Height discrimination

[RockzillaXD]

Inspired by the portrayal of Women thread I decided to make this one. What is everyone's take on height discrimination? Particularly against men shorter than 6ft tall?

I know Tom Cruise is a popular and widely recognized actor, but I've often seen posters here mock his height and call him a midget. His role as Jack Reacher came under fire because of the character being taller in the books, but I've seen some review websites take it farther by claiming that it was unrealistic that the "shorty" Tom Cruise would beat larger men in a fight. Honestly I find that very close minded and offensive. Bruce Lee was also 5ft 7in, and I guarantee he would kick the asses of all these "tall" internet tough guys.

This attitude that men shorter than 6ft tall are any less manly is a form of discrimination, and it's just as unacceptable as sexism.

[Chaotic]

I dont think its because he isnt 6 feet tall its that he's under 5 ft 7, which is awfully short for a guy. I didnt know 6 ft was the average height now.

[Pounder]

Jeremy Renner is about 5'6-5'7 and he's doing pretty good for himself but after him and Cruise there aren't that many respected shorter actors. Comedians don't count (Stiller, Hart)

[Captain Kirk]

http://www.sheknows.com/entertainmen...y-short-actors

[spanky87]

I'd like to see Jason Schwartzman star in a Die Hard esque action movie. Or maybe a Lethal Weapon type movie starring opposite Tom Cruise.

[Rockzilla]

Originally Posted by Captain Kirk

http://www.sheknows.com/entertainmen...y-short-actors

Hmm those actors are all under 6ft true, but the ones who face the most ridicule are those under 5ft 8 inches. Apparently part of Daniel Craig's opposition to being Bond was his height. He's 5ft 10, but who in their right mind considers that short? Is everyone Dolph Lundgren now?

[pmac]

Originally Posted by RockzillaXD

Inspired by the portrayal of Women thread I decided to make this one. What is everyone's take on height discrimination? Particularly against men shorter than 6ft tall?

I know Tom Cruise is a popular and widely recognized actor, but I've often seen posters here mock his height and call him a midget. His role as Jack Reacher came under fire because of the character being taller in the books, but I've seen some review websites take it farther by claiming that it was unrealistic that the "shorty" Tom Cruise would beat larger men in a fight. Honestly I find that very close minded and offensive. Bruce Lee was also 5ft 7in, and I guarantee he would kick the asses of all these "tall" internet tough guys.

This attitude that men shorter than 6ft tall are any less manly is a form of discrimination, and it's just as unacceptable as sexism.

Just on the Cruise and Jack Reacher comment...I think he may have come by some criticism not just because he wasn't tall enough, from what has been described to me about the character in the book, Reacher in the books is basically a beast, 6'4" maybe more 220 or more pounds, Tom Cruise is anything but that, yes he is in good shape but that's the extent of it.
In the end it doesn't matter he did a good job like most of the stuff he does and it entertained.

[remake]

The worst is when they get the tallest guy ever and pair him up with the shortest girl ever.

[pmac]

An ok topic of discussion for a bit I suppose, but Height in hollywood is but an illusion, they have made many shorter actors look average in the eyes of the camera by using platforms and props when people stand side by side.
Being taller is another of the qualities hollywood probably glorifies. The truth is, it doesn't matter what you look like or how tall you are or your weight. You are what is inside. Some people are just ignorant because they are beautiful by the impossible standards of todays media driven society, and some people could be your best friend for life, but you will never find out because you won't give a fat person the time of day. Not saying you personally OP. Just many of the people in today's society. There's a lot more to it, but I would bore people to death if I opened up the whole can of worms, and probably piss off a number of others too.

[pmac]

Originally Posted by remake

The worst is when they get the tallest guy ever and pair him up with the shortest girl ever.

[Show spoiler]

Heh, short girls have a tendency to love taller guys, I guess not all, but a heck of a lot. I have found this to be true my entire dating life, and I married someone 8-10 inches shorter than me ...twice. All my girlfriends have always been 6 inches or more shorter.

[Kryptonic]

Considering that the most popular actors in the world are well under 6 ft. tall, I don't think there's much discrimination out there in Hollywood.

[assydingo]

Originally Posted by remake

The worst is when they get the tallest guy ever and pair him up with the shortest girl ever.

Sammy?

Jackie Earle Haley is according to the internet 5'5".

Rorschach "You're Locked In Here With Me" HD - YouTube

[Batman1980]

Jennifer Lawrence is 5'10 1/2 and you know that affects the decisions on who to cast for her leading man.

[Chaotic]

Damn, if Pitt is short than i am short too since im the same height.

Not everyone can be Vince Vaughn or Tim Robbins

[chip75]

Originally Posted by Chaotic

Not everyone can be Vince Vaughn or Tim Robbins

I think the tall guys get a rougher deal. I think they miss out on stuff when the lead actress is more than a foot shorter and if they're supporting a big star then no leading man wants to look diminutive compared to them.

