'Heightism' & Other Ideas

Today in class, we discussed the idea of 'heightism', and how it is an idea that is burnt into our minds without us realising it. It involves the stereotype that men are taller than women, and suggests that when a man and a woman are in a relationship, it is more normal and socially acceptable when the man is the taller person. Heightism is discrimination against the men who are short, and the women who are tall.

Another stereotype similar to this is the expectation of men to be stronger and bigger than women, well-built, and muscular, and for women to be weaker and smaller then men, petite, skinny, and with big boobs and butt. Men who are not very muscular, skinny or overweight, are dismissed as  unattractive and so are women with an athletic or muscular build, or who are overweight.

Additionally, a stereotype that is more sub-conscious is that of hair length. Men are expected to have short hair and women are expected to have long hair. Women who have short hair are assumed to be a  lesbian, and men who have long hair are seen as not masculine.