Article 1 Final Post

 

“How’s the Weather Down There?”

A Guide to Living as a Short Woman and Dealing with Short Person Bias

 

“C’mon Zo-mini!” My boyfriend called to me as my five foot figure ran from my porch onto his electrical scooter—our ride into USC’s campus. Keeping my balance and clutching onto the handle bars as he turned us onto Hoover Street, I thought of what his view must look like. A whole 12 inches above my head. I then started to think about if a random stranger had just called me “Zo-mini”. Would I think this nickname was as cute as I do now? I can assure you I would not. I then realized that my boyfriend had unintentionally demonstrated something I have lived with my whole life. Short person bias—otherwise known as height discrimination.

Height discrimination is defined as unfair treatment based on height especially prejudice or discrimination against short people (Merriam-Webster). In my experience, this discrimination goes beyond funny nicknames. Here are some questions or sayings that are common in my life: 

 

• How Old Are You Exactly? In completing common tasks, or even if I am out at the supermarket, people tend to think I am much younger than I am. This question disrupts my daily routine and often puts me in a poor mood. 

 

• When is saying "You're so Cute!" Acceptable? Apparently to some people-- on the job. If you are a short woman like me and are approached this way, it is important to remain professional. Get your work done, show what you're capable of, and carry yourself like you are 6 feet tall.

• Can You Grab That for Me? As a short person, I often have to ask for help for things I cannot reach or pick up. And this is totally ok! I always make sure that it is clear that my intent is just seeking help from someone. I have no ulterior motives, and nobody should think that I do.

 

 

 

According to Tanya Osenky in her book Shortchanged: Height Discrimination and Strategies for Social Change, “Despite the seemingly harmless intent behind such teasing…most of us have considered that such disrespect is really meant to belittle and publicly humiliate them (short people).” Tanya gives me hope that if the intent behind making fun of my height really is harmless, short people can make a stance on changing our public humiliation.

 

In the meantime, I want you to think about Randy Newman’s opening line in his song Short People published in 1977. He states, “Short people got no reason to live.” Now, put yourself in my size 6 shoes and my 5 foot body. Think to yourself, “I’ve got plenty of reason to live.” I’m here to show you just exactly how I survive. 

 

“How Old Are You Exactly?”

As a woman in college, I’m oftentimes mistaken for being in high school. I’m definitely not 13, and I’m not sure why people assume this of anyone who is under ~maybe~ 5’5".

 

Short story time (no pun intended).

 

I turned 21 over winter break a year ago and was incredibly excited—as any 21 year old probably is—to purchase my first bottle of alcohol with my brand new horizontal ID. Keep in mind, my ID included an (also brand new) 21 year old Zoë picture. Be gone with the high school brace face. As I placed my bottle of Captain Morgan on a Trader Joe’s checkout counter, I was asked and gave the cashier my ID. I was met with a very confused look at my ID, a very confused look back down at my face, and a phone call to a manager. I myself confused, and at this point slightly aggravated asked what the problem was. Without hesitation, the cashier said there was no way this ID could be real because I’m “so tiny.” Excuse me. What?!

  

The wait for the manager was nothing short of awkward. Unfortunately, when he came, I was met with the same looks of confusion. Next, came the prompt denial of my purchase. I was fuming! Determined to make this purchase, and slightly to my surprise, I actually told the cashier to call DPS. The three of us, now standing at the counter, were met with another awkward wait. However, when DPS came and checked my ID, the officer confirmed my age and actually questioned the employees! (There is some hope in the world!)

 

The manager was so embarrassed he gave me my bottle of Captain for free, and I angrily declared “I hope you never judge someone for their height again!” and stomped my little self out of the store.

 

Moral of the story—it’s patronizing to question someone’s age because of their height. And if you are the short person, it’s completely acceptable to be assertive.

 

Check the Context: When is “You’re So Cute” Acceptable?

According to La Petite Poire and her lifestyle blog,

• Height= Status= Power

• The Journal of Applied Psychology states that each inch of height above average is worth $789 per year

•  Tall women are respected more, and are more likely to be promoted

Essentially, short women are paid less, promoted less, and respected less. I’ve experienced discrimination in the work-place first hand.

 

This summer, I completed a remote internship with Boston Scientific Corporation. I was incredibly proud of my work, was being recognized for my projects by various managers, and was very excited for the opportunity to meet everyone in person for a week.

 

So, I drove 7 hours to Minneapolis and prepared to go into the office! Proud to be 1 of 5 interns invited to see the company building in person, I packed my nicest outfit and my work high heeled shoes. When we arrived at the office, I was horrified that we had to change into special shoes to go into the laboratories. Here I was, worried about my outfit… but my peers immediately noticed something else. I walked into the laboratory in my professional pants that now sagged onto the floor, and a lab coat much too large for me. Before speaking about laser technology that Boston Scientific uses to help make some of its devices, the man giving us a presentation promptly pointed at me and said, “Aww! You’re so cute!” Perhaps, in a romantic setting I would not mind this remark. But what a way to start a speech on medical technology, am I right?

 

I was mortified. Without this man even knowing me, or respecting that I was at the company office as a hard working intern, he degraded me for my height. This only pushed me to work harder. I loved my internship at Boston Scientific, and am proud to say that they did recognize me for my work.

 

As a short woman in the workplace, it is important to remember

• Carry yourself with authority

• Stand up for yourself

• Dress appropriately—heels are acceptable

• Work hard, and be great at your position

 

“Can You Grab that For Me?”

Finally, a short person problem I actually do not mind doing. If I need help, I ask! And I’m not embarrassed about it. If you are short like me, it is completely acceptable to

• Ask for help putting your carry-on bag in the plane compartment 

• Sit on a pillow driving

• Ask someone for help getting something off of a high shelf

 

The problem? When people think you have a motive for asking. 

 

No! Not everyone I ask for help is someone I am attracted to—or want something with them. The thought of this is height discrimination, and if someone thinks you’re asking for an ulterior motive, do not be afraid to correct them.

 

Being short has its pros and cons. Personally, I love my height and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I even love when my boyfriend calls me “Zo-mini,” because I know his intentions are good. While height discrimination still exists in the world

• Check peoples intent 

• Don’t be afraid to speak up

 Embrace your height and love yourself!

 

 

Sources

“Heightism Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heightism.

Newman, Randy. "Short People." Little Criminals. Warner Bros.,  1977. CD.

Osensky, Tanya S. Shortchanged: Height Discrimination and Strategies for Social Change. ForeEdge, 2018.

Poire, Petite. “Short Women Make Less Money: Being Petite in the Workplace.” La Petite Poire, 20 Dec. 2017, https://www.petitepoire.ca/being-petite/advocacy/short-women-make-less-money-being-petite-in-the-workplace.html.