Being Short in the US... is it a problem in everyday life

[ScaredyFelix 1]

Just wondering how people are treated in accordance with their height?

I have a general idea on what people stereotype me when I go there because of my race but I'm more interested on Height.

I'm 5'5ft and 27 years old. In my country that's relatively normal for an adult male (5'8-6ft and above are giants)

So anyone encounters some social awkwardness???

Most likely I'm going to buy my clothes at the children's department, I may be classified as a pedo

Like to here some stories whether personal or a friend's experience... especially in college because I'm studying there.(hopefully)

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Is it a problem? No - not like it is going to cause you pain or get you arrested.

Is it an inconvenience? Probably. The average height for men in the U.S. is approximately 5'10" so obviously many things for men will be geared to this height.

I am on the other end of the spectrum, I am an extremely tall female in the U.S. so you can expect comments, general teasing ("how's the weather up/down there" etc) but really it is all about the attitude you take.

Problem vs. inconvenience

This is an inconvenience.

Good luck

Is it a problem? No - not like it is going to cause you pain or get you arrested.

Is it an inconvenience? Probably. The average height for men in the U.S. is approximately 5'10" so obviously many things for men will be geared to this height.

I am on the other end of the spectrum, I am an extremely tall female in the U.S. so you can expect comments, general teasing ("how's the weather up/down there" etc) but really it is all about the attitude you take.

Problem vs. inconvenience

This is an inconvenience.

Good luck

[ScaredyFelix 1]

Just wanted to say I'm so jealous of your height...

In my country height here is an issue for employment

but I'm more worried about the bullying aspect. I just want to get my degree and get out as possible. The mid level management position is waiting for me at home

On a positive note, airplanes are roomier for me

[millefleur 5,046]

If you live in a big city where there are a lot of immigrants, men your height are pretty common. And while it's shorter than average, it's not THAT short. I've had male friends your height or close to it and I didn't even notice their height. I really don't think it'll be a problem.

I can't speak for others, but bullying is more of a middle school/high school thing. In college and university, people tend to be a bit more mature...people are too busy with exams and their own personal lives to care much about who's short or not. There might be a token bully or someone who tries to pick on you, but if that happens, just avoid those people. They aren't worth your time.

Concerning employment: for most jobs, nobody will care. Certain jobs where physical traits and appearances are more important, it might be a factor, but most places are not likely to care about your height.

Oh and I forgot to mention: people might just mistake you as being younger than you are. You will probably be ID'ed more than taller people. Slightly annoying, but you'll get used to it.

Edited November 23, 2016 by millefleur

[NikLR 13,227]

People will tease, if you want to consider this bullying that's your choice. There is a difference between friendly teasing and bullying though. Generally you can ask someone to stop joking around and they will.

[ScaredyFelix 1]

Well that's a relief but I think there will be a civil war going on in the US if the White vs Minorities thing to continue.

I just want to be mentally prepared when I go to college (and wait out the 2 years) then go back home.

Need to beef up credentials to get into top companies here.*** I'm just an average solid B+ student

[NikLR 13,227]

Ive had male friend who are 5'6 and then others at 6'5. Personality is what matters and a sense of humor and a thicker skin gets you far in life

[ScaredyFelix 1]

If you live in a big city where there are a lot of immigrants, men your height are pretty common. And while it's shorter than average, it's not THAT short. I've had male friends your height or close to it and I didn't even notice their height. I really don't think it'll be a problem.

I can't speak for others, but bullying is more of a middle school/high school thing. In college and university, people tend to be a bit more mature...people are too busy with exams and their own personal lives to care much about who's short or not. There might be a token bully or someone who tries to pick on you, but if that happens, just avoid those people. They aren't worth your time.

Concerning employment: for most jobs, nobody will care. Certain jobs where physical traits and appearances are more important, it might be a factor, but most places are not likely to care about your height.

Oh and I forgot to mention: people might just mistake you as being younger than you are. You will probably be ID'ed more than taller people. Slightly annoying, but you'll get used to it.

I have a bushy beard and look more middle eastern than a "Filipino". So looking young is the least of my worries.

PS: Don't got to bars (I don't drink alcohol), my co-workers tease me that I'm a "man-child" because I like to drink chocolate milk and watch old Saturday cartoons.

In retrospect I think they're right if bullying is in my agenda

Edited November 23, 2016 by ScaredyFelix

[millefleur 5,046]

Well that's a relief but I think there will be a civil war going on in the US if the White vs Minorities thing to continue.

I just want to be mentally prepared when I go to college (and wait out the 2 years) then go back home.

