…would his tragic suicide receive more attention than it did? Sadly, it may have. Not only was Jon Carmichael’s plight of continuous bullying ignored while he was in school but it seems it hasn’t received that much attention after his death either. Maybe if he were a teenage girl it would be different.
I am sure most have heard of Phoebe Prince, the 15 year old girl from Massachusetts who killed herself after being bullied by classmates... Perhaps her story is receiving more attention because of the cyber bullying issue or could it be that if she had been a smaller boy who was cyber bullied, the story would have just gone away?
Megan Meier.She was the 13 year old girl who had a prank pulled on her over the internet.I am sure many know of her too. A mother of a boy she liked pretended to be him and then dump her; resulting in her suicide.
Now, in comparison, how many have heard of Eric Mohat?Ryan Halligan?Daniel Scruggs? And the latest…Jon Carmichael? Go ahead…Google these names and see what you come up with.See how much attention their bully related suicides have received.
Eric Mohat was a taller, lankier, nerdy 17 year old from Ohio who was tormented relentlessly and was perceived as being gay. Ryan Halligan was a teenage boy with some health issues and maybe had some mental issues as well. A group of girls continuously harassed and bullied him and called him a loser who they would never dream of being involved with. Daniel Scruggs was an undersized 12 year old, who was constantly physically assaulted by classmates. Where are their stories? All these boys committed suicide as a result of being bullied, yet haven’t received the same attention as have the two teenage girls.
Now, Jon Carmichael, who was bullied because he was short, small weak etc., is going to be forgotten, as his issue was when he was in school. Jon was thrown into trash cans, into toilet bowls, had his books constantly being pushed out of his arms and was shoved into lockers. God knows what else went on with him. As a result of this and the inaction of the teachers, he took his own life on March 28th, 2010 at the age of 13. Does anyone know about him yet?Has his story circulated all over the news wire or has he been just a blurb? Who knows, maybe if he were Jane Carmichael, you would have heard his story a couple of weeks ago when it happened and there would be national outrage. But he was a small, nerdy boy and, as always, the fact he was bullied to death will go unnoticed once again.
Wake up media types and you will see that, (gasp!), small, nerdy weaker boys are being bullied to death and you don’t seem to care as much, just like you didn’t when you were in school.
A couple of months back, I had the opportunity once again to testify in support of legislation to ban height discrimination in the workplace.
The bill was House Bill 1850, or H1850. Representative Byron Rushing of Massachusetts has been more than persistent in his efforts to get this bill pushed through.
I had this same opportunity a couple of years ago; at that time it was House Bill H1844.
It was a crowded room for this hearing on January 27th, 2010.However, unlike my 2008 testimony, there were different bills on the docket this day and there wasn’t much of a turnout for the short or overweight people. There were three taller women testifying in support of bill H1850, a woman by the name of Rebecca Puhl (who testified a couple of years ago about discrimination against the obese) and myself; that was the only representation I witnessed.. I was disappointed, not only in the turnout but the fact that this bill will probably get lost in the shuffle once again, as it probably did on that late January day amongst other, more pressing issues.
I was talking to Byron Rushing’s aide about this bill, a nice young lady by the name of Tracy Choi. She seems to think the problem with this issue is not in the opposition but in the indifference; people just don’t care. I couldn’t agree more. This topic doesn’t receive enough attention. Along with that is the fact that advocates for the short and/or overweight just aren’t politically powerful enough to have an impact. Conversely, if you should be so inclined, pay attention to the bill in Massachusetts that, if passed, will ban discrimination in the workplace and beyond against the transgendered. There are many more sponsors to that bill (at least 100) than there are to H1850. Do they deserve more protection than we do? Or, is it that we need a bigger voice?
I believe it is the latter and we need people to do more than complaining on the net and get out there and fight for protection!
Testimony of Christopher A Hamre
In Support of Bill H1850:An act making discrimination on the basis of height and weight unlawful
January 27, 2010
Imagine two people talking in an office, a supervisor and his/her subordinate.The subordinate is being reprimanded for his behavior and towards the end of this formal session; the supervisor makes a racial epithet against the subordinate and does it twice. What recourse would this subordinate have after the supervisor’s inappropriate and offensive comments? Well, if they are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, they have a remedy.
However, I was the target of such comments back in 2007. After being reprimanded, my supervisor said a couple of times “You short people sure have personalities!” I was very upset with this. Since she was the client, I spoke to my employer, a staffing agency, about the incident a few days later. The HR representative was present and after learning about the incident and agreeing with me that it was morally wrong, I had no other remedy, unless I was disabled. So, therefore, she was able to keep her job and I, of course, had to seek other employment. Where is the fairness and equality in that?Where was my protection?
