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Prejudice around height and it's seeming acceptance among society.

Shredderi

Member
I knew this was coming, I should have addressed it. There are short people that are easily respected. I know. That's not part of this. I'm talking about taking someone who is already tall, down a few notches. Not extremely focused, disciplined, incredibly inspirational people. Just take your average tall guy.

Try this one. Instead of thinking about people you know, try any given highschool douchey jock. Take that guy, cut him down two feet. He's instantly put into another social club, a funny guy, or a side kick.

I'm short, by the way and my father who I greatly respect is also short. But if I take my friend who is a hot goth guy in a band and make him remarkably short, I don't think he'd have the fandom he does.. And another friend of mine who quickly moved up the retail chain to become a district manager. He would be seen differently, personality and all, and you know it. That's my point.

Alternatively take someone who is shorter and give him an extra foot. I guarantee you he's going to get more instinctive respect from men and women alike. It's instinctual which is why it's quite a rare pairing for short men to be with taller women. A short person has to be extraordinary in the traits you mention to overcome the stigma.


Notable shortness and baldness are probably the two worst physical challenges a person can face (outside of race obviously).

Instinctual? Then I guess I really am fucked up if my instincts aren't even working correctly lol.
 
I'm a tad shy of 5' 10" barefoot and I've learned to cope. Thanks to playing games like FFXI and FFXIV tall people remind me of those lanky elvaan/elezen characters with comically long necks and arms. There's tall, then there is anime tall.
 
They're always like this. GAF has a height thread every couple of months it seems, and they're like fire to the 6'+ moths who can't wait to post how much they're loving life. Men are cruel, indeed~

I mean, we had a guy in the first few pages say height bias was just as bad as racism and homophobia. How do we sympathize with people who spout shit like that?
 
Why are men so upset that women are finally being just as shallow as men? Where's all the threads or discussions from men about how other men are too shallow and judge women way too much and how we should rally together to fight this injustice.

Like, I get it, it sucks but y'all are facing a losing battle.

It doesn't matter which "side" does this shit, i think.
 
I am somewhere between 5'8 to 5'9 so about average, maybe slightly below. I don't think it has ever affected me considerably in life, not more than ethnicity has. And even then, I'm a white, straight male so...



Here's another thought experiment.

Imagine yourself with a brain.

Now write a post.

Instinctual? Then I guess I really am fucked up if my instincts aren't even working correctly lol.

I didn't say it makes you want to kill short people.
Are you denying the prejudice then?
 

Angry Grimace

Two cannibals are eating a clown. One turns to the other and says "does something taste funny to you?"
Height and dick size are the two immutable characteristics you can still get shit for.
 

SugarDave

Member
There was a similar thread to this recently that I posted the same story in. I was dismissed due to my height recently (I'm about 5'6). I was out with co-workers after my last day at work and somehow the conversation moved into dating talk, where a girl I got along and somewhat flirted with commented that I was "the perfect guy... if only you were taller".

Another female friend of ours went on to defend the preference with eugenics talk, and I had to laugh in disbelief at the tone deafness of essentially telling me to my face that I was unfit to breed. The girl herself said afterwards that it was more to do with the fact she was tall for a girl (5'9, I think she said) rather than me being especially short.

More than anything, beholding the manlet meme manifest and haunt me in real life was amusing after reading about similar things online for so long. I don't hold people's preferences against them, it's their business what they're into, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't also sting to hear just a little.

It's probably not something that will ever go away, unfortunately, but you do the best you can with the cards you're dealt.

Still necked her that night like, but whatever.
 

D i Z

Member
Men can still overcompensate for unattractive/undesired physical features than women can.

And there's the rub. While dudes are now getting salty about women exercising their rights to choose their partners really for the first time with some support, women still have to work harder in other ways to get ahead if they aren't in the established desirable brackets.
 
Yeah it's a bit crappy now. I am 26 and 5'7 and people still make short jokes all the time it's pretty annoying.
IeIJyAO.jpg

Gyms have the rack in them now?

EDIT: Looking at more of this thread people are perfectly fine with this, well that sucks.
 

Media

Member
Yeah it goes both ways. I'm 5'9, and my husband is 5'10. People give us weird looks when I wear heels, and it bothers him when I do too.

My 13 year old son who will be 14 in August is already 6'2. Kid is going to be huge if my brothers are any indication.

