Height is an issue often raised in articles on ethnicity, but height is often used as an excuse or benefit in articles on an African American or Asian American like height is an issue or advantage in other articles on diversity and in the field of articles on ethnicity. However, one of my articles on height was rejected by a major online magazine and then Ms. Nicole Kidman sent me a Cease & Desist letter to threaten me because she claimed that I wrote that she was “over-sized” in the above article. Height does not appear to be an advantage or an excuse in this case but it appears to be a way of threatening.
Owing to being from New York City and living in New York City, I am aware that I have been called “Eighth” by some older ladies when I go into the grocery store; yet, I did not grow a full four feet during my eight-year tenure in the NBA. This does not make me “less talented” as some might claim. I just happen to live in New York City and there are plenty of people who do not. Being called a “Eighth” by someone who would prefer to be called by his or her real name, perhaps because they grew up in Brooklyn, NY and was calledUGreek Rose where “Eighth” and “Rose” are considering appropriate names, indicates that they perceive size as an issue in the NBA and their basketball future, rather than a problem that must be resolved.
Owing to being from New York City and having been scouted many times by agents and still being asked about my height even after making it into the fashion industry, I believe it is important to call attention to the issue of size and perceived size in the African American and Asian American communities. It is no wonder that we have so many stereotypes. The media can contribute to those stereotypes by continuing to project negative image of the Black and Asian American men and women. Even though the “Asian Complexity” issue has been addressed in some blogs on how to “rise with grace,” more needs to be done to correct and erase the racism towards Asian Americans and Africans Americans. By standing up for ourselves and loving ourselves, we will be giving our children a fighting chance.