossing

Back in 1989, the state of Florida began a ban on dwarf tossing in bars and clubs.  The penalties were fines or a loss of license for establishments engaging in this demeaning.practice.

Now, a state representative by the name of Ritch Workman wants to repeal the ban citing the fact that little people need to have gainful employment and a reversal of the ban will put them back to work in a job that he says will make them happy.  However, he also states that this practice is very repulsive.

He is right about the latter; it is a demeaning and immoral practice and shouldn't be allowed.  I extremely doubt that little people are "happy" with this job.  They might be glad to be working but would be more "happy" with a more dignified and conventional position.  This practice is very dangerous and exposes them to ridicule and humiliation.  While it is true that these little people do choose to participate in this, they only do it out of necessity.

If Mr Workman's position is that they need to do this because they can't find other work, perhaps he should draft a law banning height discrimination so that they can find better and less dangerous employment, instead of  having them subject themselves to denigration for probably not very much money and little respect!.

Bullying must end!

A couple of weeks ago, a fourteen year old by the name of Jamey Rodemeyer ended his life due to bullying he was receving for being gay. 

Around Labor Day, an eleven year old living in Canada by the name of Mitchell Wilson ended his own life after suffering depression and anxiety over being attacked by a fellow student who stole his I-Phone and slammed his face into the ground..  Mitchell had muscular dystrophy which makes the attack on him even more despicable!

A couple of days later, a seventeen year old by the name of Christopher Howell also took his own life after years of constant bullying.

When will teachers, principals, superintendents and even parents take more action?  How about lawmakers?  There is a serious problem here!  These kids are taking their own lives because they feel that there is no hope; many of the right people are falling down on the job and they need to get off their asses and be more attentive to these kids!  An anti-bullying program is not effective if it isn't enforced!

The following video is a slideshow of some of the lives lost due to this social disease!

Peter Dinklage

The other night, on a commercial break from football, I tuned into the Emmys on Fox.  At one particular time, I was able to witness a poignant moment.  Peter Dinklage, a little person and a great actor, was awarded the Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in a miniseries or movie for his role in "Game of Thrones".

I don't have HBO, so I am unable to see it but it is great to see Hollywood finally giving some recognition to a little person instead of objectifying them as they have in the past by casting them mainly as oompa -loompas or a typical little person role (such as the ones in Wizard of Oz).

Little people are just as human as the rest of us and are just as capable!  They are not here for us to laugh at and ridicule.  Like some of us, they have families, real jobs and (In Mr Dinklage's case) can play serious roles.

Since Hollywood seems to have such an influence on many people and their prejudices, maybe this will help society look at little people in a different way; as humans!

   

ABC engaging in heightism? George Stephanopoulos too short for "GMA"

Well...I hate to say I told you so.

Acording to TMZ, ABC and Good Morning America, in an effort to boost ratings, are considering getting rid of George Stephanopoulos, who, according to insiders  at ABC doesn't quite measure up to his female co anchors and could lose his job to a former ESPN anchor who stands 6'3" and has sat at the desk of World News Tonight.

Oh no wait...height discrimination doesn't exist...lol.

Mr Stephanopoulos is a highly esteemed and revered journalist who worked very closely with President Clinton.  He has hosted "This Week" before being replaced by Christian Amanpour.

If  these rumors are indeed true,  ABC should be truly ashamed of itself for engaging in this form of discrimination.

Here is the TMZ artcle!

http://www.tmz.com/person/george-stephanopoulos/

"What right does a 5'4" woman have to be a police officer?"

   I have been listening to the Bob Grant program and he was discussing discriminatory policies with a caller.  Bob mentioned something about how he walked out of a building one day and saw a female police officer standing about 5'4" or so and wondered to himself  "What right does she have to be a police officer?" 

   Is he unaware that there is traning to be a police officer first?  If the woman he mentioned wasn't capable of performing her duties, she wouldn't have made it through the academy.  But because Mr Grant doesn't feel protected by a woman of that size, she should be denied the opportunity to serve....ureal!

Short man called "pipsqueak" by NY Post

    First, a little context to this story....

    According to news reports there has been a man, short in stature, roaming the Upper East Side (UES) of Manhattan groping and sexually assaulting women since January.

    A few days ago, on July 22nd, a hispanic man by the name of Eusebio Molina, was running in Central Park and had groped a 41 year old female jogger's buttocks.  He fled right after but was found by police and arrested.  This man was also short in stature (about 5'2") and was put in a lineup to see if he had been the man wanted in connection with the UES attacks.   They brought the victims in but they did not identify him as the attacker.

   Now, no one is condoning his actions of course and he should be imprisoned, along with the other pervert who is still roaming the UES of Manhattan.  However, the characterization of  him as a "pipsqueak" is what I question.  If you look at the article, is it surprising that it was written by two women?  Would those same women refer to him (meaning Eusebio Molina) as a :"wetback" or a "spic"? What do you think?  I bet not!  Yet, it is perfectly acceptable to attack his short stature!
Here is the article....

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/pipsqueak_ruled_out_as_groper_WZ9zjHaRNxtLnVGpCd8mtN?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=

"Small people...can turn out to be a pain"

   So, just about a week ago, an article came out suggesting that fact that tall people are at a higher risk of cancer.  Then, in response, real quickly, another article came out from the BBC making sure that tall people were cuddled and basically said  "Don't worry, though you may be at a higher risk of cancer, you still are superior to the shorties!"   Here is the article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14233727

   Specifically, have a look at this quote from the director of a Tall Person's Club, a 6'3" woman named Louise Ross-Foden:

Louise Ross-Foden, a director of the Tall Persons Club, is 6ft 3in. She says there are lots of advantages to being tall.

