Most will agree it's "morally wrong" to stereotype people by their race
or gender, and thus we shouldn't do that (at least that's what I was told in school). Yet when it comes to short
men, it's not that others should stop stereotyping us. No, we're
supposed to tiptoe around on glass, lest we "confirm stereotypes." It's a joke, especially when people have different thresholds for what
qualifies as a "typical short man."
Sometimes, all it takes is for a short man to hit the gym, own a big car, or become a leader to be labeled with the "Napoleon Complex." Other times, "short man syndrome" is used when a short man defends himself verbally or physically. Don't live in fear of these labels. They're just traps to shut down short men, and these insults say more about the accuser than the accused.
Often, they were just waiting for an excuse to confirm their prejudice. If it's not one thing, it's another. Got a ticket from a cop who happens to be short? "I knew it, short men are power hungry!" Got cheated on by a short guy? "I knew short men were untrustworthy. I will never date one again."
Instead of bending to their whim, just flip these fuckers off. A short man could accidentally bump into them and they'd find some excuse to blame his stature. That's just what they do. Always ask yourself if they'd mention height had you been taller. Usually, the answer is no. No matter how many tall villains there are and have been, tall men will never be negatively labeled en masse, so don't appease others like they're your master and we need their approval.
Many short men believe that if they behave themselves 24/7, the "Napoleon Complex" label will hopefully die off. What these short men don't understand, is that by being so afraid of these stereotypes, it gives them more power. People will continue to use these labels, because they know it hurts and scares short men. Until the stereotype itself is stigmatized, people will never suddenly think "short men are like any other." They will always think "he behaves himself well, for a short man." Those who are guilty until proven innocent should not be the ones who change their behavior.
So should pigeonholed groups be responsible for quelling stereotypes? I don't think so.
All I want is some consistency. I can't recall anyone forcing all
Asians to fail math, for example, lest they confirm stereotypes. If I said women should never defend or retaliate, else they're on their periods, I'd be laughed off and chastised.
Currently, our predicament would be like if I said, "Have you noticed how so many women act like total bitches?" The moment one woman (rightfully) gets mad at that, I say "See? Told you. She's just proving me right by being so angry. Typical bitch." Then of course, some sycophantic girl chimes in with "I'm not like those angry women. I never get mad :) " and she gets a pat on the head for being "one of the good ones."
See how dumb this whole thing is when I spell it out like that? Yet when it comes to short men, it's "different" and we should just accept it. Don't fight back or we're just proving them right. Fuck that. I await the day society sees its hypocrisy when it comes to short men and our stereotypes.
