So, I recently came out of a proverbial closest and revealed that I'm a Dwarf. This, obviously and understandably, has piqued alot of people's curiosity. They have questions. This is something I encourage, as I'd rather answer the same question dozens of times then have people stare and wonder. However, I don't rally want to hijack the various threads I'm involved in with those kind of things, so, I am making this thread.
Here, feel free to ask me anything*, where it be pertaining to my Dwarfism, or I suppose anything else about me (I've also recently revealed that I'm gay, a vegitarian/attempting to go vegan, and a Magic player. 'K, that last one was a bit obvious...). I'm pretty easy-going and open about my "condition", and my hope is that by getting some of those question answered here, should you ever actually meet a Dwarf in real life, the enounter will be much less awkward, both for you and them.
So, ask away.
*I would like to hope common sense would tell you what kind of questions are and are not appropriate.
Here is a compilations of questions asked. I have modified a few of them to be more general (you can see full context in the thread).
Q: Do you think you will handle amorous advances by non-drawfs with skepticism?
A: I'm not saying I find it hard to believe "big people" can find Dwarfs attractive; there were some girls I went to high school with that I'm pretty sure found (find?) me attractive: I went to Snoball with them (Snoball is like prom, but the girls ask the guys, so it's not like they said "yes" out of pity). My days of having a "nobody will ever like me because I'm a freak" attitude are long since over. And yes, there was a time I thought that, but most people probably go through that phase.
That all said, I probably will be (overly) cautious when I begin dating. During a brief foray into online dating, I found most guys had one of two very distinct reations when I told them I was a Dwarf (because they apparently didn't take the time to read my profile :-/): They either instantly lost all interest they may have had in me, or they got way too interested. For some reason, I'd say "Dwarf," and they start thinking "SM/Bondage." It is an association I will never understand.
Q: If you were given the choice to not be a dwarf or be a dwarf, would you would pick to remain a dwarf?
A: That is a very dangerous notion to entertain. I can wish, hope, and pray I weren't a Dwarf all the live-long day, and it wouldn't change a damn thing; I'd still be a Dwarf, just a more depressed one. It's a cycle alot of people with Dwarfism, and other "disabilities," often fall into, and it pretty much ruins their life. I accept who I am; I occationally wonder what life would be like if I weren't a Dwarf, but I know I wouldn't be the same person in so many other wasy because of it.
Q: Do you sometimes wish you weren't a Dwarf?
A: The thing is, that's an extremely difficult question to answer. If I truely were, somehow, given the choice to not be a Dwarf, I might take it, but I can't really know what I would do in that kind of unrealistic situation. What I was saying was that I've accepted the fact that I am a Dwarf, and I'm happy.
Q: Can you drive a car? How?
A: Yes; a raised seat and a hand throttle next to the steering wheel. Think half of a motorcycle handlebar; turn it for gas, push in for brake. I could have gotten extended foot pedals, but this would have made it virtually undriveable by the rest of my family. While I am the primary driver of my car, we assumed (correctly) that occation would arise that one of my parents would need to drive it, so we opted for the hand throttle. I am capable of driving a card without it, but it requires me to push the seat all the way back, and standing up while driving. Very uncomfortable, and definately not the safest.
Q: What is your cause of Dwarfism?
A: Achondroplasia, the most common cause of Dwarfism; I think it accounts for about 70% of all cases of Dwarfism, including mine. For a more scientific rundown of it, you can check here.
Basically: AC (I'll call it that for short) is a dominat trait; if you have the "Dwarf gene", then you're a Dwarf. However, as a result, the gene can't sit dormant for generations and suddenly spring up, like some genetic conditions. If I were to have a child (assuming the mother weren't an AC Dwarf), they would have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene. If they didn't, and then had a kid oif their own, it would have no more chance of being a Dwarf than anyone else (again, assuming none of the other parents are Dwarfs). So, if one of my grandparents were a Dwarf, it would really have had no effect on me unless one of my parents had inherited it to pass on to me. I am the only Dwarf in my family.