I do understand that under disparate impact laws, height requirements, if proven unnecessary, have to be removed. However, not because they rule out short people as a group but because those height requirements would then adversely affect women, who happen to be shorter on average than men, as well as members of the Asian and Latino communities, who also happen to be shorter than average and are protected under Title VII.
Shorter people may also be protected under the Amendment to the Americans with Disabilities Act which went into effect in January of last year. If one falls under a certain height, they could be classified as disabled; however, there is no clear definition as to what height actually is protected.
If a shorter person is verbally assaulted in the workplace about his or her height, neither of these aforementioned remedies will help. We are just supposed to sit there, take the abuse and subject ourselves to a hostile work environment. Just ask Sergeant Patrick Burns of the Bayonne Police Department, who, for twelve years, was mocked, scolded and emasculated about his short stature. Eventually, he sued the city of Bayonne and I could only guess for emotional distress, since height discrimination in the workplace is not forbidden in NJ.
However, contrary to what many may think, adding the short and overweight as a protected class will not open up the floodgates for litigation; it should prevent it from happening in the first place. This legislation needs to be preemptive not to be corrective. Our goal is not to get rich off this bill in the courts but to have the opportunity to achieve that wealth through our hard work and being treated as equals.
January 01, 2010
Dating a taller woman
So, I just ran across a video on the internet from a 6’1" black guy who offers his "words of wisdom" on dating and tells all of us short guys to only date women our height because it looks stupid if you are dating a taller woman. Get a load of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUDMvuC_LIQ
First, the man basically contradicts himself by saying initially that short men are trying to be more manly or taller by dating a taller woman, then turns around in the video a few moments later and says that a man should never have to look up to a woman. Now, I don’t know about anyone else but looking up at a woman doesn’t exactly make me feel any taller. If I wanted to feel like a GIANT, wouldn’t I date a woman a few inches shorter than I?
Second, I have dated a taller woman than myself and no it wasn’t to compensate for anything because I didn’t feel like I had anything to compensate for. If he thinks that way, maybe this hypocrite thinks that short men are less than men. Hmmm. I think he should be preaching equality seeing as how he would be outraged if someone dare tell him he is not equal because of his skin color. Maybe I dated her because I was attracted to her and couldn’t care less what someone like him thought. Now, is that security or what?
Third, according to this guy, short men shouldn’t drive trucks because that is also a complex. I guess driving trucks is a right only tall men are allowed to have?
This is just another man who stereotypes all short men because when he sees them dating a woman that he thinks he is entitled to date, he becomes a hater and says it looks stupid! Well, maybe if he were to date a white woman, one could say he must have a black mans complex then? He is trying to be white eh? Oh no…wait…that would be bigoted and stereotyping wouldn’t it?
Short on Justice Well, the issue of what words we can say and what we can’t will always be upon us I suppose.People don’t want their First Amendment rights eroded.Yet, there are those words, when said, that can get you into trouble.Even an insinuation can hurt you.
Remember Mel Gibson’s drunk diatribe against Jewish people.Didn’t exactly go over well did it?How about Don Imus’s comments about the Rutgers women’s basketball team.Cost him his job (though he is now back to work).Let‘s not forget former Miss California‘s (Carrie Prejean) answer to a radical lunatic about gay marriage;an answer to a question he asked.She supported heterosexual marriage and it was wrongfully turned into her being a gay basher.After that answer, the pageant officials were clearly out to muddy her reputation.
A couple of days ago, I listened to David Beach’s August podcast about use of the “m” word.He said as long as we regard it as offensive, it will always have power to hurt us and it is just a word more or less.True, but in that same podcast he is reluctant to use other words that could be taken as offensive.Hmmm…why is that if they would be just words as well?Could it be that they may offend a certain group or groups?Mind you, I enjoy David’s contributions and he is entitled to his opinions on issues, that is why I want him to do what he does so well; but on this issue, we differ. Let’s take a response from one of our subscribers to our You Tube page.He posted a response to my video on banning use of the word “midget”.Here is his response:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x01VmnnDUyk&feature=response_watch Fine.No problem.We appreciated and welcomed his thoughts.Yet, here we have a gentleman who is a staunch supporter of the First Amendment and his right to say anything he wants.No problem with saying “midget” in his video but then says “the ’n” word”.Why not the whole word?It is just a word after all right?
How many of you think that if a person said on the air (TV or Radio) a phrase such as :
“I hate black people” or “I hate gay people” or “I hate Jews” how long do you think they would have their jobs?Remember Jimmy The Greek in the late 80s saying“Blacks were born and bred to be better athletes”.Never heard from him again did you?
