1 of 13

Write now Article Tools

The most common prejudice that is still allowable is for size. It seems that when the prejudice is of the spoken variety, there is no consideration for the feelings of the recipient of the comments whatsoever. Some of the other forms of size prejudice are less evident, but have significant impact on those that they apply to. Probably the most common size prejudice is for the overweight, but it also exists for people who are either very short or very tall. Let's look at some examples of the different type of size prejudices.

1. One clear example that embodies the spoken variety of prejudice is comedic acts. Comedians get lots of laughs at the expense of the overweight.

2. The television and movie industry make a lot of money at the expense of the overweight. They often portray them in comedic or ridiculous parts that have no value, other than to offer entertainment for the other characters. Or, the whole plot of the work is to show that if an overweight person loses weight they will find happiness.

3. Something that is not commonly thought of in terms of prejudice, but that should be considered, is the size of public toilets. Many of them are not even big enough to accommodate "normal" sized people without some type of contortion. With the average size of Americans going up all the time, it seems that business establishments should take this factor into consideration.

4. The clothes industry also seems to show prejudice. The petite sections of most department stores seem to contain mostly clothes for older women. They don't usually offer the more up-to-date styles that younger people prefer.

5. Mid-size car manufactures' don't seem to take into account very tall customers. If you are over six feet tall you will find that your head hits the top of most mid-sized vehicles. In this instance people have to put financial considerations above comfort.

6. Size even has an impact on employment in some cases. Try to reach the top of a drink machine, or the top shelf in the supply room of a restaurant. If you are not at least five feet five you will probably need a step stool.

7. The place that size prejudice is most evident is just every day life. If you are overweight, very tall, or very short, people will make fun of you.

There are many more instances of size prejudice, but as you can see it is taking place in many different ways. If you are a victim of it, you know how damaging it can be. Until enough people stand up and say they are not going to take it anymore, size prejudice will continue. If we all take a stand, and make it understood that this is not acceptable, people will change. The next time you see someone being made fun of for their size; offer them a smile or some encouragement. Refuse to watch television shows or movies that make fun of the overweight. If you go to a restaurant that has suggestion boxes, leave a note about bathroom sizes. Every little thing that we do will add up. We can help this problem, but we have to be proactive!

Learn more about this author, Angel Sharum.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Health issues: Prejudices in size?
We want to hear your view. Write now!