I just wanted to thank everyone who has sent us warm wishes and positive feedback regarding our recent appearance on CNN with Paula Zahn. We really appreciate it. We welcome all of the new members to NOSSA. Our work is not done. We have only begun....
- Respectfully, Matthew Campisi.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
In our opinion - E-Harmony.com Discriminates Against Short Men
We are in receipt of numerous complaints about the dating website - Eharmony.com:
Eharmony most definitely discriminates against shorter men. I applied
ages ago and was told I'm part of the 20 percent they can't match.
Out of curiousity, I decided to try signing up for the site with the same answers,
and different heights. I went once with my real height and my real answers, and got
the same message(despite personal growth in the last year or two, I my legs have
stayed the same). However, with the exact same answers, I set the height as 5'11"
and was immediately welcomed to the site. I think this is very clear proof the site discriminates against short men before they even join, and personally I think there should be legal action taken to bring
this to light. This would NEVER be allowed if a site discriminated on race or
religion, but this has somehow been accepted? I don't think this should be allowed
to continue.
We urge all short statured people to boycott this website until the company ceases this behavior and issues NOSSA a full apology.
Eharmony most definitely discriminates against shorter men. I applied
ages ago and was told I'm part of the 20 percent they can't match.
Out of curiousity, I decided to try signing up for the site with the same answers,
and different heights. I went once with my real height and my real answers, and got
the same message(despite personal growth in the last year or two, I my legs have
stayed the same). However, with the exact same answers, I set the height as 5'11"
and was immediately welcomed to the site. I think this is very clear proof the site discriminates against short men before they even join, and personally I think there should be legal action taken to bring
this to light. This would NEVER be allowed if a site discriminated on race or
religion, but this has somehow been accepted? I don't think this should be allowed
to continue.
We urge all short statured people to boycott this website until the company ceases this behavior and issues NOSSA a full apology.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
NOSSA President To Appear On CNN
NOSSA's President and Chairman of The Board Matthew Campisi and NOSSA Advisor and Author Ellen Frankel will appear on CNN with Paula Zahn in the near future. Check back often for the exact date and time that this episode will air.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Size Counts
by MATTHEW HAYS When Montreal filmmaker Howard Goldberg set out to make Short and Male, a documentary about attitudes towards men under a certain height, he expected to learn that there are indeed some cultural prejudices around.
But as Goldberg proceeded with his research, he was taken aback to learn that many social scientists and economists have found solid reasons to believe there are deeply-rooted negative biases against the short. Economists, including the late John Kenneth Galbraith, have chimed in on the issue, with the unusually tall Galbraith suggesting that height is one of the few remaining acceptable prejudices. Goldberg learned that height can be an indicator of economic status—indeed, with some studies suggesting that being short has as big an impact as being a member of a racial minority or being a woman.
But Goldberg’s biggest jolt came when he looked into the case of China . In China , discrimination against the short isn’t mere speculation or suspicion—it’s actually written into law. In order to get a driver’s license, you must be of a certain height. You can’t be a judge or a lawyer if you’re under a certain height, and the same goes for getting a coveted post in the civil service. These restrictions are all written into law and continue to be followed carefully by Chinese authorities.
Western standards
Goldberg, who just returned from a two-week shoot in China , says these restrictions have been in place for a long time. But he adds that issues surrounding height are becoming much more complex now that China is going through a phase of massive change and evolving into a modern state.
“What’s most shocking to me is the way the Chinese are taking in Western cultural images. There are huge billboards there, advertisements for things that the new market is offering them. But 90 per cent of the models are not Asian—they’re white and associated with the West. And since the Chinese on average are shorter than their Western counterparts, height has become associated with success, power and economic well-being.”
And Goldberg says he noticed the economic rift between rural and urban first hand. Standing at 5’3”, Goldberg says he was surrounded by people about his height or shorter when he was in the countryside. “The peasants, the farm workers, were shorter. But when I was in the city, I was short again, by comparison. The people in the cities were much taller.”