Now, how about this comment about Senator Barbara Boxer a few years ago from a supposed Christian radio personality by the name of Kevin McCullough.He referred to her as an “evil, midget, dwarf”.No, this wasn’t in fun people.This was an outright attack on her for her political ideology that differed from his, and the first thing he goes after is her height.Fair game with no consequences.If he differed from President Obama on his views would he refer to him as an “evil, negro, nigger”??? ..of course not.He’d be out the door yesterday.
This is my whole issue on use of the word “midget” or which I now like to call the “m” word.People are reluctant to use other offensive words, even those who support free speech but use that same First Amendment right to defend their position to say an offensive word that will offend another group of people.
No one is trying to take away their First Amendment right to say the word; however, maybe they should just be aware that if a group asks that you not use it because it is considered offensive, why would you go on using it knowing that?Considering you have honored other groups wishes when they asked for the same thing.I won’t walk down the street and look at a strange woman and say “Hey, nice ass!”She will likely take offense and maybe on a rare occasion some may even say thanks.But, regardless, I won’t say it.Just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should do it.
Does being frustrated about being unfairly labeled with a complex mean I have a complex?
So, readers, if you haven't already figured it out, I am a short man. I guess I had better be careful with this post because if I come across too angry or frustrated with a certain issue, I will, of coursebe labeled with a Napoleonic complex or short man's syndrome or some other oppressive term from a heightist society to keep my short self in my place.
For instance, the other day (June 10th I believe) on the MSNBC program Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough,he made mention of Jon Stewart's anger and that he had a Napoleonic complex.Then, yes, in the same segment mentions Bill O Reilly and that he has anger issues.Yet, where is the label for Mr. O' Reilly?Oh wait, Bill is 6'4" and I would imagine Mr. Scarborough is probably 6'0" or so himself and wouldn't't dare attach a label to a taller man getting angry.See video for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaoRfgdD6ec Of course, the response from the taller is that all dictators are short or some such; you know, just like Saddam Hussein was or Fidel Castro (both six footers) and let's not forget the evil man himself Bin Laden at 6'4".Yet, they will always say Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler (who was average height and if memory serves wanted a race of tall, blonde hair, blue eyed people), Napoleon (who stood 5'6" at the turn of the 19th century, average height in France at the time) andKim Jong Il (5'3" - about average again for a North Korean).
Isn't it amazing how everyone just assumes that these individuals ruled to compensate for their lack of height?How do these people know that this was their thinking?Were they asked?Or did each one of them say "Hey, I am a short male and in order to compensate for what society views as a handicap, or inadequacy, on my part, I am going to take over my country and try to do the same with the world!"Yet, in order to do those things, they would have to command loyalty and respect to accomplish that mission would they not?
Maybe people think we short men have something to compensate for because they (meaning society) view us as less than or not as capable. Short men don't view themselves this way, believe me.We have to try harder because of how we are perceived and if we don't, we get overlooked and left behind.If it is on a basketball court, do the shorter players have to try harder to impress than the taller ones?On the football field?
In the workplace?The answer to all these is? YES!.Then, if we do so, we have a complex? how does that work? How many of you average sized people have been treated unfairly at any period in your lives?Ever?Had a sibling get his or her way and thought it was unfair to you?Felt like you have been underpaid or under appreciated at work?Been charged too much for a service?Well, if you felt you were treated unfairly and responded to it, I guess that means that you also have a complex then or is it just human nature to be a little upset or hurt when you felt things didn't' go your way or you were cheated?Oh, it's the latter now is it?Hmmm?.interesting?
Okay at what height does a complex begin? It seems that average height or taller people can get upset about unfair treatment, but if I, as a short man, get overcharged or underpaid in the work place and say that it is wrong or unfair, it is a complex!Is there some rule?
Such as any man over 5'9" is free to act aggressive and angry but 5'8" and under, it must be a syndrome of some sort.
Oh I'd better stop my sms (short man syndrome) is starting to show because I am expressing my frustrations...lol.
May 3, 2009 Unfair treatment. Ridicule.I’ll stay the course!
Have you ever had those times when you just wondered if there was a big sign on your forehead saying, “Attack me or abuse me; I have no esteem or dignity.Walk all over me!”I definitely have.It seems to happen all too frequently without explanation or even provocation.
I think of Miss California, who was attacked for her stance on marriage after being asked her opinion and giving an honest answer, only to be raked over the coals for it; yet, she holds her head high and speaks her mind regardless of the attacks by a bunch of hypocrites who think the First Amendment only applies to their liberal ideology.