Before I got married, dudes wouldn't date me cause I was taller than the :(
 

Shredderi

Member
And there's the rub. While dudes are now getting salty about women exercising their rights to choose their partners really for the first time with some support, women still have to work harder in other ways to get ahead if they aren't in the established desirable brackets.

Who cares about the dating/partner choosing aspect of this. This has always been the case, only more visible now with the internet and Tinder and what have you. It's the odd lack of respect and assumption that it's ok to make fun of this physical trait and if I push back it's me being defensive and compensating etc. Just can't win. I couldn't give two shits about women supposedly now exercising their right to not want me physically because that's been going on since forever and as it turns out that aspect of life is something I can live without, without me becoming salty or hateful towards women in general. It's all the other shit thats bothering me. It's just been slowly building up to this big ball of frustration.
 

D i Z

Member
I've dated a few women much taller than me -- 6'+ versus 5'6" -- and they've remarked at how some men don't want to date taller women because it makes them feel less masculine or something.

One of the reasons I feel that this male navel gazing is preposterous. The double standard is to transparent. Guys complain about women who are shorter than them not wanting to date someone outside of their height preference. Same guys wouldn't date a lady who is taller than them, for much of the same reasoning.


Damn, dp incoming!
 

D i Z

Member
Who cares about the dating/partner choosing aspect of this. This has always been the case, only more visible now with the internet and Tinder and what have you. It's the odd lack of respect and assumption that it's ok to make fun of this physical trait and if I push back it's me being defensive and compensating etc. Just can't win. I couldn't give two shits about women supposedly now exercising their right to not want me physically because that's been going on since forever and as it turns out that aspect of life is something I can live without, without me becoming salty or hateful towards women in general. It's all the other shit thats bothering me. It's just been slowly building up to this big ball of frustration.

That's great. I (and everyone else having this particular convo) obviously wasn't talking about you then, but a lot of other dudes (some in this thread) who frame their hangup about height around their ability to attract or repulse a fuck buddy.
 
More than anything, beholding the manlet meme manifest and haunt me in real life was amusing after reading about similar things online for so long. I don't hold people's preferences against them, it's their business what they're into, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't also sting to hear just a little.[/SPOILER]
Damn. It's been a while since the last time someone was into me/flrted with me and still said something like that. I would want to think I'd probably laugh it off, but... damn, haha.
And there's the rub. While dudes are now getting salty about women exercising their rights to choose their partners really for the first time with some support, women still have to work harder in other ways to get ahead if they aren't in the established desirable brackets.
I'm not sure that this is necessarily true. I can't tell for certain unless we do an experiment (perhaps it's been done before?), where two "universally unnatractive" individuals (male and female) are measured in their performance while dating, hooking up, socializing, etc. I'm not sure one would have an innate advantage over the other due to gender (as in, one would have to "work harder" as you put it). Now, by "universally unnatractive" I'm talking about "ugly, broke, lousy personality, not particularly bright, strong BO", that sort of thing.
 
The shitty thing about being short (175 cm) is that the only thing you can do to be more attractive is to get buff. But if you get too buff you're overcompensating. Luckily it will be a couple of years of disciplined workouts (of which I'm not really capable, especially the food intake part) before I'll be seen as that buff
 
That's great. I obviously wasn't talking about you then, but a lot of other dudes (some in this thread) who frame their hangup about height around their ability to attract or repulse a fuck buddy.

Fuck it, I'll post again. That post is probably the embodiment of how most short guys browsing this thread are thinking. The dating thing is very rarely an actual issue, it's more the general treatment we receive from other people.
 

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
I definitely have height privilege. I'm 5'11" which is pretty the average or just a hair above average in most countries, so I don't really think about height much... sorry y'all who must.
 
The only thing that annoys me about heightism is how guys who are of average height or slightly taller are still considered short.

Like, what the fuck? So even when you're taller than most you still hold an L. What kind of rigged shit is that.

I can understand on the professional aspect of it, like if someone is discriminating on height and either not hiring or paying the short guy less, regardless of skill.

But who cares what others think outside of that?
 

F0rneus

Tears in the rain
Try this one. Instead of thinking about people you know, try any given highschool douchey jock. Take that guy, cut him down two feet. He's instantly put into another social club, a funny guy, or a side kick.

Again...no? The worst bullies in my school were short guys. Guys in violent families, crime families, etc. The guys whose locker had to be separated from everyone else, weren't tall. It didn't matter. They were brutal and foul and scared people. And got all the girls coincidentally.