Economic growth
One of the results, in a new, mean, capitalist China , has been the emergence of a cottage industry of get-tall-quick schemes. As well as elevator shoes (and there are shops that sell nothing but), there were also shoes with magnets in them, herbal remedies and even height-enhancing pills. All of these were sold by merchants who promised results. The government cracked down on the magnets and pills, recognizing their snake-oil status immediately.
But China has become a leader in surgery that allows people to add two or three inches to their height. Goldberg describes the procedure as “excruciating,” and while he interviewed people who were having the process done, such is the extent of shame surrounding being short in China that no one involved would have their face shown on camera.
The surgical procedure goes something like this: the patient’s shins are broken. Then, they are allowed to almost heal. Then they are broken all over again, with the legs stretched ever so slightly. Then the healing is almost done, and the breaking and stretching happens again. Repeat until you’ve added a couple of inches. The procedure takes months and is brutally painful, but people who are desperate to lengthen their prospects sign up for it. “The procedure is really quite amazing,” notes Goldberg, “in that when you heal, your legs are in good shape. You can run, play soccer, do anything you would otherwise.”
Goldberg’s film is taking him across Europe and North America too, and he cautions that though the Chinese laws against the short may seem extreme, anti-short attitudes pervade many cultures. “I have been quite surprised by a lot of the data I’ve come across, and a lot of the stories that people have shared on Web sites. For men, being short is much like being overweight is for women. There remains an acceptable prejudice against shorter people.”
Short and Male, which is produced by Ina Fichman of Instinct Films, will air on CTV in the fall.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The Young Aide
Heightism at work really frustrates me. Short men are not respected and when they are passive they are literally pushed out of the way and when they are aggressive they are laughed off as another "Napoleon" with a short man's complex. At the end of the day they are rarely treated with the same respect that a tall man is granted innately.
Recently, a co-worker and I had a meeting with a man who was about 5'9-5'10". This is the first time this man had met either of us. My co-worker is a muscular man of about 6'2" tall. My co-worker and I are equals in rank at our position. Anyway, this man completely ignored me throughout the meeting and spoke mostly to my co-worker. He frequently referred to my co-worker as Sir, in an obvious attempt to show his esteem and respect for my co-worker. I kid you not, when he finally turned to speak to me he told me that I needed to do something for him in a nasty tone as if I were merely my co-worker's young aide. This was so blatantly obvious that my co-worker mentioned it after the meeting and found it quite amusing. A frequent response to heightism despite the implications of such a phenomenon.
Recently, a co-worker and I had a meeting with a man who was about 5'9-5'10". This is the first time this man had met either of us. My co-worker is a muscular man of about 6'2" tall. My co-worker and I are equals in rank at our position. Anyway, this man completely ignored me throughout the meeting and spoke mostly to my co-worker. He frequently referred to my co-worker as Sir, in an obvious attempt to show his esteem and respect for my co-worker. I kid you not, when he finally turned to speak to me he told me that I needed to do something for him in a nasty tone as if I were merely my co-worker's young aide. This was so blatantly obvious that my co-worker mentioned it after the meeting and found it quite amusing. A frequent response to heightism despite the implications of such a phenomenon.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
One person, one state, one issue at a time
Let me begin today with some factual information. Here is a listing of some potential side effects to the HGH treatment.
Acromegaly,
Edema and Fluid Retention,
Liver Damage,
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Painful Joints,
Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in males)
For more information, please follow the link below.
http://www.hgh-pro.com/master.html?http://www.hgh-pro.com/sideeffects.html
And a link to limb lengthening complications.
http://www.limblength.com/pubs/articles/curve/curve.htmtual
During the treatment or procedures, the questions remain, is the treatment or procedure worth the side effects. Even in the best cases, a minimum amount of change is achieved. From 1mm a procedure over many procedures, to an added 2 to three inches through the HGH treatments. From the Documentation, a limb lengthen procedure is to correct an issue to serious injury or chronic infections. Has the modern society determined that an average height can be described as such a physical handicap? Abnormal leg length and one leg shorter than the other due to some traumatic event is one thing, but to be subjected to this procedure simply because of the benefits of height. Without any real medical advantage seems to be unwarranted. The Procedure is a long drawn out process, leaving the patient wheelchair bound for extended periods.
