By Vannie
I had never been self-conscious of height until I stopped growing in fifth grade (I blame it on the coffee machine left out at the parent-teacher conference because after that first sip, my growth was forever stunted.). Standing at 5 feet at the age of 10, I hated being shoved at the back of each class picture.
At this point, I should mention that I attended an all-Asian school. Context shifted, right? It’s no surprise that we’ve been conditioned to “down-size” anything with the word “Asian,” just like any other stereotype. Even Obama’s aware of it (see his comment on his Hawaiian basketball teammates.) Which is probably why we get carded all the time.
It wasn’t until I transferred to an all-white school it became an obligation for me to be positioned in the front during grade picture time. Due to my now lack of height, I felt constantly pressured to prove myself. I, frustrated, chugged a gallon of milk in two days — despite my genetically Asian lactose intolerance. I begged my mother to purchase growth pills. However, I’d decided I had enough after being called “cute” by a waitress who thought I was sixteen — on my 18th birthday.
It was only in places teeming with Asians that I didn’t stand out; just average. But only out of that world did I feel extremely small and out of place. Why do we assume that the taller, the older you are? Oh, how America — the land of diversity — molds your brain to assimilate.
Over the years, I’ve come to terms with my height insecurities. Most of all, I’ve learned that everything is a matter of perception. Besides, there’s no point in laying the blame on my genes (although I do resent the fact that I have to limit my intake of ice cream.)
So to all my “shorties” out there, take the term as a compliment. And remember, you’ll feel much better in the future when you’ve reached fifty and charmingly deceive the world looking 10 years younger — gracefully.
About Vannie: I’m a 20-year old Taiwanese-American female residing in New York City. I like to call myself an AAA (Aspiring Asian-American Activist.)
(Image source — with apologies — to zomgxgrace)
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3 Comments to “I May Be Short, But Nothing Short of Perspective”
tiennguyen wrote:
While we should always focus on our positive aspects and ignore any um, shortcomings, unfortunately height does come into play in the business world..
CEO's are generally taller statures, perhaps because we tend to “look up” to taller people, and as you mentioned, as kids the taller kids were regarded as older, so the other kids would be more likely to flock to them and react to them like an older brother–so those leadership qualities were learned at an early age.
Though me personally I was generally one of the taller kids up until 8th grade when i stopped growing, and always felt timid because I always felt people would stare at me since I stood out so much..so, there certainly are exceptions as well.
Posted on 23-Aug-09 at 12:33 am | Permalink
Dan W wrote:
If it make Vannie feel any better, I'm also an Asian “Shortie” Male between the 5'5 to 5'6 range. Actually, I don't remember being vaguely concerned (belately awared) about height until my second year in college surprisingly. It didn't quite matter nor did others made a fuss about it before. All this happen growing up in a predominantely White environment and schools. It also helped to have decent friends who would basically take you as you are.
I agree that a lot of times it has to do with self-perception. Sometimes, the only one who is limiting us is ourselves. If you meet the right people, make good friends and company, many things literally don't matter. Some wisdom, knowledge and great awareness of your own inherent self worth helps a lot when dealing with people in your work, neighbors, relatives and anyone who tries to make an issue just because of how you look.
From what I could remember, the main reason why I sort became a little “mentally twisted” about height later in age was because during that time I met a lot of newer people and had several personal issues (some sappy, some serious). I guess you could say it's the usual life experiences all late teens-young adults go through. The strange thing was that most of the people that made a fuss over my appearence were Asian Americans.
Posted on 23-Aug-09 at 1:51 am | Permalink
gthro123 wrote:
Good post! I'm always the shortest one of my friends, but I don't let that get me down. I might not be the tallest, but that's cool, I still got something to offer to the world.
Posted on 23-Aug-09 at 10:44 pm | Permalink
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