I think you have a complex. honestly.
 
The shitty thing about being short (175 cm) is that the only thing you can do to be more physically attractive...
Fixed, and not even true.

1. You can go for an athletic/toned build.
2. You can make sure you dress sharply, and have a neat presence (haircut, facial hair, etc).
3. You can conduct yourself with confidence (walk, talk, gesticulate).

etc.

Getting "buff" is not the only option, and not everybody likes super muscular guys, so even that is up to the type of person you want to be, and then realize that whoever likes you is going to like you for who you are, not because you tried to cast a huge net on "how to be more attractive to the vast majority".

Or perhaps that's just what I think because I'm ugly and short. :p
Fuck it, I'll post again. That post is probably the embodiment of how most short guys browsing this thread are thinking. The dating thing is very rarely an actual issue, it's more the general treatment we receive from other people.
I keep reading stuff like this and I honestly find it hard to believe in that "general treatment" statement. Like, are you being discriminated at work? Being made fun of in college? Bullied by your neighbors? If you're not in middle school anymore, and shit llike that is happening, there's something seriously wrong with the people that surround you.
 
The trade off is the CTE that will develop from a life of almost knocking yourself out on low ceilings, errant pipes, and other random objects hung at a height for people of normal height.
 

Trojita

Rapid Response Threadmaker
One of the reasons I feel that this male navel gazing is preposterous. The double standard is to transparent. Guys complain about women who are shorter than them not wanting to date someone outside of their height preference. Same guys wouldn't date a lady who is taller than them, for much of the same reasoning.


Damn, dp incoming!

You think most guys that are short wouldn't date a girl they are attracted to that are taller than them? Lawl
 

D i Z

Member
Damn. It's been a while since the last time someone was into me/flrted with me and still said something like that. I would want to think I'd probably laugh it off, but... damn, haha.

I'm not sure that this is necessarily true. I can't tell for certain unless we do an experiment (perhaps it's been done before?), where two "universally unnatractive" individuals (male and female) are measured in their performance while dating, hooking up, socializing, etc. I'm not sure one would have an innate advantage over the other due to gender (as in, one would have to "work harder" as you put it). Now, by "universally unnatractive" I'm talking about "ugly, broke, lousy personality, not particularly bright, strong BO", that sort of thing.

I was thinking in the more social not just dating, and economical race to get ahead. All things being equal outside of "universally unattractive" I think that there is quite a bit of equal footing as you suggest in a society that demands little or nothing. But we're all beholden to some degree on social standards and norms, of which there are fewer for men than there are for women. The rules are just not the same.

Fuck it, I'll post again. That post is probably the embodiment of how most short guys browsing this thread are thinking. The dating thing is very rarely an actual issue, it's more the general treatment we receive from other people.


I mean, what do you want us to do? It's a large part of the OP.

You think most guys that are short wouldn't date a girl they are attracted to that are taller than them? Lawl

For the most part, yes. Most guys of any height have trouble with this. Plenty of testimony right here in this thread if you don't want to hear my stories about it.
 

Shredderi

Member
Fixed, and not even true.

1. You can go for an athletic/toned build.
2. You can make sure you dress sharply, and have a neat presence (haircut, facial hair, etc).
3. You can conduct yourself with confidence (walk, talk, gesticulate).

etc.

Getting "buff" is not the only option, and not everybody likes super muscular guys, so even that is up to the type of person you want to be, and then realize that whoever likes you is going to like you for who you are, not because you tried to cast a huge net on "how to be more attractive to the vast majority".

Or perhaps that's just what I think because I'm ugly and short. :p

I keep reading stuff like this and I honestly find it hard to believe in that "general treatment" statement. Like, are you being discrimiated at work? Being made fun of in college? Bullied by your neighbors? If you're not in middle school anymore, and shit llike that is happening, there's something seriously wrong with the people that surround you.

The annoying thing is that I've seen literally all of those being cited as "compensating" by some people. it's so bizarre. So all self improvements one makes are somehow painted with negative undertones because it supposedly comes from a place of flaw-compensation.

Get into shape because you want to be healthy = Compensating for one physical trait with another

Follow your dreams and passions = compensating by seeking meaning and substance in your life because it's harder to live a fulfilling life when you're short

Dive in front of hail of bullets to shield a small kid who got caught in the crossfire of two gangs at war = compensating for the lack of general respect by doing something heroic and getting respect that way instead.