A surgical procedure known as Symmetric extended limb lengthening (ELL). Numerous possible complications of ELL techniques are recognized, including nerve injury, infections, angulations, non union, paralysis, and increased hip flexion leading to dislocation of the hip, predispositions of early osteo-arthritis, re-absorption of bone ends, fractures and unequal limb lengths. Although the acute complication rate associated with ELL has been reduced, it is still substantial. Furthermore the long-term stability of extended limbs, particularly when subjected to physical or hormonal stress (including for example in pregnancy) or their long-term effects on the spine and pelvis are being evaluated but are not yet known. (http://www.sspa.org.au/limb.htm).
Again the complications seem to out number the benefits of the procedure. Today’s world seems to be built on the bigger is better premise. Bigger vehicles, bigger houses, bigger vacation packages. Everywhere we look today it is bigger. Massive SUV’s that can’t even fit into garages, To Burgers that rival towers, buildings stretching into the sky, is there no limit or sense to it all. Mountains tumble, Scrapers can fall. The bigger the building, the more damage if it collapses. But we keep on building higher, and keep on looking for the next “Big thing”.
Before recorded time, there was the big bang theory. Where the entire universe started out of almost nothingness, “God spoke into the darkness and created light”. How can something that started so small grow into what we know of the universe today, and are still expanding.
What does any of this have to do with the subject? All living creatures have a beginning, all movements have a start. Martin Luther King had a dream of equality. Equal treatment for all the races, where brother to brother we could stand together without prejudice. After all, isn’t that what we as NOSSA are trying to achieve. To inform the masses there is an issue. Education and develop of the cause is increasing. WE as short stature adults must take the message to the streets. Talking in chat rooms and message boards is not going to get the message out. I post almost daily to various web based blogs. The word is being passed around; I see it and hear it everyday. We are at the “Big Bang”, where our stance is going to explode onto a national screen. Where we can “Have a Dream”. Equal rights, Equal opportunities. To live life to the fullest.
This topic goes way beyond the interpersonal world. Short Stature men and woman face an uphill climb almost everyday. Be it in the local grocery store to the dance clubs to dating scene, to the business world. The ADA states that companies have to make arrangements to accommodate people with handicaps, within reason. This means supplying step stools, or wheelchair ramps. It is still a problem to have to find a person to get a stepstool, or a ladder.
This issue can also be said for those of extreme weight. Where no accommodations are made to help facilitate needs.
Many people are not convinced there is an issue here at all; this is where we need to educate. “The Today show” was a banner achievement, although it fizzled some in the end, the success was the message made a national stage. We must keep pushing. The equal rights movement is still pressing forward, King’s message had not been lost. We must carry on the same diligence. One person, one state, one issue at a time.
Thank you,
-Michael
Acromegaly,
Edema and Fluid Retention,
Liver Damage,
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Painful Joints,
Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in males)
For more information, please follow the link below.
http://www.hgh-pro.com/master.html?http://www.hgh-pro.com/sideeffects.html
And a link to limb lengthening complications.
http://www.limblength.com/pubs/articles/curve/curve.htmtual
During the treatment or procedures, the questions remain, is the treatment or procedure worth the side effects. Even in the best cases, a minimum amount of change is achieved. From 1mm a procedure over many procedures, to an added 2 to three inches through the HGH treatments. From the Documentation, a limb lengthen procedure is to correct an issue to serious injury or chronic infections. Has the modern society determined that an average height can be described as such a physical handicap? Abnormal leg length and one leg shorter than the other due to some traumatic event is one thing, but to be subjected to this procedure simply because of the benefits of height. Without any real medical advantage seems to be unwarranted. The Procedure is a long drawn out process, leaving the patient wheelchair bound for extended periods.
