Q. What is the message that you hope to send with NOSSA?
A. It is ok to be short. You do not need platform shoes or growth hormones. You do not need to lie about your height or wish that you were taller. There is nothing wrong with being a short statured person. What is wrong is when we look down on ourselves for being short. It is also wrong for other people to treat you poorly because you are short.
Q. What is heightism and why is it so important to discuss? Why not seek help with insecurities about height by simply visiting a therapist?
A. Heightism is a prejudice. It is based on the belief that short stature is an inferior physical trait. A major problem with heightism is that it is "invisible" despite it being so prevalent. Many people will discount heightism as something that doesn't even exist. When it is acknowledged in culture/media, it is often assumed that heightist ideas are truths rather than prejudices. Open dialogue about the issue of heightism encourages people to reconsider their own beliefs about short stature.
Q. Some short statured people would prefer that NOSSA not make an issue out of height. They most certainly do not want any more attention drawn to the fact that they are short and would prefer for the issue to be dropped and not discussed. Is it better for short people to stay silent on this issue? How might short people benefit from more public attention to this issue?
A. NOSSA does not believe that short statured people should stay silent about heightism. We need to work towards eliminating heightism and that can only happen through open communication. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Our life matters and together we have made a conscious choice to speak out.
Howard Goldberg (the director of the movie Short & Male) made a powerful statement while promoting his film when he said,
"I mean, I say in the film that the worst thing you can do is think about being short. But I also wonder if the worst thing you can do is not think about it."
Q.What about those short statured people who claim to have never experienced any 'heightism' in their lives?
A. There are some people who may have never experienced any heightism severe enough to recall. But this should not dissuade people from understanding that heightism is a problem in society. We must also consider the fact that many short statured people, especially men, are uncomfortable talking about heightism because they are afraid that they will be laughed at and ridiculed. Some short statured people will acknowledge that heightism may be a factor in other people's lives, but it doesn't affect them, even when it has. NOSSA believes that more responsible research needs to be done about the matter of heightism in society.
Q. What is the organization's stance on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 2003 decision to approve the use of hGH (human growth hormone) for children with idiopathic short stature?
A. The National Organization of Short Statured Adults is opposed to the use of human growth hormone for short but otherwise healthy children. "The growth hormone deficient child suffers from an underlying medical problem that affects the body's health in different ways. The non-growth-hormone-deficient child has no underlying medical problem. They simply present as a variation on the norm with regard to height. The decision to medically intervene on the healthy child's stature is socially based due to height discrimination and prejudice." (Ellen Frankel) "The solution to prejudice is education for those who are its purveyors, not the genetic engineering of their victims." (Andrew Kimbrell) For more information please, click here.
Q. What is the organization's stance on cosmetic limb-lengthening, height-increasing shoes, growth supplements and stretching exercises?
A. The National Organization of Short Statured Adults receives hundreds of e-mails each year from people requesting more information about Cosmetic Leg Lengthening. The organization does not support this surgery. If leg lengthening surgery were similar to a face lift or nose job, there wouldn’t be much of an issue. But it is not. Leg Lengthening procedures are dangerous, complex, expensive and painful. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. The surgery is highly invasive and requires long recovery times. For six months the patient must use a wheelchair and can walk only with a lot of help and a lot of pain. In the United State the operation costs $85,000 for 5cm of lengthening and can go as high as $140,000 if there are complications. Many patients opt to have the surgery in developing countries where the procedure can be done for less money. In these facilities, patients may find that the medical and nursing care to be far below their expectations. Pain medication may be inadequate for the job. Doctors who do the surgery are sometimes not even qualified to perform this specialized procedure. Risks include bone infection, injury to blood vessels, non-unions, angulations, nerve injury, and unequal leg lengths. For all these reasons we strongly urge those considering the operation to reconsider. You will get more out of life if you strive to accept yourself as you are...short height and all.
NOSSA does not endorse any manufacturer of shoe lifts or height-increasing shoes. Instead, we encourage people to always strive towards accepting and loving yourself as you are...short height and all. Some people have reported to us that the use of these shoes caused a psychological dependence on them in some situations. For example, what happens if you have to take your shoes off at the airport? What happens if you meet a woman and you eventually have to take your shoes off with her? What happens if you have to go to a formal or special dress occasion with your office-mates (do you have to get the special formal shoes?) What if you go golfing with people you know? Do you have to get the height increasing cleats also? What if you go bowling? Do they make bowling shoes also? The questions go on and on. We advise you to think very hard about it before you order lifts for your shoes. It's a big deal, and you'll be stuck with them if you do it. Plus you'll be denying a part of you that you have no reason to be ashamed of.
NOSSA is outraged by the number of bogus grow-taller products and services currently being peddled on the internet and elsewhere. One endocrinologist, upon reading the list of ingredients listed on a bottle of grow-taller supplement stated, "There's actually nothing in here that would promote growth. Just some vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Pretty equivalent to any supplement that's out there and a good meal." The other services such as stretching and even meditation exercises we feel are absolutely ridiculous and will not cause any lasting or appreciable height increase. Children grow at a steady rate for the first 10 to 12 years of their lives, then experience a growth spurt for the next two years. After this, their growth rate slows until it stops at the end of puberty. This usually happens around age 18 for girls and age 20 for boys.The final stages of this growth occurs in the Epiphysis, or growth plates, at the end of the long bones (arms and legs). Before puberty, the Epiphysis are soft and bone can be added to them. During puberty they begin to solidify. Medical experts agree that once the Epiphysis have fused, further growth is not possible. Companies that sell Height Increasing products promise to turn around the process but there is no medical basis for their claims. Report scams to us here.