Well, maybe some hyperbole in there, heh :p
 
I was thinking in the more social not just dating, and economical race to get ahead. All things being equal outside of "universally unattractive" I think that there is quite a bit of equal footing as you suggest in a society that demands little or nothing. But we're all beholden to some degree on social standards and norms, of which there are fewer for men than there are for women. The rules are just not the same.
Ah, I see, my bad. Thanks for clearing that up. Yes, I do agree that in a social and, perhaps even more, professional environment there are unfortunately still advantages to one gender over the other (again, as you put it, one would have to work harder). I was thinking only of dating/hanging out scenarios and I see now what you mean.
 
6'3 and change, 220, broad shouldered, n thus thin-looking. Decent tan going on so far. Life is good.

Multiple short dudes <5'6" that I work with directly. Shunned by gals outside of being 'nice' (many times in an unintentionally rude way imo) ... they may as well be invisible when the chickies come by. It's like, at those times, I feel bad for existing.

I wish it wasn't the way it is, and certainly don't encourage it, but it is what it is. Short dudes are at a major disadvantage.
 

norm9

Member
6'3 and change, 220, broad shouldered, n thus thin-looking. Decent tan going on so far. Life is good.

Multiple short dudes <5'6" that I work with directly. Shunned by gals outside of being 'nice' (many times in an unintentionally rude way imo) ... they may as well be invisible when the chickies come by. It's like, at those times, I feel bad for existing.

I wish it wasn't the way it is, and certainly don't encourage it, but it is what it is. Short dudes are at a major disadvantage.

Even more so when short dudes are hanging with tall dudes. You're directly blocking their shine. The ladies are only seeing the tall one of the group for the most part.
 
I mean, what do you want us to do? It's a large part of the OP.

I guess I'd just ask if people could be less dickish about another person's height.

I keep reading stuff like this and I honestly find it hard to believe in that "general treatment" statement. Like, are you being discriminated at work? Being made fun of in college? Bullied by your neighbors? If you're not in middle school anymore, and shit llike that is happening, there's something seriously wrong with the people that surround you.

You say that, but I've moved around a lot and no matter where I end up, or who I meet, there is always some fuck who has to give me shit about my height. After a certain point, it goes beyond playful ribbing.
 
For the most part, yes. Most guys of any height have trouble with this. Plenty of testimony right here in this thread if you don't want to hear my stories about it.
I'll date anybody regardless of height/weight as long as I can still carry that person for a few dozen yards in the event of an emergency. I'm not joking; that's the sort of shit I think about.

The annoying thing is that I've seen literally all of those being cited as "compensating" by some people. it's so bizarre. So all self improvements one makes are somehow painted with negative undertones because it supposedly comes from a place of flaw-compensation.

Get into shape because you want to be healthy = Compensating for one physical trait with another

Follow your dreams and passions = compensating by seeking meaning and substance in your life because it's harder to live a fulfilling life when you're short

Dive in front of hail of bullets to shield a small kid who got caught in the crossfire of two gangs at war = compensating for the lack of general respect by doing something heroic and getting respect that way instead.

Well, maybe some hyperbole in there, heh :p
Sure, I get it, for people that think being short is either a physical or social disadvantage (and there are some people that think that way as evidenced by this thread), anything short people do will be compensating for that disadvantage. Is it that different from the "fat girl personality" stigma, in the sense that they're both bullshit?

Those scenarios you mention in your post remind me of the "What if it's a big hoax and we create a better world for nothing" global warming comic. You are becoming a better person by doing any (or all) of the above. What does it matter why you did it? And why would you care if someone is thinking/saying you're compensating? Is that type of person really worth your attention?
 

KingV

Member
Yeah it goes both ways. I'm 5'9, and my husband is 5'10. People give us weird looks when I wear heels, and it bothers him when I do too.

My 13 year old son who will be 14 in August is already 6'2. Kid is going to be huge if my brothers are any indication.

Before I got married, dudes wouldn't date me cause I was taller than the :(

I'm 5'6" and my wife is about 6'2" in heels. Honestly, I've never noticed anyone giving us weird looks.

Don't get me wrong, I would like to be taller, and have massive side eye for people who make short jokes, but fuck it, what can you do?

Edit: the only times I've honestly been down about it were from before I was married and I was online dating. But on the other hand, shit like Tinder is a major confidence killer for MOST guys. Most would have better luck hitting on random cashiers at the grocery store.
 