A surgical procedure known as Symmetric extended limb lengthening (ELL). Numerous possible complications of ELL techniques are recognized, including nerve injury, infections, angulations, non union, paralysis, and increased hip flexion leading to dislocation of the hip, predispositions of early osteo-arthritis, re-absorption of bone ends, fractures and unequal limb lengths. Although the acute complication rate associated with ELL has been reduced, it is still substantial. Furthermore the long-term stability of extended limbs, particularly when subjected to physical or hormonal stress (including for example in pregnancy) or their long-term effects on the spine and pelvis are being evaluated but are not yet known. (http://www.sspa.org.au/limb.htm).
Again the complications seem to out number the benefits of the procedure. Today’s world seems to be built on the bigger is better premise. Bigger vehicles, bigger houses, bigger vacation packages. Everywhere we look today it is bigger. Massive SUV’s that can’t even fit into garages, To Burgers that rival towers, buildings stretching into the sky, is there no limit or sense to it all. Mountains tumble, Scrapers can fall. The bigger the building, the more damage if it collapses. But we keep on building higher, and keep on looking for the next “Big thing”.
Before recorded time, there was the big bang theory. Where the entire universe started out of almost nothingness, “God spoke into the darkness and created light”. How can something that started so small grow into what we know of the universe today, and are still expanding.
What does any of this have to do with the subject? All living creatures have a beginning, all movements have a start. Martin Luther King had a dream of equality. Equal treatment for all the races, where brother to brother we could stand together without prejudice. After all, isn’t that what we as NOSSA are trying to achieve. To inform the masses there is an issue. Education and develop of the cause is increasing. WE as short stature adults must take the message to the streets. Talking in chat rooms and message boards is not going to get the message out. I post almost daily to various web based blogs. The word is being passed around; I see it and hear it everyday. We are at the “Big Bang”, where our stance is going to explode onto a national screen. Where we can “Have a Dream”. Equal rights, Equal opportunities. To live life to the fullest.
This topic goes way beyond the interpersonal world. Short Stature men and woman face an uphill climb almost everyday. Be it in the local grocery store to the dance clubs to dating scene, to the business world. The ADA states that companies have to make arrangements to accommodate people with handicaps, within reason. This means supplying step stools, or wheelchair ramps. It is still a problem to have to find a person to get a stepstool, or a ladder.
This issue can also be said for those of extreme weight. Where no accommodations are made to help facilitate needs.
Many people are not convinced there is an issue here at all; this is where we need to educate. “The Today show” was a banner achievement, although it fizzled some in the end, the success was the message made a national stage. We must keep pushing. The equal rights movement is still pressing forward, King’s message had not been lost. We must carry on the same diligence. One person, one state, one issue at a time.
Thank you,
-Michael
Monday, January 08, 2007
HGH
From my earliest memories, I can recall going to the hospital many times, was one of those miracle babies that was born premature with many medical complications, from not being able to make it the first night, to first week, the first month. 37 years later I am still fighting the good fight….Kidney and bladder problems left in the past, and forever shorter than the normal people.
Was during the late 70’s or early 80’s, I had many appointments with endocrinologists, and various other medical professionals to debate about my future. One such treatment option was the use of HGH to help bring me to a normal height. At the time the Professionals had topped me out to about five foot for the rest of my life. The medical complications and side effects were laid out for my family to discuss. I was just a little guy, but I remember this discussion.
The side effects of the HGH were liver damage, heart problems, and other various other medical, All these dangerous life threatening complications for a couple inches of height. In fact the amount of height they could not guarantee was about 2 inches.
The discussion was more or less left up to me, and there I was, a child faced with a life changing decision at an age where most kids are wondering which GI Joe to play with, I was about to make a choice that will forever influence everything in my life . I made the choice, Not to have the treatment, frankly, at the time, I was tired of hospitals, Tired of doctors and just wanted to have a normal childhood. I didn’t want to be in another hospital or see another doctor for as long as I lived. The actual side effects became clearer as I got older.
At an age of under 10, you don’t understand what heart problems are, you don’t understand what liver damage is, or where or what the liver even does. All I knew was that this treatment sounded worse than the positive side. What was 2 inches, if I was lucky to have gained? What is the difference between five foot and five foot two? Not a lot in my book back then and even less now. The world describes a normal male to be of average height of 5’7, the Average female of 5’4. The question is not about the numbers, but about the individual.