 "I can always get a good view at concerts because I can see over everyone else's heads. If you're tall there's automatically a 'wow' factor, people notice you and if you're a confident person like me then you carry yourself better.

"Small people constantly want to prove themselves - and they can turn out to be a pain as a result."          

  Gee Ms Foden, do you think perhaps the idea that shorter people must try harder could have anything to do with the fact that you have a sense of entitlement about yourself and have such a negative view of  us "small people"?  Sadly, we have to try harder because we aren't treated as equals, especially by people like you!

***Update***

   Today (7/28/11), I received an email from the Tall Person's Club about this particular quote and it has since been removed due to complaints from others to the BBC as well:

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your email.

I appreciate that the article you mentioned caused you some distress - we're
not very happy about it either as it is not a true reflection of Louise's
comments. What she actually said was "Tall people get noticed more easily,
shorter people have to work harder to stand out", which is something I have
always found to be true and not necessarily in a beneficial way - I
personally rarely want the extra attention my height gives me.

Louise never said that "short people can be a pain" - she doesn't believe
this at all and neither does the Club. The purpose of our Club is to
provide practical, medical and social support for those of above average
height, not to in any way denigrate those who are not.

I hope this answers your query, if not please feel free to contact me
directly.

Helen Porter
Admin
Tall Persons Club GB & Ireland

To: Webmaster

From:
Chris Hamre

Message:
Dear Ms. Foden-

My name is Christopher Hamre and I am the president of NOSSA
(National Organization of Short Statured Adults) and I want to respond
to your comment in a recent article about small people being pains
because we have to prove ourselves.

Since women have not been treated equally either, would it then be
fair to label you in the same fashion? Women also have had to work
harder to prove themselves but I wouldn't then refer to them in a
negative way. I wouldn't penalize them and stigmatize them unfairly as
you have small people.

Short people are not treated equally, so why attach blame to us when
we have to work harder to succeed? I guess if we were treated equally
(as we should be), we would cease being "pains" then.

So, which is it, are we equals or not? If so, then we need similar
measures to counter the prejudice we face. If you don't think of us as
equals, then why be surprised when we have to try 10x harder to make
it in life?

Thanks for your time

Cyber bullies = cowards

   Just like their brethren, the physical bully, a cyber bully is a coward, even more so because they don't have the cajones to confront their victims face to face.  They use the internet (to cloak their identity), cell phones for texting nasty messages or emails at work to harass their victims. 
  
   Cyber bullying and cyber stalking are pretty pathetic acts when a adolescent partakes in them but they are much more so when full grown adults can't seem to shake their adolescent/pre pubescent inclinations.  They will attack others via the internet, engaging in character assassination, nit picking, name calling like they are five year olds, and spreading lies (doesn't sound like an adult does it?);  all this in a vain effort to empower themselves because they are insecure about their own, unfruitful lives.  Perhaps they need to look at themselves first before they try and dismantle someone else's life.

   Cyber bullies and stalkers are usually mentally unbalanced or psychologically scarred, possibly from years of abuse they have suffered at the hands of other bullies.  Since they more than likely fear physical confrontation, the electronic media becomes their platform.  They will unleash verbal hell at anyone they dislike and all those years of having their feelings suppressed now become expressed and they erupt like a volcano!

   Once this behavior is recognized, that person will more than likely be ignored, which hopefully will result in an end to their attacks or they will, sadly, become even more belligerent.  Sooner or later the attacks will cease, either a good friend will intervene on the bullies behalf and recommend counseling or the bully themselves will just reach a breaking point.

  It is unfortunate that some people feel the only way they can communicate effectively is through constant verbal attacks, when, in reality, those do nothing but indict the character of the attacker.

  Cyber- bullying (as well as physical bullying) must end and, if you engage in it, please stop it!  If you are truly angry at someone, do not blog, send them a nasty text or a malicious email.  When you become rational or less emotional, then send them a message, phone them or speak to them face to face.  Don't let hate consume you or it will destroy you eventually!

  If you are the target, try to ignore the bully as best as you can.  Just as easily as they use the internet or cell phone to hurt you, you can ignore them by deleting any message they have or by just ignoring whatever webpage they use.

  For more info about cyber bullying please visit:  http://www.nossaonline.org/hgh/antibullyingprograms.html

Another short man demeaned!

  Wow!  It has happened again.  A short man has been subjected to a hostile work environment a la Sgt. Patrick Burns.  The story reads similar, as he had pictures of his head pasted onto the body of a baby and was patted on the head and called a  "m" word.   Here is the article...

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/03/29/2011-03-29_handyman_at_upper_east_side_building_hit_called_midget_by_his_boss_suit_claims.html

  I wonder what would have happened had his race been attacked in the same manner?  What if he were black and his boss referred to him as an "n" word?  I am sure his boss would have been terminated!  So, why is it okay to disparage a short man in such a way?  It obviously was offensive and demeaning to him!

  Of course his boss, Moises Guimet, says this never happened;  I have to laugh at that.  Why would this man, Juan Pichardo, go through the trouble of filing suit if it weren't true?  He is the one that has the burden of proof does he not? One man's word against another isn't going to cut it!  Mr Pichardo must have had something for his attorney to agree to represent him.