I think of George W Bush, who, despite being flogged by the merciless left wing media throughout his tenure, stayed the course in Iraq and now, for the first time, these people have a chance at freedom or Obama wouldn’t feel comfortable with troop withdrawal next year.
Throughout my life, mistreatment and unfair attacks have followed me and accompanied me like my own shadow. Of course, many of those attacks, verbal and some physical, have been attributed to my short stature. However, I get attacked for other things, as we all do. Yet, it seems after a while those people that attack you will let up and live their own lives and concentrate on improving themselves, instead of picking you apart for trivial things. To do that must mean that the person doing so must be afflicted with an unhealthy obsession.
Growing up, I attended a Christian school and you know how strict their rules can be; though many who teach those rules, violate them. I tried to adhere to those principles and rules as best as I could, in spite of being ridiculed for it and even by the same friends who attended school with me.I was even attacked for my moral position in the military (which I served in successfully for four years) but always had the courage of my convictions. Yes, I gave into temptation myself but not because of peer pressure from anyone.
A number of years ago, I did a member of my family a big favor, For a while this person seemed appreciative and helped me out, though in helping me out, I was also in turn helping her family out.Yet, last year, this took a profound turn as it seemed after I spoke up about something I didn’t agree with, they decided to…well…mistreat me.Apparently, I wasn’t supposed to voice my displeasure and take the abuse…wrong answer!
Back in 2005, I went out to San Diego for my brother’s wedding.At the reception, as I was toasting him, some buffoon decided to interrupt my toast to him to insult me.Who does that?I don’t know who it was and did nothing to provoke this attack yet….
A couple of years back, I was the recipient of an attack by my supervisor who insulted all of us short people by saying a couple of times (directly to me) that “short people have personalities”.Funny, this woman was African-American and had I uttered such a comment based on her race, what would the outcome have been?Now, she represented the client and I brought this up to the agency I worked with and consequently was asked not to return.I knew that would happen, yet I had to speak up.Had I kept quiet and let her indignify me, I would have stayed there.Funny, I was the target of a prejudice comment, yet I was asked to not go back…she kept her job.Yet, I would do it again!
These incidents in my life and many others such as these have shaped my life.I am not about amassing great wealth and will probably get attacked by the insecure among us for not being greedy and selfish.I don’t throw my accomplishments in people’s faces or denounce the way they live their lives because I could care less about what they do.Their failures or misery don’t help me but it seems that my mistakes or my status in life is prime pickings for these people.Even those who swear revenge if I dare attack them…how hypocritical and cowardly!
However,all these personal attacks on myself and even my organization, will not sway me one bit.Conversely, it motivates me more to do this with NOSSA.I stated a long time ago when we first started that I would die for this cause if I have to and could care less what a bunch of hypocrites think. If it offends people or people disagree with me, my stance and ideas, that is too damn bad.
After all, what are they going to do…insult and ridicule me?
May 2, 2009 Are two inches in height worth the price?
So, you have a child who is short but healthy, (such as constitutional delay or idiopathic short stature) would you pay to increase his/her height?If so, how much would you fork over?Is the sky the limit?Would you pay say $10,000 per inch of height? $20,000? How about $30,000?
What if I were to tell you that an increase in height for two inches will probably cost you $100,000?Would that give you pause?This is how much pharmaceutical companies charge for growth hormone for children who are short but healthy.an average of $20,000/year. Now,you also have to take into account the fact that there are risks of side effects;Leukemia, diabetes, heart disease, oversized bones.Still considering it?Another caveat, the pediatric endocrinologist can’t guarantee any height increase at all or, if there is one, how can they prove it is a result of growth hormone injections and not natural growth?
You may also consider the fact that your child, who, though short, is not suffering from an actual growth hormone deficiency.If his ample supply of HGH isn’t helping the growth process, why would injecting your child with more of what he already has matter?
Something else interesting:Since the average height of a woman in the US is 5’4”, when she decides to put them heels on she is 5’6” or 5’7” and they usually want a man a couple of inches taller than that.So, a man of 5’9” or 5’10” would be the minimum height allowable.So, even ifyour child does grow a couple of inches past his projected height…maybe will end up being 5’6” or 5’7”…the average, vain woman will look the other way…and let’s not get into the job market.
How telling it is on how short people are viewed, especially short males, that parents are willing to fork over mountains of cash for the slim hope their child will grow, maybe, two more inches at the end of their growth cycle.
One more thing parents:Giving your child growth hormone can also, likely speed up the pubertal process, which will mean thattheir bones will fuse together sooner and therefore robbing him or her of a year or two of growth. Thought I would toss that in.Still worth it?