As to Cruise and Reacher, you can understand the fans uproar, Jack Reacher is 6'5'', with 37'' inside leg and a 50'' chest. He weighs 275lbs. His size plays a part in all the books, he can't run and hates driving. Cruise is a fantastic runner, a great driver and he's a slightly different build. The movie was tailored to suit him and his skills (nothing wrong with that).

Reacher's proportions are a bit weird though, if I had the same legs I'd be 6' 11''!

[assydingo]

Originally Posted by chip75

I think the tall guys get a rougher deal. I think they miss out on stuff when the lead actress is more than a foot shorter and if they're supporting a big star then no leading man wants to look diminutive compared to them.

As to Cruise and Reacher, you can understand the fans uproar, Jack Reacher is 6'5'', with 37'' inside leg and a 50'' chest. He weighs 275lbs. His size plays a part in all the books, he can't run and hates driving. Cruise is a fantastic runner, a great driver and he's a slightly different build. The movie was tailored to suit him and his skills (nothing wrong with that).

Reacher's proportions are a bit weird though, if I had the same legs I'd be 6' 11''!

Guess if I was a tall guy and it was unusual to have protagonists that are tall I'd be bummed out. Like someone else said though, in movies height is mostly irrelevant. The way they make people seem shorter or taller with boxes and such.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by assydingo

Guess if I was a tall guy and it was unusual to have protagonists that are tall I'd be bummed out. Like someone else said though, in movies height is mostly irrelevant. The way they make people seem shorter or taller with boxes and such.

They have a full range of apples now from pancake, quarter, half and full ones so they try and balance everything out.

[NARMAK]

I'm 6'2.5" without shoes etc. but when i put them on i probably get closer to 6'4" which is considered by most to be this kinda 'invisible' height ceiling where once you go over, it starts to look 'too tall' if that makes sense and 'weird' unless your occupation is basketball lol.

Also, i don't know how much traditional ideas of being masculine factor into it, but there was an argument thrown out there that to be the same size as a woman when you're a man is 'sissy' etc. and that being taller gives a position of 'dominance' tying into the idea of 'power' between the genders.

But even if you throw that theory out the window under a bus heading to 'gender semantics' then you probably also have to take into account how women themselves sometimes specify a man should be 6ft plus. I personally have a theory why.

HIGH HEELS!!

If you factor in how tall a woman is depending on country (as men also have height variance depending on country etc.) and then what the average size of heels bump them up to, we see this idea that women sometimes don't like the idea of towering over a man, but would rather be on the same level or him be taller.

BUT to throw another flip onto this. 'Attraction' just doesn't stop and start with height. It's a combination of things. E.g. a '10' male or woman can instantly 'hook up' with loads of people and the personality goes on the back burner, but a '5-6' male or female can convince a '10' he/she''s great IF they have this amazing personality that shines through.

Personally, i love my height!!

If i was asked if i would be happier with being shorter, knowing how it is to be taller, i'd flat out say no, but if you were born shorter you probably would never know so it becomes kind of a moot point.

[Clark Kent]

It's not speculation, studies indicate women prefer their mates to be at least 5" to 6" taller than themselves. Male height is one of the most reliable traits found in women's ranking of desirable traits found in men.

It's actually a hindrance in Hollywood to be tall for a man as cinematographers have very firm ideas on how to shoot a couple on screen. Most male stars have been very short in recent times. Since camera tricks and perspective can hide their actual height on screen, being 5'6" is no hindrance in Hollywood.

[NARMAK]

Originally Posted by pmac

The truth is, it doesn't matter what you look like or how tall you are or your weight. You are what is inside. Some people are just ignorant because they are beautiful by the impossible standards of todays media driven society, and some people could be your best friend for life, but you will never find out because you won't give a fat person the time of day.

I kind agree but i also disagree to a degree. You see, being 'slim and in shape' should be about health first and foremost and for the most part, i've yet to see a healthy 'version' of a person that isn't 'better' than their 'fat version' in the sense that they are physically looking good, they are feeling confident etc.

IF you mean Hollywood pushes this waif thin figure, then i'd have to point you more to the fashion world than movies imo, but Hollywood does probably portray buff males and preened females with sun bright white teeth more than any other medium in 'real life' situations.

I give people a chance, but i just think looking as good as possible without resorting to going under the knife and excessively going OCD on products etc. is probably the most balanced approach.

I have been 'fat' but i feel like the same sorta person but i KNOW that being slim gave me a greater level of confidence and experiences and i loved being able to wear more fashionable clothes.

i think 'excessive vanity' is the problem. Not a small amount that makes you want to keep yourself looking good. How that translates into looks depends on the societies and individuals idea of what 'good looking' and style is.