I'm not an adjective! I have a name!

All throughout my life, I've been asked the proper word to describe my existence in society? Is it Midget, Dwarf, or Little Person? Of course, since the word Midget is derogatory and offensive, I've often said Dwarf or Little Person. But as I sit back and read some of the Facebook Pages, the various posts, and blogs, I wonder sometimes if the latter can be just as offensive to some in our community. Personally, I never took offense to the word "Dwarf", even when used in a fantasy type setting, such as books and movies. Perhaps it's because I never had a child or even an adult yell out across a crowded market, "Hey, look at that Dwarf!" But, one word I have often had issue with and I think it can be demeaning in the same way as the word "Midget"  is the word "Little". When I think of the word "Little", I attributed it to being inferior, smaller than everyone else, and having a lesser impact.

There was a recent debate regarding a book called "The Dwarf in the Drawer" which is supposed to be a parody of the Christmas Tradition "The Elf on The Shelf", and while many were upset, there were those who didn't take issue, and felt we had more things to worry about, whether it was Health care, Employment, Equal Rights, and other issues that affect our community.  I didn't seem to take issue, because once again, the word Dwarf has never bothered me, I understand the satirical nature, and I agree that we have to focus on the everyday issues that affect our community. But while I was watching this debate go back and forth, I was thinking of the terminology that is considered politically incorrect to describe those with Dwarfism, and I wondered, what makes the word little acceptable? I know that it's the first word of our wonderful organization, Little People of America, but if one is upset about the word Dwarf, why not little? It reminds me when I was working at a retirement facility during college, and an elderly man come up to me and said "Hi Little Man", and before I can even think about it, an elderly woman following him went off and said "How dare he call you little man!" "Who does he think he is!" Of course, I said, "It's no big Deal" but she replied "It is a big deal!" "Don't let him belittle you like that!"  So, now 22 years later, I'm recapturing the moment and saying to myself "I can understand her argument."  I can see how this could be degrading to some, because how often in society do we use an adjective before the person's name or gender when we address someone? I've never heard someone say" Hello Obese Man!" or "Hello Skinny Woman"! It's probably never going to happen, because we would say "Hello Sir!" or "Hello Ma'am, or if we know their name we might say "Hello Mike!" "Hello Mike!" That's it!!! That answers the question that was asked earlier! What do I want to be called, or what is the proper name for me? Call me Mike! There we go!!!

As I sit and think about our children, and children that are growing up with Dwarfism(LPA members or not) I think it's important that we give them an identity early in life, and that they are known by their name, and not an adjective. I know everyone has their own views on this, but when I see shirts and slogans that say "Love a Little", I don't feel this is doing our children any justice. I understand that there are some using slogans like this to create an awareness, but how about we keep things simple and proper. Instead of "Love a Little", how about "Sydney's Campaign for Awareness..or maybe just use the phrase we use every October, and that is Dwarfism Awareness..Instead of saying "How many littles have had decompression surgery?" replace this with "How many children with Dwarfism have had decompression surgery?" or "How many adults with Dwarfism have had decompression surgery?" Think about it...I don't think other races, nationalities, or disabilities would use an adjective in describing themselves or their children with similar questions. In fact, I feel it would be offensive.

So, as I sit here 22 years later, thinking about my conversation with Alice, I am grateful that it took place. I know the man didn't mean anything by calling me "Little Man", and if he did. I have forgiven him, but because of the conversations and everything else conveyed to me by friends and loved ones in life, it has given me a stronger sense that we should be known by who we are and our names, and not an adjective.