Don’t judge a book by its cover. I’m sure you’ve heart that expression numerous times as a kid growing up while trying to pick which book to read in the library. It is a phrase only children can remember from their parents but as adults we intend to forget it. That’s unfortunate but in a way serves as a lesson to those of us who find ourselves on the other side from an ignorant human who chooses to ostrasize (insult) those of petite stature. Bullying a person because of his or her physical appearance is a pet peeve of mine as well as every other petite woman or short man.
Stephen S. Hall wrote a book called Size Matter: How Height Affects the Health, Happiness and Success and I could not believe how physicians back in the early 1950’s categorized people of various height as either dwarfs or little people. I am 4’9” and am considered a dwarf. I would rather consider myself a hobbit if you want to sound like a character from the Lord of the Rings. The third ending out of probably seven endings of that film was the best. When the King tells the hobbits that they bow to no one and then the King and his subjects bow to the hobbits was the most touching and significant moment of that film. I felt vindicated as the little hobbits were recognized for their arduous efforts of their journey. In the real world, there are humans who view petite women and short men as targets, subjects of their intimidation. It angers me how a petite woman, who is 4’11” recounted her story how she was insulted and cursed at by a customer at her hotel while she tried to assist him. He repeatedly chanted at her to “shut up you little bitch” because he was aggravated he wasn’t getting whatever he wanted. I am appalled he told her to shut up, aghast he called her a bitch and angered because he categorized her as little. I am proud how professional my fellow Petite Rican handled herself in her response to the foul mouthed fool. She asked for the assistance of her manager who also is another Petite Rican of 5” who solved the problem by putting him in place and had him escorted out of the hotel. Note to all Bullies: insulting or demeaning a petite woman is a futile attempt at getting what you want. No one likes or respects a bully.
Petite women and short men have dealt with pathetic Bullies all of their lives. They have grown thick skins because they have spent the majority of their lives working harder than anyone else to earn their positions and titles. There is great pride in being petite and short. We do not see ourselves with an impediment or a disability as many tend to treat us. Being in the hospitality industry and working in hotels, retail, food industry or airlines has its challenges but when people attack a person because they regard their height as a disability is simply disgusting.
The majority of petite women do not consider themselves as having a disability, a condition or a challenge. I truly believe short men do not see themselves that way either.
We just see ourselves as growing older and dealing with life. Those who can not deal with petite women or short men because they have personal hang-ups or insecurities of their own should just stay home, order everything through the internet brood about their lame existence and look hard in the mirror at that empty big shell.
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