Q: There are a number of terms used to describe dwarfs. I have heard and read varying accounts of their different meanings. What are the differences, if any, between the terms dwarf, midget, and 'little people'?
A: The word "Dwarf" is used to describe someone of short stature and disproportional shortness, which is usally caused by a genetic disorder. The "M word" is, medically speaking, used to describe someone who is of short stature and proportional shortness, usually caused by a hormone imbalance. (These are fairly rare, now, as they're pretty much treatable with hormone therapy) Obviously, th "M word" is now consided offensive, so I wouldn't recommend using it, even in the correct context. Some prefer to be called "Little People" instead of "Dwarfs", but that's just a matter of preference; there isn't exactly a difference. "Little Person/People" is the safer bet, as most who prefer "Dwarf" don't mind LP, but those who prefer LP can get offended if you say "Dwarf."
Q: What about "vertically challenged"?
A: Strangely, I've never liked that term. I don't know why, but it's always sounded like it's implying it's my fault I'm short. Weird, I know, but that's how it is. I prefer Dwarf, but Little Person (LP) is fine as well.
Q: Why is the M word considered offensive?
A: A standard "euphamism treadmill." It was originally the correct term for people of short stature, but then people began using it in a derogatory manner (loooong ago), so it became a sort of "bad word." The same thing happened with words like "crippled" and "retarded." Those words were once proper terms, but have now become "politically incorrect." That's just how thigns worked.
It may also have to do with the fact that actual midgets are extremely rare, as we know how to treat the major causes of the problem (it's usually a hormone imbalance that can be corrected). So calling a Dwarf the M word would be like calling a Vietnamese person Chinese; it's just the wrong term.
Q: Is the proper plural dwarfs or dwarves?
A: To the best of my knowledge, "Dwarves" is the plural form when refering to the fantasy creatures, like in The Hobbit, DnD, Magic, etc. "Dwarfs" is the correct plural form when talking about real people. I've sometimes seen it the other way, but it's a disticntion that's rarely made when speaking, so not many know or care.
Q: Do you think that you being a Dwarf, an alternate (albeit genetic) lifestyle, pushed you into the other alternate lifestyles you're in (specifically vegan / homosexuality)?
A: First off, you're implying homosexuality is a choice, at least in my case, which I disagree with.
It's possible. There are some decisions that are a bit easier to make when you don't have to worry about suddenly not fitting in, this is true. My psychiatrist would agree with you that I'm intentionally making desicions and lifestyle choices that defy societal norms for a bit of the "shock value"; personally I thought the guy was on crack, but I admit his theory has some validaty. I've never consiously said, "I want to do that because that's different/alternative." I do what I want and feel is "right." Can't say what perticularly draws me to some of these diecisions (can anyone, really, though?).
I think there can also be a bit of "pride" in being different; for me, with the exception of my skin color (white), and possibly gender, nothing about me is within the "majority", and maybe part of me takes pride in that, and like accentuating the fact. But like I said, I didn't decide to go vegan just because it was different, I didn't join a church just because it was different; I did what I thought was right.
Q: After living with your disability and facing the hardships, do you still want to someday have children, knowing the figures and odds that they too might be Dwarves? Has your experience been such that you would want to potentially pass on the gene?
A: Well, considering I'm gay, that pretty much rules out any chances of having a child of my own (ok, it's still plausible, but unlikely...).
That aside, it's a difficult decision. Obviously, there are many Dwarfs that still get married, have kids, and all that jazz. Even Dwarf couples have kids, knowing the 1 in 4 chance of the child not living beyond a week, if at all. No parent wants to wish the condition upon thier child, but you always wonder if growing up would have been easier if one of your parents were like you, could relate to your situation. I didn't know any Dwarfs when I was younger, that that certainly didn't help.
And it's wouldn't be entirely up to me; some Dwarf/non-Dwarf couples decide not to have kids, because the non-Dwarf doesn't want to take the chance. Not to mention the wonders of modern technology make it possible to avoid the chance (but is somewhat frowned upon).