Being an active member of the work force it becomes clear that height plays a role in every aspect of professional life, Just look at the various studies done on salary based on employee height, Look at every store a crossed the country, Top shelf is regarded as the good stock, high quality products. To be a top shelf product a higher price also follows. This is the way the world regards height as well.
In the story books of old, we hear or read of the princess being saved by the knight, or the prince. The hero is always Tall, Handsome. Does this suggest that shorter men can not be knights or princes, or that shorter men can not be the hero? Does this also suggest that shorter men can not be physically attractive?
Did the leaders of long ago take any of this into consideration as they traveled the world and conquered cities, probably the last thing on their minds? So in today world how can it be such a moving topic. The answer is very simple. The world has evolved to a state to where the fittest survive , Where it is dog eat dog, and the one with the most toys wins. This being directly correlated to the ones with the best physical tools.
Now, I am the last person to say anyone is better than myself, That is my LEO ego speaking and is very true. Coming from a fighters background and being a natural born leader , I am not going to concede that someone is above me. Given the choice so many years ago, I feel I have made the right choices. And feel it is my job to inspire others to feel good about being who they are , and not strive for goals that are not God intended. If God had wanted me to be a 6 foot wreaking ball, That is what I would have been. There is a reason and purpose behind my height as well as my heart.
HGH was a big decision to turn down, Many feel this strain today. Being short in this world is a tough place to be in, But to be honest, This world is a tough place period. Is it really worth the complications to gain a few inches, Is it worth the hours of rehab, learning to walk again after lengthening surgery. It is really seated in the mental makeup of the individual, Are we going to let the world dictate that in order to successful we have to be a certain height. Or are we going to say tit is time , To make a change. To open the minds of the powers that be, To realize that being who we are is all we are going to be , and will not change our physical appearance to satisfy some “ Normal” Standard. We need to educate the masses , in fact the world, That being tall or skinny , or fat or short does not indicate the person. It is not what we look like that separates us, it is what we do with what we have that makes a difference.
NOSSA has given us a choice, a standing ground and a platform to launch an educational phenomenon. Bring the information to the public, Inspire change. Be a catalyst for improving life for all beings. Equal treatment regardless of height.
In the coming weeks, Months and years, I will be doing my best to spark an interest, and motivate those with a voice but without a platform. Those with an interest in joining or supporting this cause. Do some research of your own, Please visit or site. http://nossaonline.org/nossa.html. Speak up and speak out. Discrimination is a real issue. Medical cures are also a painstaking issue for people of shorter height.
Until the next issue, Peace.
-Michael
Was during the late 70’s or early 80’s, I had many appointments with endocrinologists, and various other medical professionals to debate about my future. One such treatment option was the use of HGH to help bring me to a normal height. At the time the Professionals had topped me out to about five foot for the rest of my life. The medical complications and side effects were laid out for my family to discuss. I was just a little guy, but I remember this discussion.
The side effects of the HGH were liver damage, heart problems, and other various other medical, All these dangerous life threatening complications for a couple inches of height. In fact the amount of height they could not guarantee was about 2 inches.
The discussion was more or less left up to me, and there I was, a child faced with a life changing decision at an age where most kids are wondering which GI Joe to play with, I was about to make a choice that will forever influence everything in my life . I made the choice, Not to have the treatment, frankly, at the time, I was tired of hospitals, Tired of doctors and just wanted to have a normal childhood. I didn’t want to be in another hospital or see another doctor for as long as I lived. The actual side effects became clearer as I got older.
At an age of under 10, you don’t understand what heart problems are, you don’t understand what liver damage is, or where or what the liver even does. All I knew was that this treatment sounded worse than the positive side. What was 2 inches, if I was lucky to have gained? What is the difference between five foot and five foot two? Not a lot in my book back then and even less now. The world describes a normal male to be of average height of 5’7, the Average female of 5’4. The question is not about the numbers, but about the individual.