The other day, I ran across an article on the internet about Scarlett Johansson, the rather petite actress.Apparently, she has recently lost a little weight.I was amazed how people were saying that she may be now suffering from an eating disorder because of her petite frame. Yet, if she were to add on a few pounds, she would be blasted for being overweight.It seems that society just can’t get out of its own way. No matter what, they will criticize you. At the same time, they will tell you to accept yourself for who you are.
This made me think of another situation which just frustrates me as a short man to no end.If a short man dates a woman his own size and she decides to wear heels when they go out, she will now be three or four inches taller.People observing this will now gawk and laugh at the couple, uttering things like “She should be with someone taller or he should be with someone shorter ,” or “He’s only dating her because of his complex” even though w/o her heels they are the same height.Now, let’s take the same situation and give the man some lifts in his shoes, so that they are now the same height. What do we get now?“Hey, look at that man; he is wearing lifts in his shoes…ha! Ha! How funny!He must have a complex!”Damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t right?Yet, a woman wearing heels is sexy and she is adored, even though she is also trying to increase her height. Funny, shouldn’t it be the man that needs the height, since he is the one who will be mocked because of his short stature?I personally would never go out and buy lifts for my shoes, so that the insecure, vain people in society could then accept me or so that I look better for a job interview.
Here I live in a society that tells me to be confident in who I am (oh no, if I do that, that is also a complex for a short man to be confident) and accept myself and so will others.Then, no matter what I do, I get criticized for doing just that.
I guess if you don’t meet society’s definition of an acceptable appearance then you should change it.Take growth hormone, lengthen your limbs, have lipo, gastric bypass, go on a diet, eat more, get Botox, increase your breast size, dye your hair, cut your hair, don’t go bald, drive an SUV, take public transportation so you don’t pollute the air.Does just reading that drive you crazy?
When society can get out of its own way, make up its damn mind about what is and what isn’t acceptable, then maybe I will listen…lol.Until then, I will tell society to mind its own damn business and instead of focusing on my physical attributes, maybe society should focus on pulling its head out of its own, judgmental ass.Then maybe people will be free to be themselves without having to listen to a bunch of insignificant, insecure people criticizing them; people who are far from perfection themselves.
Accepting yourself and other people…what a novel idea!
Recently, Michael Steele, Chairman of the GOP, made a remark that he wanted to recruit more "urban hip hoppers and one-armed midgets" into the Republican party. While, perhaps, not malicious in his intent, doesn't this suggest a double standard? I am sure "one armed n words" (see, I can't even type the word for fear of being labeled a racist) would be challenged and the perpetrator scorned by the public and media.
Yet, using the word "m*****" seems to be okay, reagrdless of the throngs of short people it will offend. I can remember back in 2007, when Barry Bonds referred to Bob Costas as a "m***** man" who knew nothing about baseball. Wow, imagine if Bob Costas had referred to Barry Bonds as a (insert prejudice comment here), he would have been fired immediately. Was Barry Bonds even reprimanded for his bigoted comment? Of course not.
Why is it okay then to insult short people in such a way? The word "midget" is dehumanizing just as the "n" word was Really, how many little people or m******, do you see prospering, making it rich, holding top postions in government, having the opportunity to excel on the athletic field? Talk about an oppressed group of people.
Now, please don't give me Tom Cruise as an example. I am talking about really short people, as in 4'10" and under. Ok, perhaps they can be jockeys; a small percentage are politicians, Senator Boxer is short and routinely has to listen to comments about her height, as does Dennis Kucinich (5'6"). So, when one flings the word m***** around, they are using a condescending term that has its association with people that were used as freaks in circuses, routinely mocked and thus dehumanized. Now, they use them for m***** tossing, another dehumanizing act. Any one of you normal size folk think someone tossing you around would be dignified? Don't think so...
This is why the word m***** offends me, cause of the meaning behind it. That I am less human, less respected and should be happy with a substandard life because of my short stature (I am 5'3"). I don't think so.
Note: m***** = midget but I think it should be banned just like the n word.
Last year, the Today Show, invited three guests to appear on a segment about height. One was a taller girl by the name of Rebecca Thomas who stood 6'4". The other two were shorter males. One was 5'0" and his name was Lee Herman and the other was Dr Jeffrey Gardere who looked to be about 5'7" (though his height wasn't mentioned, he was on there because he is frequently a contributor to the show).
I have three things to address about this showing, which aired on April 09, 2008:
First, I think Mr Herman's attitude was fine. He has the right approach in that saying he embraces his height. I definitely agree. I have no problem with my short stature either, it is society that has the problem. That is what needs to change (see my next point).