So, basically, I can't definitively answer you "yes" or "no," because I just don't know. Do I want to raise a family? Yes, eventually (have to get over my deep loathing for children first); as to whether they'd be my own children, it's likely a moot point for me.
Q: As a dwarf, do people treat you differently when you walk down the street, are in the grocery store, etc?
A: I get a very wide array of reactions. One I get alot (including here in this very thead...) is "over-cautious"; some people are so worried about saying something wrong, or wording something incorrectly (not slamming you guys, really, just saying). They're afraid to use the words "small", "little," "tiny," etc., even in proper context. I'm pretty laid-back about that kind of stuff, it'd be more hassle than it's worth to get up-in-arms over it.
I also get the other end of the spectrum, those that never learned the meaning of the word "tact" (mostly teenage boys). I had to deal with the "M-word" alot in middle and high school. It doesn't happen very often anymore, but on occation. I mostly just find ways to enjoy myself at their expense (kind of "improvise" the moment), it makes it a bit less frustrating.
Fortunately, I live in a fairly close-knit community, so for the most part I get treated "normally", but pretty much everyone I know had some trouble the first encounter. Can't blame them, the first time I met my legless friend was kind of awkward (for both of us); that's just how it is, you get over it. Usually, by the third time I meet someone, it's not a big deal for them anymore. When walking to work, I occationally get a "double-take" from a passerby, but for the most part I've learned to just tune that stuff out when in public.
Q: Do you require anything in your house to be scaled down to your size?
A: No; my house and everything in it are regular-sized. I know they make scaled things such as chairs, beds, keyboards and mouses (mice?), etc., but the way I see it, things won't be scaled for me in the real world, so I might as well be used to using regular-sized stuff.
Q: How long did it take you for you to equate your dwarfism as a personal strength?
A: I guess it wasn't until last year I really "accepted" myself as a Dwarf. At the same time, I'm still dealling with it. It think it's a bit more perpetual that other "hurdle" issues people deal with (though I don't know, others may say the same about their issue). Alot of other problems are more about self-acceptence, and while Dwarfism has that, there's also the social aspect. Anytime I meet new people, I'm going to have that to get over. Moving away from home is going to be brutal.
Q: Do you agree on the thought that most (heterosexual) dwarfs are (or like to appear as) sexual freaks?
A: No, I don't think Dwarfs by default are sexual freaks, but that's not to say they can't be. We're still people, and just like regular sized people, we have sexual fantasies and fetishes. I think it's just viewed as "bizarre" when it's a Dwarf because, well, Dwarfs are viewed as bizarre.
Remember when Verne Troyer's sex tape was leaked? TMZ apparently posted a 15 second, PG-13 rated clip of it, and in a matter of hours, it accumulated several hundred-thousand views before being taken down. I seriously doubt this was because all those people find Troyer attractive. It's because people are curious how "it" works with an LP. I think that's why some famous Dwarf actors/comedians exploit the sex angle; they know it will get people's attention.
However, I don't know how much you can blame them; if you look at any other comedian, sex is just as prevalent. Comedians of all shapes, colors, and sizes tell jokes about sex because that's what the audience wants. For example, Brad Williams has alot of jokes that revolve around various sexcapades and one-night-stands he's "had" (I'm sure he makes some of them up, just like all comedians), and alot of them are only funny because of his size. However, you see the same sort of thing done by other comics; think of all the Latino comedians who's entire basis for a set is about the fact that they're Latino. So it's not really fair singling Brad out, it's just that he's more noticable.
Q: Do you attribute a higher intelligence to dwarfism? Or any other heightened part of dwarfs as a by-product of possessing the gene?
A: I don't think being a Dwarf makes you smarter by itself, but I know that sometimes people in a disadvantaged position will be more motivated individuals, thereby achieving greater things. For example, my legless friend said when he was younger, people telling him "you can't" just made him try harder. He did a season of little league baseball just because he was told he couldn't, and he wanted to prove he could. Not so much to others, but to himself. I think that's very common, including among Dwarfs.
Q: Does your size actually help you attract more men? Would it be any different if you were heterosexual?
