Heightism

HEIGHTISM, GENERAL

What is Heightism?

Heightism is discriminating or treating a person differently purely based on their height.

What are its effects?

This phenomenon makes the shorter individual feel self-conscious and unattractive as they are less likely to receive attention from the opposite sex (especially males), will have lower paying jobs, and will need greater attention in order to get what they want from others.
From a careers perspective, they may not get promoted as often compared to taller colleagues, even though they work the same hours and have probably started in the same position but did not have enough influence to take on a more senior or managerial role as they may have been perceived to be  of a lower competency than their taller conterpart with similar work performance.

Effects on Salary

 A study by CNN showed that ''every inch'' is worth $789 in a person's salary [1].

Who is Worth the Job?

That is to say that a 6 ft man is likely to make 5500USD more than a 5'5 ft man.
Furthermore, it appears that almost all Fortune 500 CEO's in 1980 - more so now, with greater abundance of food, supplements and free time for recreation and relaxation -- were taller than average, 58% being taller than 6ft and  only 10 shorter than 5'6".

1) Break the limbs 2) Insert a rod 3) Stay in bed for 6 months 4) Grow 3-6 inches
(and pay 85,000USD for a good surgeon!)

Wealth can influence, and be influenced by, height -- Taller people are at a greater advantage economically than shorter people, unless there is exceptional talent, which a short individual can leverage to financial freedom ; also, the more money a family has, the better nourished it is, the more it is likely to invest in health, making greater the chances of the offspring to reach their full potential height. Also, wealthier folks can invest in a surgery (admittedly painful and long-recovery time) called distraction ostogenesis where a rod is inserted between the two knee caps in order to increase height (usually anywhere between 2 to 6 inches). 



An example of the short and insecure man tendencies was seen in actor Dustin Hoffman who, throughout his career, has sought therapy for the scarred self-image that his short-stature has caused.
This negative self perception is emphasised by the fact that short stature can be linked to sexual looseness, health issues, financial status and general desirability. These are not the general perspectives of society only -- even one's own ethnic group prefers the tall to the short.


WAIT...

Don't despair just yet, there appears to be a formula to healing these mental issues.
Michael - in the video, below - shows that there is still hope for shorter males
in the dating arena. Some shorter or even taller women can 'look beyond' your height if your personality is attractive and you 'know your worth', so to speak.

 Also, just to repeat what I said above, if you are gifted in 'other areas' then that can heavily balance out the disadvantages brought by your smaller frame. Make your partner ENJOY being with you, have a delightful presence and there is no reason for them to not overlook your height - unless they were significantly taller - and if they do, YOU do not need them!

Source:

[1] http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/Careers/02/02/cb.tall.people/