You Must Be This Tall To 'Ride': The Life of the 5'10 and Under Brother

I'm not short. Well, by my standards.

According to Wikipedia, the average height in the United States for males is 5'10. My height varies from 5'7 to about 5'10, depending on who I'm talking to. I'll throw 5'10 out as bait and see who bites, working my way back to my true height of 5'7. As most vertically challenged men will reiterate, being considered short is extremely difficult to compensate for. Jagged edge teeth? Braces or Invisalign will get you straight. Acne? Rick Ross would tell you very bluntly: Proactiv got that Justin Beiber, please believe ya. Follow the program and you're cleared up. There's a solution for many conditions, but height has yet to be countered. 

For the brother listed at 5'10, consider yourself Lil' Wayne: excuse the poor English, but "y'all ain't got no worries." Guys standing at 5'9 and under, however, have a little work on their hands. You have to be exceptional at the other elements of life: become funny (Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, Katt Williams), work on your music (Usher, Ne-Yo, Jermaine Dupri), ball out of control (AI, CP3, Nate Robinson) or get your money up. Those are just a few ways to distinguish yourself from behind the 6'4 brother taking up all the space in the club. When you do stand out, the fact that you are a big dog considered below average height somewhat works in your favor. As a respected short man, be sure to educate those unfamiliar with the challenges of the pocket-sized player. There are many people out there who don't understand our, I mean, your pain. Let's take a look at the obstacles:

Stand tall amongst the big guys.

Girls Overlook You. There's a smart behind tall girl reading this and responding, "I overlook you because I can't see you." I should headbutt you in the kneecaps. While not all women agree with this, there is a contingent of females that are not remotely attracted to short guys, even before a single conversation. The closest comparison is men's stigma with light skinned women. Though we are entitled to preference, it's never good to deny without first hand experience. Like beauty, society portrays manhood with a particular look, and that look is shown as a tall, athletic men. From this, two main number of stereotypes are established: Tall men are more capable of the prerequisites of being a man (protection, intimacy), and that being with a tall man is a "good look" reputation-wise. Short men, no matter their personality or prestige, are often perceived as incapable of these male qualities. 

In addition, girls concerned with their image immediately identify a smaller male's...shortcomings in the height department. Guys, have you ever heard this? "I'll have to wear flats when we go out." What? The short man is a grown man, and concerned with your chemistry, not your height difference. Very rarely do I agree with Drake, but put them freaking heels on, and work it girl.

People Think You Are An Easy Win. Many short men are a bit...edgy. We easily identify when a person is undermining us and call people out on it through a myriad of ways. For this action, short fellows are stated to possess a "Napoleon Complex", a mental state highlighted by over aggressive behavior that is characterized by one trying to compensate for their lack of height. At times, this is an accurate response to our actions. However, this complex also stems from the little man being taken lightly. The short man is often tested and disrespected as a result of his stature: it occurs in the club, at his job, and worse of all, in his home. Do not assume anything about the short man. You don't know him, so why are you so confident and assured in your disrespect? Since you are so "sure" that you can take him, also be sure of this: He won't go down easy, he can argue with the big boys, and he's good at basketball. Yes I said basketball; I will drop more treys than Songz (think about it).

The Little Man's Success is Nothing "Short" of a Miracle. Often, I wonder what went through the minds of victorious little men when they overcame the odds. How did quarterback Doug Flutie perservere through the skepticism and player hatred? What motivated my favorite basketball player Allen Iverson to keep standing up? When did David from the bible realize he had Goliath, or the 1-2-3 Kid when he beat Razor Ramon (Ray-mon)?" For all of these men, a second opponent loomed large in the background, and that was doubt. Following up the previous point, few believe you can make it, but when you do, the underdog element multiplies your success and celebrity. The reason? NO ONE BELIEVED. Put that in context and the little man can be taken aback by it all. 

Think this is preposterous? You'd be surprised. 

To see so many people in your corner (when you saw them previously laughing or dismissing you) can create an air of spite and cockiness. Be appreciative of the victory and the glory that followed, but don't get lazy or arrogant. The wrong sleight of hand will leave your poor and unpopular, the last TWO things a short man wants to be. You won't be getting any buns. No matter what the actual height is, nearly all short men are questioned, roasted, and ridiculed about their standing.

To my brothers of smaller stature, I charge you to stand up...and stand out. At times, people (especially those you want the most respect from) will say and do things that push you to retort and overcompensate for acceptance. Screw that; tor all questions of height, feed them answers of charm, desire, intellect, and prominence. Short man are usually big on heart, which allow us to stand head and shoulders above many others.

Cedric Perry is a producer, blogger, and author of the novels “In Line for Love” and “Homecoming”. Currently he produces the web sitcom “We’re Just Talking” and hosts “Pick 6″, a talk show which discusses everyday issues, highlighting how to successfully maneuver through them. For more, follow him on twitter at @chrisbrown_skin and check out his blog at www.cedsconfessions.com.

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