A: Well, it certainly attracts attention. During a failed foray into online dating, anytime I told someone I was a Dwarf (since they apparently didn't bother reading my profile, which clearly stated it :-/), I usually got one of two reactions: they either lost any and all interest they might have had in me, or they got way too interest. They would start talking about SM/bondage stuff, and that just isn't my thing.
I also got alot of messages basically saying, "Hey, you're a m*****! We should have sex!" Classy, I know. This likely goes back to the sexual curiosity, and I'm sure this happens to regular-sized guys/girls of all preferences as well. So, yes, being a Dwarf has helped me attract men, but not in the way I want. I'm currently "off-the-market" (i.e. not looking) and I'm terrified what kind of dating follies I'll have once I start going to bars and alcohol enters the mix... *shutter* And I'm sure I'd have similar experiences/problems women. Oh, wait, I do...
Q: Do you consider yourself a practicing Mormon still?
A: Yes, I am, actually. I go to church, I read my scriptures, say my prayers (most of the time), and all the other things a "good Mormon" does. In fact, the only places I say I consistently slip up are watching R-rated movies, and parts of my music collection couldn't accurately be described as "wholesome."
Q: How did friends/family/those of you faith react to finding out you were homosexual?
A: They don't know, I'm not out yet. I did tell my bishop during our discussions about the prospect of me serving as mission. We tried working through it (you could say we tried to "cure" me), but it just didn't take. Until I feel there's something wrong, we can't fix it. The reason it isn't a real big issue yet is because I haven't "done anything" yet; I entertain some inappropriate thoughts (and, let's face it, who doesn't?), but have yet to act on them. We still meet every other month or so, just kind of checking up to see if anything has changed. (Sidenote: my family isn't LDS, only I am. I joined my Junior year of high school.)
Q: Has there been any backlash from your ward/branch after making that decision?
A: Strangely enough, I'm not too concerned with any sort of backlash if/when I come out to them. There are a few families that I'm pretty close to, usually due to a child I'm friends with, and thus far they've been very supportive of me, even when my plans haven't fit with the Church exactly. I'd like to hope that won't change if they find out.
Q: Do you ever feel at odds with your faith and your sexuality, knowing that the Mormon Church has a very strong Anti-homosexual stance?
A: Yes, sometimes, but for the most part, I try not to think about it. I realize there will come a time that I will be forced to choose between the two. Until then, I'm just trying to figure things out, sort of "weigh my options." Not the greatest of plans, but hey, I sort of thrive on doing things in an "unconventional" manner.
Q: Have you ever found yourself unable to participate in something you really wanted to due to being a dwarf, like riding certain rides at the amusement park (or jobs that are off limits, that kind of thing)?
A: Yes and no. I've very rarely been told flat-out "no, you can't do X," but there have been times that someone (usually one of my parents) has made sure I was aware that things wouldn't be easy because of my size. I also realize when attempting to do something isn't just going to be challenging, it's going to be inconvenient ad just plain not fun for me and all involved. That's why I never attempted sports; I certainly could have, but I just didn't think I, or my teammates, would have had much fun. Most sport involve alot of running (football, soccer, baseball, etc.), or at least that you can run very fast, and I can't do either very well. I once considered trying wrestling, but decided against it for many reason (mostly because it would have conflicted with rehearsals for theatre). So, it's never really kept me from doing something I really wanted, but I've also never really wanted to do something I couldn't.
I haven't been to an amusement park in a very long time, and I don't get the feeling I'd enjoy roller coasters much anyway...
I'm old enough and mature enough to recognize that there will be several opportunites unavailable to me because of my size, and I've accepted that. The world is built for regular-sized people, and I've got to try and make due. But I still have alot of options. I'm hoping to get into acting, and there are enough examples of LP's making it big in that field to encourage me (oh-ho, I made another pun there!). There are also plently of career options where height is irrelevant (ex: most office-type jobs). So, I'll never be a cop, but there are plently of avenues for me to explore.
Q: Conversely, have you ever been especially qualified for something due to being a dwarf?
