Can a short man be assertive and taken seriously without being seen as having a Napoleon complex?

[Anonymous]

I'm not denying that many short men do show aggression out of insecurity because, honestly many short men are often subject to ridicule and bullying throughout their lives. But often when I have the best of intentions people just giggle and talk down to me. It's almost like they feel that such a small person should not take himself seriously and should just let other people tell him what to do.

In my local language there are different ways of address based on level of respect/formality. Elders tend to talk to younger people with the second or third level of formality. I am very often addressed in the second or third level of formality even by people younger than me. If I go to a store or a bank, the clerks and staff always try to tell me what to do and speak to me as if I'm a child.

[sawno]

I think its the lack of danger that causes that, a lot of assertion in the world has a subcontious warning of violance or negative consequences when a boundry gets crossed. If they perceive you as harmless it might be why they don't take it seriously.

Does mean you have to change tactics if your current ones aren't working. I am tall but very skinny so I also dont have an intimidating presence but I never had issues with assertion. Granted I am often in a position of power but even among coworkers I dont have issues.

So my question is more on why they laugh to begin with. Why do you feel the need to assertive and why is it that response? Because to me that goes beyond your height, can be your standing in the group in general or you are just around toxic people.

[sawno]

I missed the level of formality part, that sucks its in your language but that is also where i'd show strength. I'd address them one lower than the one they picked if possible and assert I will not do business if not addressed with formality.

Because thats how those cultures work right? You do not accept their act of disrespecting you or else there is a consequence. Such as you having a word with the manager or leaving the store.

[Anonymous]

Yes they definitely can. It's all about how they carry themselves.

[Anonymous]

I doubt if any of this even happens. It certainly never happens to any short guy I know.

[theREELZNEEZZ]

Your frame here is wrong. So I'm going to clue you in to a crucial aspect of masculinity that is increasingly being lost in the age of wokesplaining, "get therapy," and criiiiinge omg...

... stop. giving. a. fuck. about. what others think.

When someone disrespects you or steps over the line, there is nothing wrong with checking them.

People who mock you or jeer you for doing so are just revealing how morally bankrupt they are as people and how they truly see you.

Newsflash: tall or short, most people see your average dude as a sucker who should just shut up and take shit from his 'betters.'

So, it shouldn't even be a question to you --- how can I stand up for myself without people thinking poorly of me in some way.

YOU CAN'T.

The entire reason you have to stand up for yourself in the first place is that in this world there are forces and people looking to dominate and oppress you, son.

Never ever question your god-given right to tell any of those types to fuck off.

[Staximus]

Grow a beard or something