  It was the same story with Sgt Patrick Burns; a short police officer who sued the city of Bayonne, NJ after being subjected to a hostile work environment for twelve years.  His reward: a suspension for misconduct.  Could it be that if Sgt Burns was black or female and was harassed due to those characteristics he would  have received justice?   His fellow police officers would have no doubt been disciplined.

  So, just because you file a suit doesn't necessarily mean you will get justice.  Not even a large class action suit (Dukes vs Walmart) will guarantee a remedy.  This was a suit for gender discrimination.  The Supreme Court just ruled that this particular suit shouldn't go forward and it will be the responsibility of the individual to sue Walmart, instead of a suit with potentially over a million plaintiffs.   This case has been going on for almost ten years.  Now, wouldn't you think that if the claimants didn't experience discrimination, they would have given up a long time ago?

  There are many short men out there who experience mistreatment at work that don't sue, probably because they won't get much justice!  It is not just about compensation, it is about principle!  If you can't discriminate against one group, then you shouldn't be permitted to do it to another group.  Isn't that equality?  Unfortunately, most states have yet to pass protective measures for the short statured!     Until then, us short men and women will be subjected to this type of unfair treatment.

  Phrases such as...""How can this little man help us?" and "You short people sure have personalities" (as were directed at me) will continue to exist in the workplace.   You can object to these and will subsequently be told to "go work elsewhere" or "get over it shortie";  working elsewhere won't solve the problem because they will engage in the same behavior.

  Heightism is rampant and it is high time that these employers be held accountable!!

Mark Levin uses "dwarf" to humiliate politician

 

I have been listening to radio host Mark Levin this evening on WABC 770.    He made the following comment "I have called Barbara Boxer a dwarf....Dick Durbin "little" Dick Durbin...  as a way to humiliate them because they deserve it. I don;t find them very honorable."

Is he somehow saying that calling someone a dwarf is humiliating because dwarves are somehow inferior?    If not, what else could he have meant?

I heard it and it isn't the first time this man has said it.  He doesn't seem to think little people deserve respect I guess!

CSI takes a stab at short men

   I was watching the beginning of a CSI episode tonight entitled "Wild Life" which had originally aired on November 18th, 2010.  The episode began with two girls walking down the street in Las Vegas, complaining about their love lives and how they couldn't find a good man.  As usual, they had to throw in a complaint about short men.. The tail end of their complaint is in the attached link (at the beginning of the clip).  They had a couple more derogatory words about short men before what you will see here.  Something like "What was with all the short men?"

   Why did this not surprise me?  CSI has engaged in this same short men bashing in the past when some female characters were talking about a dating service and said that "the short, fat and bald need not apply".    Here is the clip of the Nov 2010 episode....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pVqSXWv4N0&feature=related

If I were 6'4"...

If I were six feet four
I wouldn't need to have class;
I would get paid alot more
Just to sit on my ass.

I wouldn't have to work
Or do a damn thing;
I could act like a jerk
And my phone would still ring.

I would always be the flirt
And the ladies wouldn't mind
If I treated them all like dirt
Or left them far behind.

But lo, I am short in stature
And don't look quite my age;
My hard work doesn't matter,
I make a lousy wage.

The ladies won't come near me,
They say that I'm too small;
But rather they mock and jeer me,
They wouldn't if I was tall.

So, don't grade me on a curve
Or judge by the height you see;
Just give me the respect I deserve
Cause human I'll always be.


Chris Hamre   

10k Run to fight kidney disease!

In all 3 pics, I am just behind and to the left of the woman in the light blue sweatshirt

On May 14th, I will be running in Central Park at the UAE Healthy Kidney 10k to fight kidney disease.  If you'd like to donate on my behalf, please visit my page and type in my name Chris Hamre.  Your help is greatly appreciated!

http://donate.kidney.org/site/TR?fr_id=3071&pg=pfind

Does "heightism" really exist?

   This is a question we, at NOSSA, seem to get alot of; as well as the ridicule we receive not only from people of average height but by people that are also short in stature. These people say, since it doesn't happen to them, that we are out of our minds or just in it to sue someone.

   Well,  if you look at the Yoplait commercial I posted, you will see that heightism does exist; that one is pretty blatant; commercial or not.

   Also, just because some of you who are short in stature haven't been discriminated against doesn't refute the idea that people are prejudice against us.

  Why is it that there are parents out there willing to pay between $20,000 and even $100,000/year for growth hormone treatment (mostly for boys) if we are all treated equally?  We are not talking about growth hormone treatment for those who are deficient in growth hormone or that have a medical condition, but children that are just short (idiopathic short stature).  Why take the risk for two inches of additional height?  Who knows what health problems may occur down the road?

   Why do a large percentage of sperm banks not accept donors under 5'11"?  Why do women not want shorter kids?  Because, for the same reason they want their boys to be tall and will risk their future health for a couple of inches.  Height matters too much!

  Do you ever hear of a parent bragging about their son or daughter's height if they are short in stature?  NO!!  Yet, if they are tall, it is a symbol of pride for them and they will boast about it.

  With regards to taking someone to court over heightism...well...good luck.  Only one state bans heightism and that is Michigan.  So, if you live in the other 49 states right now you are out of luck, unless you can claim gender discrimination or a disability of some sort.