Second, I think Meredith Viera, though trying to be nice, came off as more patronizing and ignorant by telling him that since he was charming he was a giant. Once again, we see the association between a positive characteristic and tall stature. Like short men can't be charming, though he was. This is what needs to be addressed, the negative association that everyone has towards all things short or small. Small and/or short do not equal bad and when will society and the media get that through its head?
Third, I applaud Dr Gardere for speaking up and saying that heightism was everywhere. I have a feeling that maybe he experiences some himself, seeing as how he appeared short as well (did anyone else get that feeling?). I wish Stephen Hall had done as much a couple of years ago when he had the opportunity. Notice how no one questioned Dr Gardere when he mentioned it, they nodded their heads in agreement. So then, where are the laws to prevent this discrimination?
Hopefully, NOSSA will be allowed to have this kind of media exposure to discuss this issue in more detail! Where are you news organizations?
Well, it is that time of year again…March Madness. How did you do over the weekend? Still in your office/online pools? Who is your Cinderella pick this year (i.e. George Mason from a couple of years back or Villanova of 1985)? As I look over the sweet sixteen, I can’t locate a surprise team.
Yet, there is a Cinderella story this year in college basketball. However, it is not a team in men’s Division 1 or any other division, nor is it a women’s team. However, there is a certain player on of those teams that is doing the unexpected; an inspiration to all of us, short or tall. Her name is Tiffara Steward and she stands 4’6”.
Ms. Steward , a junior, plays point guard for Farmingdale State College in Long Island, NY, a Division III school. Now, you might already be shaking your heads in disbelief that a person under the height of 6’0” can be starting on a college team. “This twenty year old is four and half feet tall and is playing college basketball?” you might be asking yourself. Now, you ready for more, cause that’s not it? She also can only see out of one eye, has scoliosis, was born three months premature, and has partial hearing loss.
This young woman probably won’t go on to the WNBA, though she may have the talent; her coach says that she is definitely one of the stars of the team. From what I understand, she wants to go into coaching.
I give this young woman so much credit for doing what she loves and not letting her limitations and society prevent her from doing it. I only wish that I had the same courage twenty five years ago to not let my height keep me from playing basketball, which I so much loved.
More than just a long shot but a true inspiration to myself and anyone who thinks their physical attributes will limit them in life, Ms Steward is, without a doubt, this years Cinderella story in college basketball…look no futher!
Congratulations go out to Dustin Pedroia, American League MVP for 2008. In addition to winning this award, he also won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award.
Dustin Pedroia stands about 5'9" and plays 2B for the Red Sox. He also won Rookie of the Year in 2007, as well as a World Series championship.
Yet, many sports commentators can't seem to just give him credit without eluding to his stature and making a joke of it. Tony Reali of "Around the Horn" on ESPN called him the "little jockey". Ben Maller of Fox Sports Radio couldn't help but say that "he doesn't look like a baseball player, he looks like he should be waiting tables." Well, apparently not Mr Maller.
Pedroia isn't the only undersized guy (though he is 5'9...average height I might add) in sports to win a MVP award. David Eckstein of the Blue Jays won 2006 World Series MVP, has appeared in two all star games and has two World Series rings, along with being very tough to strike out and stands 5'6". Emmitt Smith, NFL's all time rushing leader, is 5'9", has three Super Bowl rings, a Super Bowl MVP award, 1990 Rookie of the year, NFL MVP in 1993, and named to the 1990's all decade team. Sharing that all decade team honor with him is 5'8" Barry Sanders, who won the Heisman in 1988, was rookie of the year in the NFL in 1989, won an MVP in 1997 and, if not retiring prematurely after the 1998 season, would no doubt be the NFL's all time leading rusher and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004. This playing behind the horrible offensive line of the Detroit Lions.
Last year, Wes Welker of the Patriots (5'9") led the league in receptions and let's not overlook Leon Washington (5'7") of the Jets and Darren Sproles (5'6") of the Chargers; both important parts of their respective teams in the running/return game.
If these guys belong waiting tables, maybe all the taller, mediocre players should be busboys and dishwashers then.
In Support of Bill H1844 An Act making discrimination on the basis of height or weight unlawful
March 25, 2008
To:The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
I would like to first express my gratitude to Representative Byron Rushing, as well as the other co-authors of this bill for their tireless efforts to get this issue before this committee. I also want to thank this committee for their time.
I am not only speaking on my behalf but on the behalf of my organization - The National Organization of Short-Statured Adults and also every short statured person who has felt the pains and dealt with the insults I have, pertaining to my short stature.
We have all dealt with being treated unfairly, I am sure, at some points in our lifetime and have spoken out about it. However, it seems that when a short man like myself is insulted and speaks out, I am told that I have a complex of some sort.All I am doing is being human, just like everyone else.I have endured plenty of insults in my life due to my short stature and now it’s my turn - our turn - to speak out.