Being an active member of the work force it becomes clear that height plays a role in every aspect of professional life, Just look at the various studies done on salary based on employee height, Look at every store a crossed the country, Top shelf is regarded as the good stock, high quality products. To be a top shelf product a higher price also follows. This is the way the world regards height as well.
In the story books of old, we hear or read of the princess being saved by the knight, or the prince. The hero is always Tall, Handsome. Does this suggest that shorter men can not be knights or princes, or that shorter men can not be the hero? Does this also suggest that shorter men can not be physically attractive?
Did the leaders of long ago take any of this into consideration as they traveled the world and conquered cities, probably the last thing on their minds? So in today world how can it be such a moving topic. The answer is very simple. The world has evolved to a state to where the fittest survive , Where it is dog eat dog, and the one with the most toys wins. This being directly correlated to the ones with the best physical tools.
Now, I am the last person to say anyone is better than myself, That is my LEO ego speaking and is very true. Coming from a fighters background and being a natural born leader , I am not going to concede that someone is above me. Given the choice so many years ago, I feel I have made the right choices. And feel it is my job to inspire others to feel good about being who they are , and not strive for goals that are not God intended. If God had wanted me to be a 6 foot wreaking ball, That is what I would have been. There is a reason and purpose behind my height as well as my heart.
HGH was a big decision to turn down, Many feel this strain today. Being short in this world is a tough place to be in, But to be honest, This world is a tough place period. Is it really worth the complications to gain a few inches, Is it worth the hours of rehab, learning to walk again after lengthening surgery. It is really seated in the mental makeup of the individual, Are we going to let the world dictate that in order to successful we have to be a certain height. Or are we going to say tit is time , To make a change. To open the minds of the powers that be, To realize that being who we are is all we are going to be , and will not change our physical appearance to satisfy some “ Normal” Standard. We need to educate the masses , in fact the world, That being tall or skinny , or fat or short does not indicate the person. It is not what we look like that separates us, it is what we do with what we have that makes a difference.
NOSSA has given us a choice, a standing ground and a platform to launch an educational phenomenon. Bring the information to the public, Inspire change. Be a catalyst for improving life for all beings. Equal treatment regardless of height.
In the coming weeks, Months and years, I will be doing my best to spark an interest, and motivate those with a voice but without a platform. Those with an interest in joining or supporting this cause. Do some research of your own, Please visit or site. http://nossaonline.org/nossa.html. Speak up and speak out. Discrimination is a real issue. Medical cures are also a painstaking issue for people of shorter height.
Until the next issue, Peace.
-Michael
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Committee Positions Now Open
NOSSA has released the list of all open committee positions for the remainder of the Board's term (2006-2010). Voting Members of NOSSA may now apply for committee positions by contacting NOSSA and expressing their interest. For a list of all open positions go to: http://nossaonline.org/specialcommittees.html
Sunday, December 31, 2006
A NEW YEAR IS HERE!!!
The National Organization of Short Statured Adults would like to wish everyone a very healthy and happy new year!!! We have weathered some difficult storms in 2006, but we have emerged standing taller than ever. We are stronger, wiser, and that much more committed to helping short statured people in any way that we can. I don't believe that there is anything that can stop us now. Thank you to all of our new members who have joined us in 2006! Cheers everyone! And may god bless NOSSA!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Happy Holidays from NOSSA
Wishing everyone a very safe and happy holiday season and a wonderful new year - From NOSSA - National Organization of Short Statured Adults.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
It's Not Easy
It's not easy being short in a world that favors the tall.
And what makes life even harder for short people is this societal idea that anyone who makes such a statement is suffering from an inferiority complex that they need to just get over. Few people ever question their own beliefs and biases about short people. To do so, might reveal hidden prejudices that they never realized existed.