D i Z

Member
I guess I'd just ask if people could be less dickish about another person's height.

You know what? I can't speak for anyone else, but you've been pretty cool about it, if a little frustrated... so I'll take time to consider what I'm about to say a little longer, and knock off the jokes.

I'll date anybody regardless of height/weight as long as I can still carry that person for a few dozen yards in the event of an emergency. I'm not joking; that's the sort of shit I think about.


Sure, I get it, for people that think being short is either a physical or social disadvantage (and there are some people that think that way as evidenced by this thread), anything short people do will be compensating for that disadvantage. Is it that different from the "fat girl personality" stigma, in the sense that they're both bullshit?

Those scenarios you mention in your post remind me of the "What if it's a big hoax and we create a better world for nothing" global warming comic. You are becoming a better person by doing any (or all) of the above. What does it matter why you did it? And why would you care if someone is thinking/saying you're compensating? Is that type of person really worth your attention?

Pretty much how I look at it as well.
 

Shredderi

Member
I'll date anybody regardless of height/weight as long as I can still carry that person for a few dozen yards in the event of an emergency. I'm not joking; that's the sort of shit I think about.


Sure, I get it, for people that think being short is either a physical or social disadvantage (and there are some people that think that way as evidenced by this thread), anything short people do will be compensating for that disadvantage. Is it that different from the "fat girl personality" stigma, in the sense that they're both bullshit?

Those scenarios you mention in your post remind me of the "What if it's a big hoax and we create a better world for nothing" global warming comic. You are becoming a better person by doing any (or all) of the above. What does it matter why you did it? And why would you care if someone is thinking/saying you're compensating? Is that type of person really worth your attention?

I haven't heard of your "fat girl personality" thing but I can instantly see it in my minds eye and yes, it would be bullshit as well. And of course I'm not going to stop doing stuff I want to do because of what fuckheads think about it but it's still frustrating.
 
You say that, but I've moved around a lot and no matter where I end up, or who I meet, there is always some fuck who has to give me shit about my height. After a certain point, it goes beyond playful ribbing.
I think this sums up my thoughts:
have massive side eye for people who make short jokes, but fuck it, what can you do?
People used to make fun of me for my height in middle and high school. There's nothing I can do about it. It's genetic. I grew thick skin because of it. As an adult, I find myself caring less and less about it.

Does it suck that some people will make fun of others because of a physical trait? Sure it does, obviously. I don't think I have the time of energy to try to talk shitty people into not being assholes. Although my number of posts in this thread seem to suggest otherwise :p
I haven't heard of your "fat girl personality" thing but I can instantly see it in my minds eye and yes, it would be bullshit as well. And of course I'm not going to stop doing stuff I want to do because of what fuckheads think about it but it's still frustrating.
I mean, I didn't come up with the term or anything. You can Google it.
 

Shredderi

Member
I think this sums up my thoughts:

People used to make fun of me for my height in middle and high school. There's nothing I can do about it. It's genetic. I grew thick skin because of it. As an adult, I find myself caring less and less about it.

Does it suck that some people will make fun of others because of a physical trait? Sure it does, obviously. I don't think I have the time of energy to try to talk shitty people into not being assholes. Although my number of posts in this thread seem to suggest otherwise :p

I mean, I didn't come up with the term or anything. You can Google it.

I meant as in "the example that was provided by you", rather than "the one you seemingly coined".
 
Yeah it goes both ways. I'm 5'9, and my husband is 5'10. People give us weird looks when I wear heels, and it bothers him when I do too.

Weird looks? That itself is weird. I mentioned earlier in this thread that my fiancee can be noticeably taller than me in heels and I love it. I notice guys giving looks but I've never found them to be weird; I assume it's either "How the fuck'd he land that?" (because I'm shorter, or whatever) or just checking her out. But I mean it's really the heels so it's not like it's not obvious.

Either way I don't care. I love walking around with her sexy tall ass.

Tell your husband to embrace it.
 

Shredderi

Member
Sorry, I thought the "your" was odd. My bad.

Nah it's all good.

I gotta say I think I'm a depressing/mean drunk when I'm alone. It's my birthday and my friend got me a case of wine and after my friends left I started drinking the wine. I'm that super chill and funny guy when I'm drunk if I have company, and I have not in fact got drunk all by my lonesome before so I guess this is me being drunk without anyone around me to amuse lol.

I'm gonna just chill about this stuff for now because talking about it right now is getting me surprisingly frustrated.
 
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