Recently, in an article in an online article written by Erika Nardini, who claims to be a professional consultant in the height industry, she claims that all is not well with our society regarding height and gender issues, pointing out that many employers are now targeting “certain groups” of workers for mandatory height requirements. Heightist sites have been all a buzz in the last several years, as more people have grown to enjoy looking both taller and thinner, which allow for a fuller and more voluminous torso, versus a short and stocky appearance. Heightist sites have gained quite a bit of press over the past couple of years, but what’s really behind it? Heightism, or the term “tallest woman” (which is most often used in a sexual context), has been used for quite some time now.
Height is a highly subjective trait, which has roots in genetics. Height differences can also be caused by cultural differences and life experiences, so the question of why and how height differences occur is more complex than one would initially think. Height is most often affected by genetic factors passed down through the generations, but it can also be influenced by one’s race or nationality. Height is also influenced by one’s level of physical fitness, both genetically and biologically. For instance, African-Americans tend to be shorter on average than whites, because they live in sub-standard environments with little access to medical treatment or health care, and are forced to live with physical disabilities brought about by their racial and ethnic backgrounds. These physical disabilities manifest themselves physically in lower levels of physical fitness.
Heightism affects both men and women, and although certain nationalities are known to be genetically predisposed to being tall or short, height issues can run into any race or nationality at any given point in history. For instance, during the height crisis of the 1970s, African Americans made up the largest portion of those seeking assistance from height increasing facilities. Whether or not height-increasing products work for each individual still remains to be seen.