Let me first describe three experiences in my lifetime that have stood out, been the most profound memories;. shots across the bow, so to speak.I am relaying these just to lay some groundwork about how shorter people are targeted for insults and face no recourse..
The first occurred back in 1985.My high school football team was headed for the playoffs and a reporter from the local paper, the Orange CountyRegister, attended one of our practices and did a write up on the team.A couple of days later, the article appeared in the paper and alongside it was a caption, with me, standing alongside two of my teammates.The caption read: “Cal Lutheran is a small school and Chris Hamre is a shining example!”That was a humiliating moment for me.I didn’t actually read it in the paper however,one of the faculty members made copies of the article and circulated it throughout the school.
The second incident happened in summer of 1997.I was walking down the Las Vegas Strip, minding my own business, when a guy coming the other way in a truck yelled out of the passenger side, “Hey midget! Midget! I hate people like you, do you know that!”I didn’t know this guy and at one point I feared that he would get out of his vehicle and physically try to assault me somehow.That was how much hatred was in his voice, yet I didn’t know this individual..
My third incident, which you’ll probably find is a little more relevant, happened in November of last year.It was on Thursday, November 8th, I believe.I got into a disagreement with my immediate supervisor.A little while later, she and I were both in her supervisors office, in a formal setting, discussing what happened and I was reprimanded and rightfully so.However, at the conclusion of the meeting, she commented (I believe it was a couple of times), “You short people have personalities!”
I found that totally inappropriate and unacceptable.A comment made like that targeting someone on the basis of race or sexual orientation etc. would be grounds for immediate termination, would it not?So, why is it okay to target short people in such a way?A couple of days later, I brought this remark to the attention of my employer and was told that since I am not short enough to fall under the heading of a disability,I basically have no protection under New York State law.I was asked not to return to the client..I did, after waiting for my employer to address the issue, eventually send a letter to the company/client informing them of the incident.I am not sure if the offending party was disciplined for her comment but I highly doubt it.That incident also highlights a double standard, which I will discuss now.
We all remember the song “Short People” sung by Randy Newman back in 1977 or so.Randy Newman did take some heat for it and said that its intention was to poke fun at discrimination.Now, can you imagine a song like “Black people got no reason to live” or“Gay people got no reason to live” being released under the same context?.No way!It would be highly offensive, regardless.Yet, the producers of the song didn’t seem to care if they would offend short people.Why is it okay to offend us?I don’t know how many times I have had to hear that sung to me.
Let’s take a political issue.Back in January of 2007, Senator Joe Biden made a comment about Senator Barack Obama, referring to him as articulate and received some flack for it, though he meant it as a compliment.Now, on April 26th of that same year, after the first Democratic debate, Larry King was talking with some panelists about the debate on his show and they were talking about Representative Kucinich, who stands around 5’7”, and said “Imagine if he were 6’2’!”Like him being that height would make him a more viable candidate.Then, Republican strategist, Amy Holmes remarked that Kucinich was“surprisingly articulate.”I wonder if he received an apology for those insults.Again, highlighting that its okay to attack a man’s height and face no backlash.
A few years ago, there was a commercial for Yoplait.Two bridesmaids were sitting around at a reception eating yogurt and saying how good it was.One said “Not being seated by an usher shorter than you good.”Then both the ladies laugh in a mocking fashion and the other says “Did you see him?” My point of this again is to make you and everyone aware of how negatively we (short people) are treated and viewed and the media definitely contributes to it. It shouldn’t make a difference what we look like, what our sexual orientation is, what race or gender we are, or what are religion is;we all should be protected from discrimination.Anyone that is different is going to face discrimination and the short and overweight are definitely no exception.However, unlike other groups that have laws in place to protect them, we have no recourse, with the exception of the State of Michigan, Washington D.C., and the cities of Santa Cruz and San Francisco.
The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection for all citizens and it is the responsibility of every state to see that their citizens are treated fairly..
If you pass this legislation, you will be doing just that and not only protecting the rights of your own constituents but doing justice to all of the short and overweight citizens across the nation, since I am quite sure this will have a ripple effect.
I ask that you follow Michigan’s lead and give us the rights that we are supposed to have as citizens.The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of our happiness.We are not asking for affirmative action or asking you to pass a law telling companies that they must hire short or overweight people.Rather, we are just asking for the same opportunities, equal treatment and to ensure that companies do indeed look at us for our qualifications, not our physical appearance, which there is nothing wrong with anyway.
Well, since the most exciting sporting event is just a little over a week away, I decided that a contribution to this page was in order.
