I noticed a lot of takes recently regarding height. I’ve seen tall people bashing short people and short people bashing tall people. Well just like race, height is something that people shouldn’t even be up for debate. I’ve already written this take in which I discuss heightism. However, now I’ll go over the pros and cons of short and tall people.
Pros of being short
1.) Faster reflexes: Yes, short people actually have faster reflexes as a result of the shorter distance brain signals have to travel.
2.) less likely to get cancer: As hard as it may sound to believe there have been studies that indicate that short people are less likely to get cancer.
3.) Shorter people are more fluid/dexterous in mobility: A short person will find themselves being able to move around easier than taller people. This becomes a major advantage in full contact sports.
4.) Can fit in smaller areas: A shorter and leaner person will find themselves being able to fit in smaller areas better than taller and bulkier people. Examples: cars, beds, showers etc.
5.)Faster: Shorter people on average can move their bodies faster than taller people as a result of less weight.
6.)Shorter people live longer on average: Many short people have something called the longevity gene which allows them to live longer than taller people.
7.)better Strength to weight ratio: A 5’6” 180lb man will usually be able to lift more than a 6’2” 180lb man. However this also has to do with shorter limb length, shorter range of motion equates to less effort having to be generated when lifting heavy objects.
8.)look younger: Shorter people tend to get mistaken as being younger than they really are. Many people have thought I was 4 years younger than I really am.
9.) Less likely to get injured in sports: The injury rate of shorter athletes is lower than the injury rate of taller athletes.
10.)Better leverage(grappling sports): In full contact grappling sports, shorter competitors will often find it easier to apply joint lock submissions on taller opponents due to the better leverage of the longer limbs.
cons of being short
1.) Less reach: You’ll find it harder to reach items on a shelf and certain tasks that require reach in a job will also be more difficult. Example: package handling.
2.) You won’t be taken seriously: Let’s face it. Short people especially short guys are often subject to ridicule due to their short stature. Certain employers will also not hire you and you’ll get laughed at when you get angry.
3.)Harder to find a date: This is the most obvious one, shorter people will often times find it harder to find a date because most people prefer dating taller people.
4.) many clothes won’t fit you: You’ll often find that clothes are too big for you.
5.)Feel lees secure in public: Shorter people often find themselves being less secure in public.
Pros of being tall
1.) Better reach: Well duh. This doesn’t require a explanation.
2.) Taken more seriously: Tall people are often taken more seriously than short people. You go to a job interview, your chances of being hired go up slightly. When you get mad, people will yield to you.
3.)Feel more secure: If you are tall, you’ll find yourself feeling more secure in public and sometimes even cocky.
4.) Have it easier in the dating world: Tall stature is considered an attractive trait in our culture. Being tall will definitely give you a better chance at scoring a date.
5.) Easier to find clothes that fit: At stores, you have more choices in clothing. There are even entire sections just for tall people.
6.) Take longer steps: If you are in a hurry you can take longer steps to reach your destination faster.
7.) Higher IQ: On average(not always) taller people have better IQ as shown by some studies
8.) Deliver heavier strikes(full contact sports): Taller people are usually heavier than shorter people so in full contact sports they can put more weight behind their strikes.
cons of being tall
1.). Less fluidity/maneuverability: Tall people will usually find it harder to move around especially in cramped areas. This becomes a problem in cramped working conditions and in full contact sports.
2.) slower reflexes: Taller people have slower reflexes based on the longer distance the nerve signals have to travel. It has been verified on several occasions.
3.) Harder to lift objects: The higher center of gravity and longer range of motion means taller people will have to exert more force to lift objects.
4.) susceptible to cancer: Studies have shown that Tall people have an increased chance of getting cancer.
5.)susceptible to injuries: Taller people, especially taller athletes are a lot more susceptible to getting injured due to harder falls and excessive weight on legs.
6.) less likely to have the longevity gene: While it’s still possible to have it, the chances of a tall person having it are lower.
On a side note, height alone does not determine how strong a person is. You can be short and strong, tall and weak or vice versa. Height also doesn’t determine prowess, skill, talent or physical attractiveness. Those are all traits that are independent of your height.
While there are probably more pros and cons to being either short or tall, these are some of the more important ones. So whether you are tall or short, just embrace your height. There’s nothing you can do to change it.
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