   So, the next time someone tells you there is no heightism or you think there isn't any, please research it before you jump to a conclusion brought on by a bunch or prejudice people whose fear is that they will eventually be called out on their bigotry.  They like the staus quo of "taller/bigger is better" because it benefits them and oppresses those of us who are shorter and, God fobid if we do succeed, we are then labeled as "little napoleons". 
 
  Yea...you naysayers are correct, there is no heightism...lol. 

Offensive ad from Yoplait

Just in case anyone needs a reminder (not that I do, I get it almost every day); here is how we shorter men are viewed....

.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emp_CtPy1Gw&NR=1

What is criticism?

Criticism can be defined as:  A Coward's Righteous Indignation Targeting an Inidividual's Character Ideas Standards and Morals.  (CRITICISM).  If you  are going going to criticize someone for having the guts and/or wherewithall to do something you don't have the guts to do yourselves, maybe you need to shut the hell up or grow a pair and risk criticism yourself!!

Legislation and Litigation

   On March 7^th, 2011,  AB90 (Assembly Bill 90) , a bill authored by Assemblyman Richard Segerblom of Nevada, went before the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee of Nevada and action (if any) has yet to be taken on this bill. Here is an article about the hearing:

http://forums.nossaonline.org/showthread.php?1457-Business-balks-at-bill-to-stem-workplace-bias

   It amazes me how these businesses and opponents of this bill come out and say that this piece of legislation would cause businesses to be leary of location to Nevada or hiring more people for fear of being sued, yet will not support a repeal of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans discrimination of people by gender, race, disability, religion or sexual orientation. I wonder how many law suits that particular piece of legislation has spawned? Has that been really detrimental to businesses? If that is their argument, why do so many places hire those protected by that same act if they really FEAR litigation? The short and overweight should be protected from the same discrimination as they. Perhaps these people really aren’t in fear of litigation as much they are in fear of treating the short and overweight as equals!

   What these people fail to realize is that suing an employer is not exactly a resume booster now, is it? Considering how these companies like to perform background checks on their employees or potential hires, it is a pretty big risk they are taking on their own livelihoods and earning power.

   In order to take an employer to court over discrimination, the act would have to be pretty blatant, systemic and the prospective plaintiff would probably need a few witnesses. .Even if they win a suit, will it be enough to sustain them while they are hard at work looking for other employment?

   Let’s take a look into how many law suits have been filed in Michigan; Santa Cruz and San Francisco; Madison, WI; Washington D.C.; Binghampton, NY and Urbana, Ill,. since they introduced their respective bills to ban appearance based discrimination (perhaps Tray Abney. Scott Walker and, in particular, Shelley Chinchilla should take heed and do their own research about this subject).

   According to Peggy Howell, since the Elliot Larsen Act was passed circa 1976, there have only been four law suits in the state of Michigan; four… in thirty years plus.(I wonder how many law suits there have been in the same state based on gender and race discrimination alone). However, according to J.J. Prescott, a law professor at the University of Michigan, there is about one case a year filed for weight discrimination.. In 2005, a man was awarded $284,000 for being terminated due to his weight which stemmed from a medical condition. Just recently, two Hooters waitresses in Michigan,  also have filed suit for weight discrimination. There aren’t really enough law suits to speak of to scare employers away from hiring or opening their doors for business in Michigan.  I have yet to hear of a lawsuit brought in Michigan for height discrimination but it is possible.

   Now, there may be the argument saying "See, of course there aren't many law suits pertaining to appearance based discimination because it doesn't exist and therefore, no need for protection."   Well,  first, that wasn't the argument these aforementioned people put forward now was it?  They know it exists, which is why they fear the floodgates will open.  Second, if no protection exists, with the exception of Michigan and other places, people who experience this won't be given much of a remedy; it may even be more detrimental to them to seek justice, sadly. 

   Just ask Sergeant Patrick Burns of the Bayonne police department of New Jersey, who for years was subject to ridicule and demoralization due to his short stature.  When he finally sought recourse, his reward was a suspension citing improper conduct.  What about those that harrassed and belittled him for twelve years, what was their punishment?   Nothing...of course.  Yet, if he were treated the same way to due his race, gender  or sexual orientation, he would have had recourse now wouldn't he have?

   How about Stephanie Jaggers and Faye Rex, once cocktail waitresses at the Standard Hotel in NYC?  Once gainfully employed by the Boom Boom Room (a club at the top of the hotel) and received pretty good evaluations, then they were fired from those positions once new management came in and stated they were "subpar" because they weren't "statuesque" or "svelte" to be working there. In other words, they weren't tall enough.  Can you imagine if they were fired because they were black and the hotel wanted an all white staff of cocktail waitresses?  These two women had to file a gender discrimination suit, since a height discrimination suit would have fallen flat here in New York.

   How about this case in Illinois a number of years ago:  Eberman vs the City of Chicago.    A 4'10" female detective who weighed under one hundred pounds brought a gender discrimination suit against the city due to a remark she received by her supervisor.  Apparently, her chief asked her "How can you be so short and do this job?"   The district court ruled in the city's favor, saying that the comments were gender neutral and added that Title VII does not protect against height discrimination.  Did you get that?  "Title VII Does Not Protect Against Height Discrimination!".   Title VII of the Civil Rights Act that is.