And what makes life even harder for short people is this societal idea that anyone who makes such a statement is suffering from an inferiority complex that they need to just get over. Few people ever question their own beliefs and biases about short people. To do so, might reveal hidden prejudices that they never realized existed.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
NOSSA Comments on Today Show Episode
Well, First off, I am very glad that at least the matter is gaining enough attention that a major network like NBC would even consider airing a short piece on heightism. I thought Chris & Ellen were great! Naturally, their interviews were edited in such a way that important points that were made were not shown. I thought Stephen Hall was a disappointment. He seemed to be downplaying the issue. To imply that short statured men rarely face bias in the dating world is laughable! Lester Holt seemed intent on "blowing the theory of heightism out of the water." Sorry, Lester, but there is more to come......
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
NOSSA ON THE TODAY SHOW!
The National Organization of Short Statured Adults will appear on the NBC Today Show Weekend Edition on Saturday December 2, 2006. The episode is about Stephen Hall's new book, "Size Matters". Chris Hamre & Ellen Frankel were interviewed and a NOSSA Board meeting was filmed. Be sure to tune in!!!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
NOSSA Releases Podcast Episode 3 - Short Unity
NOSSA Releases the 3rd episode in the Standing Tall Against Discrimination podcast series. Short Unity will look at factors keeping short statured people from uniting as a group. Guests: Chris Hamre, Steve Goldsmith. Visit http://mattfromnossa.libsyn.com
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Martinsville,Virginia Police Agency Believes Short People Can't Be Cops!
Police Chief Michael E. Rogers along with other police and city administrators, believe that if you are under 5 foot 8 inches tall, you are not qualified for police work. Clearly printed in the agencies employment manual,
"The desirable height of applicants shall be at least 5 foot 8 inches without shoes."
Applicants for Police Officer employment must be granted a "waiver" based on having other "desirable" characteristics.
Perfect example of heightism? You betcha!
But don't worry folks. If this travesty of justice is not corrected based on height, it surely will be challenged based on ethnicity or gender someday.
Friday, November 03, 2006
The Height Flight
The highly sought after seats on the height and weight bell-shaped curves are a result of cultural biases that basically say, Most of you flying coach (in the middle) are safe. Our first class members (tall and thin) will be catered to, premier. But those of you who fill in the tails of the short and fat ends, perhaps you'd best fly stand-by. You, we're not so comfortable with.
-p.24, Frankel, Ellen from Beyond Measure, A Memoir about short stature and inner growth.
-p.24, Frankel, Ellen from Beyond Measure, A Memoir about short stature and inner growth.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Trivial Matters?
I looked up the word trivial in the dictionary the other day. Trivial is defined as small and of little importance; insignificant, not large enough to consider or notice. Isn’t it interesting considering the fact that trivial is a word that is so frequently used in response to any serious discussion about heightism? I find the word interesting because it is the same word that I as a short man would use to describe a general attitude directed at short statured adults. Imagine my frustration when not only am I trivialized, but so too are complaints of my being trivialized....trivialized. If heightism is so unimportant and not large enough to consider or notice, why are we injecting our children with human growth hormones to the tune of millions of dollars? Why are we breaking our bones in hopes of gaining 2 inches in increased height with limb-lengthening surgeries? Why are short statured adult men repeatedly reporting being rejected by women solely because of their height? Why are there still height requirements for employment and instances of height discrimination in the workplace still being reported throughout the world? Are we seriously saying that heightism is not important enough to explore? That it is something that we should just ignore? It is time we stopped laughing long enough to start reading the literature that is out there about appearance-based discrimination. It is time that we start encouraging more research into the issue. To those of you who believe firmly that heightism is trivial, what do you have to lose by exploring these matters fully?
Monday, October 02, 2006
New Podcast Episode Released - Dating Dilemma
NOSSA has released the 2nd episode of the podcast series, Standing Tall Against Discrimination. The episode entitled, Dating Dilemma will address the difficulties that short men often face when searching for love. To listen to the broadcast, go to: http://mattfromnossa.libsyn.com/
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Tall Club OK Short Club Ludicrous?
I was thinking about the Tall Club International Organization which has about 3,000 members from all over the world and has been in existence since 1938. Why is this organization considered acceptable? normal? a good idea? While our group (a short club) is laughed off and considered an absurd idea. What is the difference between being tall and being short?
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