Need to beef up credentials to get into top companies here.*** I'm just an average solid B+ student

College campuses tend to be very inclusive. You most likely will feel welcomed and won't feel much racism there. People may ask you dumb and silly questions about your home country, but that's not personal against you. They will most likely just be genuinely curious and lack knowledge about where you are from.

In the outside world, it's harder to say. There might be some weird and off-color Asian jokes or other dumb stereotyping...again, it's best to ignore such comments. People who are at that level of thinking are probably not worth engaging in conversation with.

Anyway, your English seems mighty good so I think if people get that you're intelligent and you can communicate with them, your race or height won't really play much of a role in how they judge you, generally speaking. Bad apples are out there, but most Americans (especially younger people) will be welcoming.

[Starflyer 59 16]

I am a 5'6" male - US citizen. I used to be teased when I was much younger, but that stopped after I graduated from high school. In my adult life no one has ever really cared (except for one woman that I dated years before my wife who was 1" taller than me and it bothered her to no end. Needless to say, we didn't date for long). In my professional life (an office engineering job) no one cares in the least, and I've never been teased in that environment. Now, if you were to work in a factory or construction job, or somewhere where you're surrounded by much taller/bulkier men, you may be the brunt of a few light-hearted jokes, but you'd be very unlikely to experience outright bullying. I've been in that type of work situation too, and the men were all very friendly and respectful toward me even though there was an occasional "fun-loving" comment made.

I too was able to wear children's clothing sizes (10-12) even as an adult in my late thirties. Now, they'd be a little tight around the mid-section for me though so I am more comfortable in adult smalls and mediums, but I totally get where you're coming from with that. But nothing to be concerned about - no one ever thought anything of it when I shopped in those departments.

Like you, I also do not drink any alcohol, and this has never been a problem with any of my friends or co-workers. They are all very understanding (and even supportive) of that fact.

All in all, don't spend too much time being concerned about these things. You'll find that most people will be friendly and accepting of you as you are.

And good luck with your studies!

[Funny side story about being small in America: When I turned 16 and started driving I was only 4'10" and I had an extreme baby-face. You should have seen the looks I would get in parking lots when I would pull up in my car and people saw what they thought was a 9-10 year old getting out of the driver's seat - hahaha].

[sharkfin07 16]

Don't worry about your height. Napoloen Bonaparte was only an inch taller than you and he became an emperor.

So it's all about attitude and self confidence. Besides, most people are attracted to confident others.

Also, it is said, "the best things in life come in small packages."

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Just wanted to say I'm so jealous of your height...

In my country height here is an issue for employment

but I'm more worried about the bullying aspect. I just want to get my degree and get out as possible. The mid level management position is waiting for me at home

On a positive note, airplanes are roomier for me

And I am jealous of yours. Being so tall makes it really difficult to buy pants that fit.

No issues with employment nor with bullying.

Good luck

[yuna628 9,676]

5'5''? Try 5'1''....

Americans don't really care about height so much. I mean sure, it's harder for us short people to sit in a chair and get our feet on the ground, or to see in a movie theater, but beyond that.. just because you're short isn't going to be problem. At your height I don't see you in the kids section either. Men's small and medium should do. The problem you might have is trouser length (it's hell for me as a woman).

You know, my husband recently went to a local college for an interview the other week. I happen to know one of the students... he's short-statured. And despite his size he's a popular guy, with lots of friends, holds a job, and is one of the most joyful people you could ever want to meet. He never lets anything or anyone stop him.

[ScaredyFelix 1]

5'5''? Try 5'1''....

Americans don't really care about height so much. I mean sure, it's harder for us short people to sit in a chair and get our feet on the ground, or to see in a movie theater, but beyond that.. just because you're short isn't going to be problem. At your height I don't see you in the kids section either. Men's small and medium should do. The problem you might have is trouser length (it's hell for me as a woman).

You know, my husband recently went to a local college for an interview the other week. I happen to know one of the students... he's short-statured. And despite his size he's a popular guy, with lots of friends, holds a job, and is one of the most joyful people you could ever want to meet. He never lets anything or anyone stop him.

Thanks for the encouragement but truthfully speaking, after work I just do generally 3 things

1) Eat

2) Sleep

3) Watch youtube videos

***I'm a very bland person (Interacting with people face-face scares the bejeebers with me) that is why I like the supportive role instead of the main cast

Also my interview was this don't know how the hell I passed o.O

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

I don't think it is going to be a problem for you. In general, I think people will try and not comment on your height because they sense you might be sensitive about it or that it is probably not ok to joke about. On the other hand my husband, who is about 13 inches taller than you, constantly gets comments and it can be hard/expensive to get good fitting clothes. #tallpeopleproblems