   Yes, there are some protections that Civil Rights Act does offer us shorter types.  Those protections would be applicable if an employer, such as a police department or fire department, instituted a height requiirement for employment.   Those height requirements would then have a "disparate impact" on other groups protected under Title VII; such as females, hispanics or asians (who aren't as tall as caucasian or black males) and would have to be removed unless proven to be absolutely necessary.  

  The Civil Rights Act also protects those that are disabled.   This may be another way for the shorter (or much shorter ) to get protection.  However, a disability has to be apparent or an employer has to regard you as having a disability.  At what height are you seen as being diasabled is an arbitrary thing.   One person may see being 5'3" and male as normal ( but short) and another may not.  The same goes if you were to file a suit claiiming such.

   So then, wouldn't it make sense to just pass a law banning all forms of height discrimination instead of leaving it as ambiguous as it is now (Seeing if we may fall under another protected class)?  Being harrassed and disrespected, denied promotions and even fired at our positions due to our short stature won't be covered under disparate impact challenges or disability claims.

   I wonder what Shelley Chinchilla's caseload would increase to of the thousands she probably already has?

  Gee, would five more cases a year drown you Ms Chinchilla?  Why do those other groups you protect not bother you but protecting the short and overweight from the same forms of discrimination make you complain about your caseload all of a sudden?   Let me guess, you belong to one of the other protected groups don't you?  How is it you work for the Equal Opportunity Commission but, so you don't have to take on a few more cases a year, you want to deny those of us without protection the equal opportunity you want for yourself.  Maybe you are in the wrong line of work then.

   Equal opportunity belongs to all of us and it is time for these legislators and employers to practice it!.

French Study cautions against growth hormone use

The French conducted a study regarding the use of somatropin ( recombinant growth hormone) in children.  The study called the SAghE (Sante Adulte GH Enfant) was conducted on over 7000 patients that received this treatment from 1985 to 1996.   They found that 93 deaths had occurred in the group that had been treated versus 70 that were expected of the general population; almost 30% more.  However, the Food and Drug Administration is telling those still on the treatment to continue it and is looking into the matter

Have a look at this link:
. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm237773.htm

My protest in February!


 <><><><>

<>

<><><><>

Yes, that is me and contrary to what others may say, people did take pics of me; I couldn't take a pic of myself now could I?

 

One day: One voice: One cause

   It will always be a day that will be etched in my mind forever; the day I protested height discrimination:  February 12, 2011.

   It was a cold, windy day in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan.  I was to pace back and forth outside the Standard Hotel for two hours either by myself or with anyone else who was willing to come; regardless, it had to be done!   So, I made my way to the Sixth precinct to make the community affairs officer aware of my plan just to be on the safe side.   After which, I made my way to the Standard Hotel to begin ( what I hope will be ) a new path in the fight against heightism.

  Fighting the rough wind,  I wrote down what I felt was necessary on my placard and marched across the street to the hotel.   It didn’t take long for an employee to see me and roll his eyes and say “You got to be kidding me!”   I wasn’t going to be swayed by anyone!  I sat my bag down ( which I later would have to remove and hold onto) and immediately noticed a cabbie seeing what I was doing, honking his horn and giving me a thumbs up!  I wandered over to him and he told me how he read the story in the paper and was in support of what I was doing.  So, within the span of two minutes, before I even started pacing, I had a reaction to what I was doing.  

   The manager noticed me a few moments later and said that there were of course “two sides to the story.”   When I asked him the hotel’s side, he then, as one would expect, couldn’t reveal it and told me that it was too cold for me and that no one else was there to help me.  My response was “I couldn’t care less.”   I then proceeded to pace out in front of the hotel for two hours by myself, in the cold wind, amongst some ridicule, laughing, curiosity and support.

   Was the message sent? (My message was that “Height discrimination must end!”) Perhaps.   I am sure there were some people who were thinking about the issue as they walked by.   Some asked me what happened and others revealed stories of heightism.  A few people even took pictures of me.  

   But, you had better believe that this issue is right there, below the surface.   I really don’t think it will take as much as we think it will to bring it out.  I firmly believe that there are lots of people who are fed up with appearance based bull shit!

   If we can get together, protest and fight this thing it could just take off.  A sign by one person had people talking.  What do you think a protest by many would do for the cause?  You don’t have to be a NOSSA member to do it, just get out there and do it!  Is it scary?  Yes….somewhat.   It isn’t impossible!  I got my first one out of the way, so now the second one will be that much easier.  Sitting there at your keyboards, blogging and posting on a forum may be supportive but it is going to take a more proactive approach to alleviate this prejudice which has plagued us.

   I came out of the protest unscathed and know that I got some people talking; if you feel passionately about this issue (as I do), don’t hesitate to  organize a protest yourself if you must.

  We can do it!  We will defeat this prejudice!  Please don’t be afraid to speak out!

