I have been a sufferer of this condition for many years. Short Man Syndrome
is a very real ailment that plagues many of us of lesser stature. Jokes
about it are a common occurrence, but this post is written to serve as a bit
of an explanation and to spread knowledge to those who just don’t quite
understand.

Short Man Syndrome is not something you are born with. It is a condition
brought about by socialization. When I walk my 5’6″ self into a bar, I am
always on edge. Why? Because many a night have I tried to make my way to get
a drink in a crowded bar, and been shoved by those who either didn’t see me
or pretended to not see me. I’ve even been standing still, and had people
walk by who push me out of the way as an object rather than a person.

Anything irritating becomes exponentially so when experienced ad nauseum.
Eventually I would begin pushing back, partially as a warning, partially for
redemption, and partially to simply vent. That act of revenge has brought me
close to fisticuffs on several occasions, but no amount of physical pain
could ever equal the feeling of being treated as a second-class citizen.

I have realized, though, that SMS stems from long before achieving legal
drinking age. The short kids are always picked on to a greater degree in
school. I learned a long time ago that the only hope for lessening the
torment is to stand up for yourself. It’s a conditioning process that all of
us height-challenged individuals go through.

These days I don’t much care for crowded bars. I try to find more laid back
places to go, but if I should happen to arrive at a busy pub or club, I find
that my body instantly tenses upon entering. It’s not that I’m looking for a
fight, it’s just that I need to protect that which is mine: my own personal
space and dignity.

This post is not written to fish for sympathy or instill guilt. We all have
our own shit to deal with and there is not a single person reading this post
right now that doesn’t have plenty of shit of their own to overcome. I’m no
better or worse than any of you out there. This is written simply to try and
bring the short and tall people closer together.

So tall guys, I leave you with this: The next time you’re out on a Saturday
night, please realize that the short guy you just bumped into isn’t mad at
you personally, he’s just tired of dealing with it in general. And I
guarantee you that if you offer him a sincere apology, you will have just
made a deeply loyal friend who will help you beat the ass of the boyfriend
of that insecure CL girl to whom you’re talking who only dates guys above
6’11”.

I personally think that this idea is very dangerous and will only
perpetuate discrimination. The issue should be framed in a way that
acknowledges short peoples’ societal status as second class citizens*.

By advocating the existence of a “short man syndrome” one lifts the
ponderous issue of prejudice and shifts it from the realm of society
to the backs of individuals who suffer from that very discrimination.
Under the guise of “SMS”, not only are we insecure and ineffectual due
to society’s (seemingly) universal opinion, but we are also mentally
ill.

So we have taken a real problem that exists within some
societies (some more than others) and multiplied it by internalizing
an external condition. There is also a real danger that could be
inflicted on our wallets due to conceding that SMS is actually some
type of medical condition. Why would a potential employer hire a
crazy person? So not only will you not hold your own with various
clients, but the mental issues that arise from being short will also
cause you to doubt yourself or have problems working with others.
This is my second problem with viewing short stature in terms of an
illness.

The advocates of SMS want it both ways. It is essentially a
self-fulfilling prophecy that further increases heightism. If a short
guy avoids “SMS” then he cannot speak up for himself, he must be
subservient and he must accept his place in society. But if a guy
tries to be (or does become) successful by speaking up for himself and
is a leader, then he is suffering from “SMS”. The entire concept is a
circular “no win” situation.

you know i am 5’2 and i deal with being passive also of color…now i havw
a choice..kill myself or be &#@$ strong and be a man.if not kill myself bu
i am going to trust in God. I am most likely a grander loser than most but
what i have learnt is to feel taller than anyone else and dont take any
crap from anyone who deserve a slap. or kill myself. i am quite a bit more
for life. i have dated tall girls 6’0 but it is a terrible world still out
there, so what should i do? give up or be a man as best i can.