Q. What is the organization's stance on weightism and discrimination against the tall?
A. NOSSA supports the NAAFA organization and is opposed to weightism in society. NOSSA is also opposed to discrimination against very tall people.
Q. Just what the world needs...another group crying, Boo hoo, I am a victim. Why do you people blame all of your problems on being short?
A. The organization does not encourage people to blame all of their problems on being short. Our group is committed to positively empowering short statured people. We believe that heightism is a prejudice. Similar to other prejudices, such as those based on race, age, sex, or sexuality, we feel that heightism must be addressed. Especially, when we consider the serious ethical issues involved with cosmetic human growth hormone use in short but otherwise healthy children.
Q. Does NOSSA support more laws against height discrimination?
A. NOSSA favors a society where anti-discrimination laws are completely unnecessary because no such discrimination is occurring. Unfortunately, it is occurring, and it seems for some people it takes statutory persuasion in order for the problem to receive any attention at all. NOSSA encourages organizations to voluntarily prohibit height discrimination within their organization. Contact us for assistance with drafting such a policy.
Q. Why bother with an organization? Isn't the whole thing pointless? People will never change their biases.
A. We do not believe our efforts are pointless. In fact, we believe that our efforts are long overdue. We have always maintained that if we improve the life of even one short adult or influence the views of even one biased person, we have succeeded in our mission. The following quote helps to keep us inspired: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Q. Is this an organization for people with dwarfism?
A. NOSSA is an organization for any male person who is 5 foot 7 inches or below or any female person who is 5 foot 2 inches and below.
Q. I support what you are doing 100%. How can I join NOSSA?
A. Click here to join NOSSA.
Q. How else can I help NOSSA?
A. Please consider joining us first. You will find information about donating to us here. For information on volunteer opportunities click here. You can also help by writing letters and boycotting businesses and broadcasters who promote heightism.
Q. Are there any height requirements to join NOSSA?
A. Any person of any height can apply for membership with NOSSA. The only difference is men who are 5 foot 7 inches and below and women who are 5 foot 2 inches and below are classified as regular members and those who are taller or who request to be listed anonymously are classified as supporters with all of the same benefits except the ability to vote.
Q. I am a member of the media and I am interested in interviewing someone from NOSSA. How can I get in touch with someone?
A. Click here and send us your message.
Q. Can I submit something I wrote about heightism to the NOSSA website? Can I be a guest on a podcast show?
A. Yes! We accept all types of submissions (essays, videos, pictures) and may publish your submissions on our websites. To submit something, contact us. All submissions are subject to the terms of our legal notice. If you are interested in being a guest on our podcast, contact us. We are also looking to produce podcasts and video shows about the issue of heightism. If you would like to submit a show to us, contact us. If you have a blog or website that talks about heightism and you would like to trade links, contact us. You can also leave your audio comments by calling us at 1-(888)-NOSSA-EZ.
Q. What are the benefits of a NOSSA membership? Why should I join NOSSA? What will I get out of it?
A. Click here to review a list of some of the benefits of a NOSSA membership.
Q. How much does it cost to join NOSSA?
A. $25.00 (USD) per year.
Q. Is NOSSA an actual non-profit group?
A. NOSSA is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit corporation based out of New York City. We have been around since 2005. You can verify our tax-exempt status by visiting www.guidestar.org
Q. Do you have local chapters of NOSSA?
A. Contact us for more information on local chapters.
Q. I am interested in applying for your scholarship. How much is it for and how can I apply?
A. The President of NOSSA has suspended this program due to budget concerns.
Q. What is the current status of my NOSSA membership? Am I a NOSSA member?
A. To join NOSSA, you have to click on the join us link and apply for membership. You must send in dues in the amount of $25.00 (USD) either through PayPal or through the mail (unless you receive a waiver of dues). Upon receipt and approval of your application, you will then become a member of NOSSA. Joining our message forums or other online groups DOES NOT make a person a member of NOSSA unless you ALSO follow the instructions listed above. You are not automatically a member of NOSSA simply because you are short. You have to apply for membership in our group as listed above. To remain a member, you must pay $25.00 (USD) dues annually.
For information regarding your current membership status, contact us. Be advised: NOSSA will not confirm the active status of any member to any third party unless we have permission from the member to do so.
Q. I like the idea of a group for us short folks. I am interested in joining but I am a bit concerned that maybe all you guys do is sit around and complain about being short. Am I wrong or is this a group for complainers only?
A. One of the main missions of NOSSA is to positively empower short statured people. NOSSA would not be accomplishing that mission if we felt sorry for ourselves. That is not what NOSSA is about. While there is a certain amount of venting that can take place at our meetings and on our online forums, the purpose is for people to receive support and encouragement from their peers. Together, we encourage each other to achieve happiness and success. Also, it is important to remind folks that not all of our meetings are centered on the issue of heightism. NOSSA is proud to host fun and exciting social events for our members. We encourage people to give us a try and judge for yourself.
Q. I haven't encountered many resources for the practical, quotidian side of being short-statured - i.e. places to get products that fit our particular sizes or discussions about airbag safety.
A. For more information on these issues click here.
Q. I am having a technical issue with the NOSSA website. Can someone help me?
A. Contact us here.