Cocktail waitresses fired for being too short

   Ladies and gentleman, another case of heightism has emerged. Yet, even after reading what happened to these two NY women, people will once again dismiss the idea and tell us advocates for the short that we are crazy, have complexes or something else derogatory.
   Read for yourself this incident of height discrimination by the Standard Hotel, proprietors of the Boom Boom Room, located in the meatpacking district in NYC…
 http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/manhattan/lawsuit-claims-nightclub-fired-waitresses-for-being-too-short-20110126

   Of course these women, Stephanie Jaggers and Faye Rex, are filing a discrimination suit against the hotel, though, not for height discrimination but gender discrimination.   Sadly, that is their best chance for a remedy since there really isn’t any legislation banning height discrimination in NY.
   I wonder how much longer this is going to go on. I wonder how much longer society, as a whole, is going to continue to deny (mostly so it can keep practicing it) that this form of discrimination takes place. No other state has passed legislation to ban heightism besides Michigan in 1977 (The Eliot Larsen Act). San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Washington D.C. and Madison, Wi have some protections in place. The states of Massachusetts and Nevada are considering legislation to ban this unfair treatment of us shorter individuals. Bullying in schools, disparities in pay, scarce dating opportunities and harassment in the workplace all plague those of us who aren’t “up to par” (as what was told these two young ladies).  Yet, we aren’t offered the same recourse as other groups who have experienced the same amount of oppression.  
  Maybe, someday, when someone is discounted and mistreated because of their height, they can actually take someone to task for height discrimination and not have to look for another way to get some justice. But, that would mean we would be regarded as equals under the law but apparently, according to the Standard Hotel (the name fits doesn‘t it?), us shorter people don’t quite fit the mold.

If Jon Carmichael were Jane Carmichael...

…

…would his tragic suicide receive more attention than it did? Sadly, it may have. Not only was Jon Carmichael’s plight of continuous bullying ignored while he was in school but it seems it hasn’t received that much attention after his death either. Maybe if he were a teenage girl it would be different.

   I am sure most have heard of Phoebe Prince, the 15 year old girl from Massachusetts who killed herself after being bullied by classmates... Perhaps her story is receiving more attention because of the cyber bullying issue or could it be that if she had been a smaller boy who was cyber bullied, the story would have just gone away?

   Megan Meier.  She was the 13 year old girl who had a prank pulled on her over the internet.  I am sure many know of her too. A mother of a boy she liked pretended to be him and then dump her; resulting in her suicide.

    Now, in comparison, how many have heard of Eric Mohat?  Ryan Halligan?  Daniel Scruggs? And the latest…Jon Carmichael? Go ahead…Google these names and see what you come up with.   See how much attention their bully related suicides have received.   

   Eric Mohat was a taller, lankier, nerdy 17 year old from Ohio who was tormented relentlessly and was perceived as being gay. Ryan Halligan was a teenage boy with some health issues and maybe had some mental issues as well. A group of girls continuously harassed and bullied him and called him a loser who they would never dream of being involved with. Daniel Scruggs was an undersized 12 year old, who was constantly physically assaulted by classmates. Where are their stories? All these boys committed suicide as a result of being bullied, yet haven’t received the same attention as have the two teenage girls.

   Now, Jon Carmichael, who was bullied because he was short, small weak etc., is going to be forgotten, as his issue was when he was in school. Jon was thrown into trash cans, into toilet bowls, had his books constantly being pushed out of his arms and was shoved into lockers. God knows what else went on with him. As a result of this and the inaction of the teachers, he took his own life on March 28^th, 2010 at the age of 13. Does anyone know about him yet?  Has his story circulated all over the news wire or has he been just a blurb? Who knows, maybe if he were Jane Carmichael, you would have heard his story a couple of weeks ago when it happened and there would be national outrage. But he was a small, nerdy boy and, as always, the fact he was bullied to death will go unnoticed once again.  

    Wake up media types and you will see that, (gasp!), small, nerdy weaker boys are being bullied to death and you don’t seem to care as much, just like you didn’t when you were in school.

Radio interview with Kim Iverson - 2010

President Hamre Radio Interview on "Your Time with Kim Iverson

Massachusetts and the height/weight bill...

   A year and a half ago,  I had the opportunity once again to testify in support of legislation to ban height discrimination in the workplace.  

   The bill was House Bill 1850, or H1850. Representative Byron Rushing of Massachusetts has been more than persistent in his efforts to get this bill pushed through.  I had this same opportunity in 2008; at that time it was House Bill H1844.

  

 It was a crowded room for this hearing on January 27^th, 2010.  However, unlike my 2008 testimony, there were different bills on the docket this day and there wasn’t much of a turnout for the short or overweight people. There were three taller women testifying in support of bill H1850, a woman by the name of Rebecca Puhl (who testified a couple of years ago about discrimination against the obese) and myself; that was the only representation I witnessed.. I was disappointed, not only in the turnout but the fact that this bill will probably get lost in the shuffle once again, as it probably did on that late January day amongst other, more pressing issues.

   I was talking to Byron Rushing’s aide about this bill, a nice young lady by the name of Tracy Choi. She seems to think the problem with this issue is not in the opposition but in the indifference; people just don’t care. I couldn’t agree more. This topic doesn’t receive enough attention. Along with that is the fact that advocates for the short and/or overweight just aren’t politically powerful enough to have an impact. Conversely, if you should be so inclined, pay attention to the bill in Massachusetts that, if passed, will ban discrimination in the workplace and beyond against the transgendered. There are many more sponsors to that bill (at least 100) than there are to H1850. Do they deserve more protection than we do? Or, is it that we need a bigger voice?

   I believe it is the latter and we need people to do more than complaining on the net and get out there and fight for protection!

Does being frustrated about being unfairly labeled with a complex mean I have a complex?

So, readers, if you haven't already figured it out, I am a short man. I guess I had better be careful with this post because if I come across too angry or frustrated with a certain issue, I will, of course be labeled with a Napoleonic complex or short man's syndrome or some other oppressive term from a heightist society to keep my short self in my place.

