The belief that taller people are smarter, more powerful, or “better” can be attributed to the brain’s hard-wiring, known as hueristics, in psychology. Height is a proxy for social status and health.
While height bias is bad, I chalk up heightism as evil…sexism and racism do not get a hall pass, why should heightism? It isn’t just bullies, as Georgina alludes to — friends and family members may unwittingly take part in “fun.” Some individuals may embrace jokes and jabs, using it to fuel their fire. Others may succumb to a defeatist mindset. Studies show that men below average height (5'10'’ in the U.S.) will face height headwinds in areas such as online dating and attaining leadership positions. Everyone has a different perspective on what is considered “short.” I am 5'7'’ and wrote a book exploring height bias with the goal of helping smaller people (men in particular) build their presence…when a guy at my gym read an article on the book, he told me I was silly for writing it and that I wasn’t even short (he’s 5'5'’). So much for us being part of the same short guy fraternity. Height bias and heightism are polarizing topics that need more attention. Well done, Georgina!
