What are people's views on this?

[Deleted member 35927]

Fair enough, I was just asking what was a non offensive term.
The other end of the scale… I used to work with two younger guys, one was 6ft 8in, the other was 6ft 11in, we used to go to the pub on Friday after work, the comments and “jokes” from complete strangers were relentless, sometimes at the end of the night when we was down in our cups they would tell how miserable it was being “different”.

its not really about what is and isn't offensive, it's just like your tall mates and complete strangers thinking it's ok to take the p.

 

[Neilds]

Nothing much to say really , people think it's ok to take the pee and say what they want when it comes to anyone who's way below average height. Can't see that ever changing. you cant think of a height related joke or name I haven't heard.
In comparison to some , I'm not actually that short , somewhere between 5'2 and 5"3 but still well below average so lord only knows what it's like to be sub 4"10

Maybe you haven’t got the lifetime of experience that you claimed earlier in this thread?
You are less than average height, you are nowhere near suffering from dwarfism so cannot say you know how they want meaningful jobs.

 

[Deleted member 35927]

Maybe you haven’t got the lifetime of experience that you claimed earlier in this thread?
You are less than average height, you are nowhere near suffering from dwarfism so cannot say you know how they want meaningful jobs.

Youve got me, I really dreamt of getting a job as an oompa loompa but all the roles were filled at my local chocolate factory. But thanks for your insight that us iddy biddy people are happy to be the butt of everyones jokes and just want to be picked up and cuddled while possibly appearing as an extra in the hobbit.
Theres crass posts but you're next level

 

[Hobbit]

Nothing much to say really , people think it's ok to take the pee and say what they want when it comes to anyone who's way below average height. Can't see that ever changing. you cant think of a height related joke or name I haven't heard.
In comparison to some , I'm not actually that short , somewhere between 5'2 and 5"3 but still well below average so lord only knows what it's like to be sub 4"10

Fair enough, I was just asking what was a non offensive term.
The other end of the scale… I used to work with two younger guys, one was 6ft 8in, the other was 6ft 11in, we used to go to the pub on Friday after work, the comments and “jokes” from complete strangers were relentless, sometimes at the end of the night when we was down in our cups they would tell how miserable it was being “different”.

I think the above, for me, highlights how cruel people can be. The p-taking is often excused by “it’s just banter,” or “we’re only joking.” Quite often it’s not a joke to the person that’s experienced that for years. It leaves scars, it affects how those p…

I was involved in a nasty accident at a very early, pre-school, age. Scaring and some disfigurement. Thankfully most of the damage is now repaired. School was hell, and I mean HELL. It was incessant bullying - some people call it banter, and think it excuses them. It it pretty much stopped when, at 14, I lost it with 4 lads - it’s not a story I’m proud of.

Even now, pushing 70, out with friends and someone with a few drinks inside them will make a (bantering) comment. I’m transported back 50+years, and that’s the end of a good night.

If someone doesn’t know how a comment/banter(bullying) is going to be received, don’t make the comment.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

On the question posed by the OP, one word…Uncomfortable.

 

[Tashyboy]

The discussion of dwarfs working is deemed by some as offensive. And the term dwarf or Little people is deemed as offensive by some. And there in lies the problem. Sometimes it is not what is said or done. But he way in which it was said or done. In the case of the dwarfs/ little people working. No offence was intended. Yet offence in some peoples eyes has taken place.

 

[Swango1980]

The discussion of dwarfs working is deemed by some as offensive. And the term dwarf or Little people is deemed as offensive by some. And there in lies the problem. Sometimes it is not what is said or done. But he way in which it was said or done. In the case of the dwarfs/ little people working. No offence was intended. Yet offence in some peoples eyes has taken place.

Stephen Fry made some good comments on his debate regarding political correctness.

In a nutshell, his message (quoting what others had said in the past) was "call me what you like, it is how you treat us is what matters".

 

[Deleted member 35927]

Stephen Fry made some good comments on his debate regarding political correctness.

In a nutshell, his message (quoting what others had said in the past) was "call me what you like, it is how you treat us is what matters".

Isn't what you call someone all part and parcel of how you treat them ?

 

[Swango1980]

Isn't what you call someone all part and parcel of how you treat them ?

Nope, unless you subscribe to buzz words and avoiding context.

There are some words purely designed to offend, and I won't repeat any as they will probably be ones that the moderators would rightly slap me on the wrist for, even though I'm not associating the words with a person.

There are other words that could be used perfectly innocently, or said with malice. Understanding context is more important in those cases to understand what was meant from the person using those words.