For instance, the other day (June 10^th I believe) on the MSNBC program Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough,  he made mention of Jon Stewart's anger and that he had a Napoleonic complex.  Then, yes, in the same segment mentions Bill O Reilly and that he has anger issues.  Yet, where is the label for Mr. O' Reilly?  Oh wait, Bill is 6'4" and I would imagine Mr. Scarborough is probably 6'0" or so himself and wouldn't't dare attach a label to a taller man getting angry.  See video for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaoRfgdD6ec

Of course, the response from the taller is that all dictators are short or some such; you know, just like Saddam Hussein was or Fidel Castro (both six footers) and let's not forget the evil man himself Bin Laden at 6'4".  Yet, they will always say Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler (who was average height and if memory serves wanted a race of tall, blonde hair, blue eyed people), Napoleon (who stood 5'6" at the turn of the 19^th century, average height in France at the time) and  Kim Jong Il (5'3" - about average again for a North Korean).

Isn't it amazing how everyone just assumes that these individuals ruled to compensate for their lack of height?  How do these people know that this was their thinking?  Were they asked?  Or did each one of them say "Hey, I am a short male and in order to compensate for what society views as a handicap, or inadequacy, on my part, I am going to take over my country and try to do the same with the world!"  Yet, in order to do those things, they would have to command loyalty and respect to accomplish that mission would they not?

Maybe people think we short men have something to compensate for because they (meaning society) view us as less than or not as capable. Short men don't view themselves this way, believe me.  We have to try harder because of how we are perceived and if we don't, we get overlooked and left behind. If it is on a basketball court, do the shorter players have to try harder to impress than the taller ones?   On the football field? In the workplace?  The answer to all these is? YES!.  Then, if we do so, we have a complex? How does that work?

 How many of you average sized people have been treated unfairly at any period in your lives?  Ever?  Had a sibling get his or her way and thought it was unfair to you?  Felt like you have been underpaid or under appreciated at work?  Been charged too much for a service?  Well, if you felt you were treated unfairly and responded to it, I guess that means that you also have a complex then or is it just human nature to be a little upset or hurt when you felt things didn't' go your way or you were cheated?  Oh, it's the latter now is it?  Hmmm...interesting.

Okay at what height does a complex begin? It seems that average height or taller people can get upset about unfair treatment, but if I, as a short man, get overcharged or underpaid in the work place and say that it is wrong or unfair, it is a complex! Is there some rule? Such as any man over 5'9" is free to act aggressive and angry but 5'8" and under, it must be a syndrome of some sort.

Oh I'd better stop my sms (short man syndrome) is starting to show because I am expressing my frustrations...lol.  

Are two inches in height worth the price?

 So, you have a child who is short but healthy, (such as constitutional delay or idiopathic short stature) would you pay to increase his/her height?  If so,  how much would you fork over?  Is the sky the limit?  Would you pay say $10,000 per inch of height? $20,000? How about $30,000?   


 What if I were to tell you that an increase in height for two inches will probably cost you $100,000? Would that give you pause?  This is how much pharmaceutical companies charge for growth hormone for children who are short but healthy.  an average of $20,000/year.
                                  
   Now,  you also have to take into account the fact that there are risks of side effects;  Leukemia, diabetes, heart disease, oversized bones.  Still considering it?  Another caveat, the pediatric endocrinologist can’t guarantee any height increase at all or, if there is one, how can they prove it is a result of growth hormone injections and not natural growth?


 You may also consider the fact that your child, who, though short, is not suffering from an actual growth hormone deficiency.   If his ample supply of HGH isn’t helping the growth process, why would injecting your child with more of what he already has matter?

 
 Something else interesting:  Since the average height of a woman in the US is 5’4”, when she decides to put them heels on she is 5’6” or 5’7” and they usually want a man a couple of inches taller than that.  So, a man of 5’9” or 5’10” would be the minimum height allowable.  So, even if  your child does grow a couple of inches past his projected height…maybe will end up being 5’6” or 5’7”…the average, vain woman will look the other way…and let’s not get into the job market.


How telling it is on how short people are viewed, especially short males, that parents are willing to fork over mountains of cash for the slim hope their child will grow, maybe, two more inches at the end of their growth cycle.


 One more thing parents:   Giving your child growth hormone can also, likely speed up the pubertal process, which will mean that  their bones will fuse together sooner and therefore robbing him or her of a year or two of growth. Thought I would toss that in.  Still worth it?

To wear or not wear lifts

April 20, 2009

The other day, I ran across an article on the internet about Scarlett Johansson, the rather petite actress.  Apparently, she has recently lost a little weight.  I was amazed how people were saying that she may be now suffering from an eating disorder because of her petite frame. Yet, if she were to add on a few pounds, she would be blasted for being overweight.  It seems that society just can’t get out of its own way. No matter what, they will criticize you. At the same time, they will tell you to accept yourself for who you are.


