"Don't judge a book by its cover." Your teacher might have told you this before, and you would have probably nodded your head in compliance. "There's more than meets the eye" is another common saying. Unfortunately, we all do it in someway. Whether it is through art, food, people, or even books, our affinity towards something starts with the outside.
A conversation with my 6'0 tall aunt sparked my interest in underlying height stereotypes. One of the things she said really stuck with me. She was treated differently than her other 5'2 female co-worker, specifically treated as if she was more independent. Not better than her co-worker, but not worse either. Well, like her one of my most noticeable characteristics is my height, and at first, I hated it. Being tall was a curse filled with high waters, flats (never heels), and towering above my peers. Oh, how things have changed! Now my height is something I identify with and embrace. The concept of "height stereotypes" was something I had never heard of (or even thought about) before, so I learned a lot from my readings. For example, did you know the average height of women in the U.S. is 5'4 and the average height for men is 5'9? So to my tall people: straighten your shoulders, don't slouch!
Tall people benefit from a longer frame, especially when looking at the business side of things. There was a scientific study done on the effects of height in the workplace, and as it turns out, your height sways people's judgment in someways. The paper goes on to say,"Taller individuals are judged as being more persuasive (Young & French, 1996), more attractive as mates (Freedman, 1979; Harrison & Saeed, 1977; Lerner & Moore, 1974), and more likely to emerge as a leader of other people (Higham & Carment, 1992; Stogdill, 1948). Indeed, on the latter point, not since 1896 have U.S. citizens elected a President whose height was below average; William McKinley at 5 ft 7 in. (1.7 m) was ridiculed in the press as a “little boy." With all these perceived qualities, the taller person earns social and self esteem, which stimulates their performance. Basically, if you're taller it is common to earn more money than people who aren't! Jobs provide money, and money provides opportunities. The tall people are seen as more capable and aggressive for their work. “Women’s height has been to known to be associated with dominance and, sometimes, intimidation.” (Firmin, 2013) One study found that the taller of two fake female applicants for the position of high school principal was evaluated more favorably than the shorter applicant. (Height Stereotypes) I read a lot into this subject and find it really intriguing. Just because of their height, these women seem more professional than the others. If a height stereotype can advance you in your job, I know I’d consider it helpful.
Tall men benefit from the height stereotypes the most out of anyone. In the study Height Stereotypes of Women and Men, it additionally states, “We found that tall men were perceived as more socially attractive and as having greater professional status when compared with short men.” Like women, some of these height stereotypes actually influence people to think higher of you (haha, get it?). Greater height is an advantage in the world of business, and maybe even in the game of life. Being extra socially attractive doesn't seem like a bad quality to have. That’s not all- taller men are generally preferred as dates, taller bogus job applicants are often preferred to shorter ones, and tallness is associated with both perceived and actual status. Throughout their years, the tall boys get an advantage with the girls, the jobs, and the status. Even perceptions of children are influenced by height. From preschool to junior high, taller boys are often thought of as more competent than others. Effects of height on perceptions are definitely better for men of the taller gene pool. While I don't think stereotypes like these can be detrimental, they sure do feed the ego. It doesn't mean every short person is discriminated against, but rather sets some lengthy expectations for the taller individual.
Height is growing to be a physical quality associated with sports. College and professional teams look for the taller people because of their natural athletic build. Both tall men and women are associated with athleticism. It gives them an advantage! Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball/Baseball are all dominated by tall people, which is easy to see if you just turn on the TV to watch a game. Even when looking into other sports, like Track and Football, you can see the advantage of height. Longer legs mean a faster and longer running stride. “Being asked stereotypical questions such as ‘how tall are you?’ or ‘Do you play basketball?’ by complete strangers is also another form of extra attention.” (Firmin, 2013). People automatically think that the extra height makes you good at sports. I remember walking into a McDonald's with my 6'6 father and hearing whispers from teenage boys, "What do you bet he played college ball?" or "Man, I wish I was that tall, then I'd be so good." In reality, my dad didn't even like playing basketball in high school. I mean, he succeeded at other sports, but he was no basketball player like those boys thought. The study continues to say, “Tallness has been somewhat embraces and admired, especially in Hollywood and the sports world.” Why are models, some of the "most beautiful people in the world" rarely ever shorter than 5'9? I think tall girls and boys definitely have the advantage, especially when it comes to athleticism.
Stereotypes of taller people include higher professional status, social attractiveness, and athleticism. From society’s view, a higher head puts you above the rest, literally and figuratively. Ha! As a tall girl, reading all this information certainly boosted my confidence. If you are "short" and reading this: Don't worry there are downfalls to both sides, but you have to learn to embrace the good things. If this interests you, check out the links to the studies I used!
So to my tall people, if you want to stand out, stand up.