I genuinely don't know what to call a person with dwarfism, if people are simply going to take an offence to any word that might point towards the condition? I'd have said most people simply using the word as an innocent description. From what I've heard in the past, and backed by a quick Google search, is that many prefer the term "little people", but then you have said this is offensive.

 

[Deleted member 35927]

Nope, unless you subscribe to buzz words and avoiding context.

There are some words purely designed to offend, and I won't repeat any as they will probably be ones that the moderators would rightly slap me on the wrist for, even though I'm not associating the words with a person.

There are other words that could be used perfectly innocently, or said with malice. Understanding context is more important in those cases to understand what was meant from the person using those words.

I genuinely don't know what to call a person with dwarfism, if people are simply going to take an offence to any word that might point towards the condition? I'd have said most people simply using the word as an innocent description. From what I've heard in the past, and backed by a quick Google search, is that many prefer the term "little people", but then you have said this is offensive.

You really believe its ok if you see me in the street and say hello little person ?

 

[Burnsey]

Youve got me, I really dreamt of getting a job as an oompa loompa but all the roles were filled at my local chocolate factory. But thanks for your insight that us iddy biddy people are happy to be the butt of everyones jokes and just want to be picked up and cuddled while possibly appearing as an extra in the hobbit.
Theres crass posts but you're next level

Don't worry, your attitude on here won't attract a cuddle.

 

[Tashyboy]

You really believe it’s ok if you see me in the street and say hello little person ?

Nope I would say hello hamburger Pete. Names are best

 

[Deleted member 35927]

Stephen Fry made some good comments on his debate regarding political correctness.

In a nutshell, his message (quoting what others had said in the past) was "call me what you like, it is how you treat us is what matters".

He did not say this.

 

[Swango1980]

You really believe its ok if you see me in the street and say hello little person ?

What makes you think I would say this?

If a person suffered from dwarfism, I wouldn't say it would be offensive if a person ever used the word "dwarf" when describing the person. But, if the same person approached them and said "hello dwarf", then that probably is offensive, or very very weird.

I think this is where you are not understanding context. Ronnie Corbett was a little person, and me saying that is not offensive. He simply was. But, I would never have approached him on the street and say "hello little person"

 

[Deleted member 35927]

What makes you think I would say this?

If a person suffered from dwarfism, I wouldn't say it would be offensive if a person ever used the word "dwarf" when describing the person. But, if the same person approached them and said "hello dwarf", then that probably is offensive, or very very weird.

I think this is where you are not understanding context. Ronnie Corbett was a little person, and me saying that is not offensive. He simply was. But, I would never have approached him on the street and say "hello little person"

Exactly, buts thats not how your Stephen fry non quote sounds.

 

[Swango1980]

Exactly, buts thats not how your Stephen fry non quote sounds.

Well, it does. If I had just quoted...

"call me what you like"...

then I would get the point. But, I actually said...

"call me what you like, it is how you treat us is what matters"

So, if I just approached a person on the street and said "hello dwarf" or "hello little person", then it doesn't seem like I'm treating that person very well?

 

[Deleted member 35927]

Well, it does. If I had just quoted...

"call me what you like"...

then I would get the point. But, I actually said...

"call me what you like, it is how you treat us is what matters"

So, if I just approached a person on the street and said "hello dwarf" or "hello little person", then it doesn't seem like I'm treating that person very well?

Dw just lost in translation probably.

 

[Beezerk]

Nope I would say hello hamburger Pete. Names are best

And you would get a slap Mr Tash, it’s Hambuger Pete

 

[Burnsey]

The problem with any perceived offence often comes from the person being offended. That can be seen in this thread.

Small Man Syndrome refers to a condition where a man feels inadequate because of his short height and may try to overcompensate it with overly aggressive behaviour. The syndrome is often referred to as Napoleon Complex in reference to the famous military leader. It is believed one of the reasons Napoleon was so successful was due to him trying to hide his short height.

I find the above alone offensive, however, it is a 'thing'.

Just be kind.

 

[Deleted member 35927]

The problem with any perceived offence often comes from the person being offended. That can be seen in this thread.

Small Man Syndrome refers to a condition where a man feels inadequate because of his short height and may try to overcompensate it with overly aggressive behaviour. The syndrome is often referred to as Napoleon Complex in reference to the famous military leader. It is believed one of the reasons Napoleon was so successful was due to him trying to hide his short height.

I find the above alone offensive, however, it is a 'thing'.

Just be kind.

It took longer than I thought it but I guess you were on holiday ?
Napoleon was not short.
Your posting of a crappy stereotype as some kind of fact just goes to show how deeply rooted peoples prejudices are.