This made me think of another situation which just frustrates me as a short man to no end.  If a short man dates a woman his own size and she decides to wear heels when they go out, she will now be three or four inches taller.  People observing this will now gawk and laugh at the couple, uttering things like “She should be with someone taller or he should be with someone shorter ,” or “He’s only dating her because of his complex” even though w/o her heels they are the same height.  Now, let’s take the same situation and give the man some lifts in his shoes, so that they are now the same height. What do we get now?  “Hey, look at that man; he is wearing lifts in his shoes…ha! Ha! How funny!  He must have a complex!”   Damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t right?  Yet, a woman wearing heels is sexy and she is adored, even though she is also trying to increase her height. Funny, shouldn’t it be the man that needs the height, since he is the one who will be mocked because of his short stature?  I personally would never go out and buy lifts for my shoes, so that the insecure, vain people in society could then accept me or so that I look better for a job interview.


Here I live in a society that tells me to be confident in who I am (oh no, if I do that, that is also a complex for a short man to be confident) and accept myself and so will others.  Then, no matter what I do, I get criticized for doing just that.


 I guess if you don’t meet society’s definition of an acceptable appearance then you should change it.   Take growth hormone, lengthen your limbs, have lipo, gastric bypass, go on a diet, eat more, get Botox, increase your breast size, dye your hair, cut your hair, don’t go bald,  drive an SUV, take public transportation so you don’t pollute the air.  Does just reading that drive you crazy?


When society can get out of its own way, make up its damn mind about what is and what isn’t acceptable, then maybe I will listen…lol.  Until then, I will tell society to mind its own damn business and instead of focusing on my physical attributes, maybe society should focus on pulling its head out of its own, judgmental ass.   Then maybe people will be free to be themselves without having to listen to a bunch of insignificant, insecure people criticizing them; people who are far from perfection themselves.

Accepting yourself and other people…what a novel idea! 

Short Guys Shouldn't Wait Tables ...

Congratulations go out to Dustin Pedroia, American League MVP for 2008.  In addition to winning this award, he also won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award.

Dustin Pedroia stands about 5'9" and plays 2B for the Red Sox.  He also won Rookie of the Year in 2007, as well as a World Series championship. 

Yet, many sports commentators can't seem to just give him credit without eluding to his stature and making a joke of it.  Tony Reali of "Around the Horn" on ESPN called him the "little jockey".  Ben Maller of Fox Sports Radio couldn't help but say that "he doesn't look like a baseball player, he looks like he should be waiting tables." Well, apparently not Mr Maller.

Pedroia isn't the only undersized guy (though he is 5'9...average height I might add) in sports to win a MVP award.  David Eckstein of the Blue Jays won 2006 World Series MVP, has appeared in two all star games and has two World Series rings, along with being very tough to strike out and stands 5'6".  Emmitt Smith, NFL's all time rushing leader, is 5'9", has three Super Bowl rings, a Super Bowl MVP award, 1990 Rookie of the year, NFL MVP in 1993, and named to the 1990's all decade team.  Sharing that all decade team honor with him is 5'8" Barry Sanders, who won the Heisman in 1988, was rookie of the year in the NFL in 1989, won an MVP in 1997 and, if not retiring prematurely after the 1998 season, would no doubt be the NFL's all time leading rusher and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.  This playing behind the horrible offensive line of the Detroit Lions.     

Last year, Wes Welker of the Patriots (5'9") led the league in receptions and let's not overlook Leon Washington  (5'7") of the Jets and Darren Sproles  (5'6") of the Chargers; both important parts of their respective teams in the running/return game.

If these guys belong waiting tables, maybe all the taller, mediocre players should be busboys and dishwashers then.         

NPR Article Citing Taller Discrimination In Sports.... are you kidding?

On August 15th, 2007, Frank Deford, a contributor to Morning Editon on National Public Radio and an acclaimed sportwriter, wrote the following piece:

Click Here.

After reading this article, I was confused. Let me first begin at the end of the article. Mr. Deford claims that, apparently, it is their (their being the taller..he is 6'4") ordained right to rule and they are so good at it. This came on the heels of his complaining that the shorter guys are ruling and that there is "gross discrimination" against the taller in sports among the coaching ranks.. What?

I am willing to bet that guys who are shorter coaches, like Lawrence Frank, coach of the Nets, probably had to work a lot harder than a taller coach just to get where he is. Perhaps Mr.Deford should be giving them credit instead of crying foul that a taller coach isn't in that positon. Perhaps that sense of entitlement mentality that Mr. Deford is exhibiting is widespread among the taller and that may make them more lackadasical in their approach. Could you imagine if he had stated that "white men should rule because it is their ordained right to do so."? What a statement of lunacy! People should rule as a reward for their hard work not by their appearance.

Now, let's address the "gross discrimination" issue. Can Mr. Deford honestly claim that their is discrimnation against the tall in sports. You have to be kidding! How many short guys are given a chance in the four major sports? You can probably count them on your ten fingers! Any QBs under 6'0"? If you are under that size in any one of the major sports, you are "undersized" or "small". Mr. Deford is right, there is "gross discrimination" in sports but not against the taller...please!

He states, earlier in his rant that because we are shorter, we are losing to other countries in basketball, then later says that the guards are as tall as the centers were twenty years ago. So, which is it Mr. Deford, are we getting taller or shorter, I am confused? I am quite certain that our last Olympic team was the tallest team of any in the Olympics. Yet, the gold medalists were from Argentina, are they taller than we? Once again, Mr. Deford doesn't point to the real problem.

These guys now don't work as hard as the "Dream Team" of 1992. They have a sense of entitlement and think it's their right to be there. That is the problem with many of these pro athletes nowadays. Of course the shorter ones can't act that way, they have to work their asses off to prove themselves every day or they will lose their position to a taller, lazier individual.