Being the football fanatic that I am, I do look forward every year to this game though it marks the end of the football season. I was disappointed back in December, when my favorite team lost its chance to compete in the heart wrenching post-season; yet I've still followed the season with the same intensity. I was overcome with disappointment again when the team from my former hometown of San Diego, the Chargers, went down in defeat to the Patriots, despite having three opportunities in the red zone, which ended in three field goals. That won't get it done against a team like the Patriots (18-0), who won (21-12), even after suffering their worst performance of the year. Tom Brady threw for three interceptions, including one in the end zone; not exactly a typical Brady-like display from someone who will undoubtedly take home this year's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Who knows what the outcome would have been had last years MVP, Ladainian Tomlinson, been able to play past the first series for the Chargers. He had two carries for five yards and one reception and sat on the sidelines for the rest of the game with a knee injury.
Though I currently live in New York, I found myself having the same feeling I had four hours
prevously; the Packers lost in overtime (23-20). I wanted to see Brett Favre compete against Tom Brady; two future Hall Of Famers. Arguably, Favre could also be given consideration for MVP, for his performance during the season; yet, his errant pass in overtime led to the Giants victory. A 47 yard field goal by Lawrence Tynes that sent the Giants to their 4th Super Bowl appearance. Tynes had missed two field goal attempts in the fourth quarter, which I am sure gave the Giants fans angst and probably brought back memories of a botched filed goal attempt against the 49ers a few years ago in the playoffs.
Now, whether you are a fan of the Giants, Patriots, just watching for fun or bought a couple of boxes (the ones with the numbers in them) at work, keep your eyes on these four players. Wes Welker (Patriots/WR); Kevin Faulk (Patriots/RB); Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants/RB) and Sinorice Moss (Giants/WR). Not only are these players exciting but they are undersized (as far as football standards go). Wes Welker is 5'9" and led the league in receptions this year with 114 - he wears #83. Ahmad Bradshaw is also 5'9" and has come on late in the season for the Giants, the yang to Brandon Jacobs yin; a RB with alot of potential and he wears #44. Also keep your eye on Faulk (5'8"-#33) and Moss (5'8"-83); they could surprise some people.
If anyone of those four individuals takes home the Super Bowl MVP, I guess the disappointment I've been feeling will be erased by a most welcome smile for the undersized.
NPR Article Citing Taller Discrimination In Sports On August 15th, 2007, Frank Deford, a contributor to Morning Editon on National Public Radio and an acclaimed sportwriter, wrote the following piece:
After reading this article, I was confused. Let me first begin at the end of the article. Mr. Deford claims that, apparently, it is their (their being the taller..he is 6'4") ordained right to rule and they are so good at it. This came on the heels of his complaining that the shorter guys are ruling and that there is "gross discrimination" against the taller in sports among the coaching ranks.. What?
I am willing to bet that guys who are shorter coaches, like Lawrence Frank, coach of the Nets, probably had to work a lot harder than a taller coach just to get where he is. Perhaps Mr.Deford should be giving them credit instead of crying foul that a taller coach isn't in that positon. Perhaps that sense of entitlement mentality that Mr. Deford is exhibiting is widespread among the taller and that may make them more lackadasical in their approach. Could you imagine if he had stated that "white men should rule because it is their ordained right to do so."? What a statement of lunacy! People should rule as a reward for their hard work not by their appearance.
Now, let's address the "gross discrimination" issue. Can Mr. Deford honestly claim that their is discrimnation against the tall in sports. You have to be kidding! How many short guys are given a chance in the four major sports? You can probably count them on your ten fingers! Any QBs under 6'0"? If you are under that size in any one of the major sports, you are "undersized" or "small". Mr. Deford is right, there is "gross discrimination" in sports but not against the taller...please!
He states, earlier in his rant that because we are shorter, we are losing to other countries in basketball, then later says that the guards are as tall as the centers were twenty years ago. So, which is it Mr. Deford, are we getting taller or shorter, I am confused? I am quite certain that our last Olympic team was the tallest team of any in the Olympics. Yet, the gold medalists were from Argentina, are they taller than we? Once again, Mr. Deford doesn't point to the real problem.
These guys now don't work as hard as the "Dream Team" of 1992. They have a sense of entitlement and think it's their right to be there. That is the problem with many of these pro athletes nowadays. Of course the shorter ones can't act that way, they have to work their asses off to prove themselves every day or they will lose their position to a taller, lazier individual.
Chris Hamre is the President of NOSSA - National Organization Of Short Statured Adults. He has appeared on the NBC Today Show and in numerous national and international media publications. To contact Chris click here. To comment on the blog, click here.