A: I'd like to think every opportunity and special recognition I've had I earned on my own merits. However, I'm also aware that there will be serveral fields I'm "especially qualified" for. Especially in theatre; I hope to avoid alot of the stereotyping roles (gimmicky, sight-gag roles, you know the kind), but there are several parts where being smaller will be advantageous, or even required (believe it or not, people do write actual parts for Dwarfs, not just "Santa's Elf #4" or "Bridge Troll"). Though it will also kick me out of the running for several major ones; I'll likely never have the opportunity to play Jesus.
Q: How much do you eat/what is your appetite when compared to a normal sized person? One would assume that even if your appetite stayed the same, you would have to eat less because there is less of you to feed.
A: Probably about the same as most other people. This can obviously vary, just like every other person, but I personally eat about as much as any other 20-year-old guy. Since my torso isn't much smaller than mosts, I assume my stomach is still averaged-sized (haven't specifically checked about that). Also, I'm a fairly active individual (I walk to and from work, and I'm up on my feet all day), so I'm sure that's a factor. Basically, I've never been told by my doctor I should eat less just because I'm small. So I don't.
Q: Does alcohol have a greater effect on you do to your reduced size?
A: Yes, alcohol does have a stronger effect on Dwarfs (basic physiology, though; alcohol has a great affect on smaller people). The one time I drank, I hadn't had very much, and I was already feeling pretty buzzed; 2 beers and I was done, while there were people taking shots of hard liquor doing much better than I. Though, like any other person, one can build up their tolerance. I think that can be as big of a factor as anything else.
Q: You've been playing guitar for three years, but do you find it hard to play instruments?
A: Truth is, I use a "special" guitar; it's basically a regular acoustic, but half the size, perfectly to scale. I don't think it was made for LPs, but I was browsing a music shop one day, happened to notice it sitting on a rack, and it was the perfect size for me. It's a Fender, though I don't recall what model or anything (I've since lost all that paperwork and can't find it in/on the guitar itself). I've tried playing a regular-sized guitar, but it's really hard. Even with the mini-guitar, I still have some trouble with some chords; I usually can't play songs at full speed, I have to slow them down a bit.
Q: Oh, and in the Rock Band thread you talked about playing drums. Have you practiced at all with a real kit (as opposed to electric or Rock Band)? I'm about six foot and I still find it hard to find a configuration for my kit that is comfortable for me to reach everything with reasonable timing. How do you combat that?
A: No, I've never played on a real drum set before, only RB sets. But I'm not going to let that deter me; I've heard about other Dwarf drummers. They're no Neil Pert's or Keith Moon's (nor do I expect to ever be), but they manage.
When you told us about the women coming on to you at work, I got the feeling that you were skeptical that she found you attractive. and given the situation you described I think it was justified. But I wondered if you think you will handle amorous advances by non-drawfs with skepticism?
[Assuming I know exactly what you're asking]I'm not saying I find it hard to believe "big people" can find Dwarfs attractive; it was more her manner of coming on to me that made me suspicious. There were some girls I went to high school with that I'm pretty sure found (find?) me attractive: I went to Snoball with them (Snoball is like prom, but the girls ask the guys, so it's not like they said "yes" out of pity). My days of having a "nobody will ever like me because I'm a freak" attitude are long since over. And yes, there was a time I thought that, but most people probably go through that phase.
That all said, I probably will be (overly) cautious when I begin dating. During a brief foray into online dating, I found most guys had one of two very distinct reations when I told them I was a Dwarf (because they apparently didn't take the time to read my profile :-/): They either instantly lost all interest they may have had in me, or they got way too interested. For some reason, I'd say "Dwarf," and they start thinking "SM/Bondage." It is an association I will never understand.
Believe it or not I get a lot of this being a dad. They either drop dead at the word kid or, fallin an undying love beacuase they trying to recoup the family life they didn't have growing up.
I do have a few questions. I hope you do not find them offensive.
First, I was wondering why you do not have a picture of your self. When you said in your profile you where and actor AND you had a pictures of a famous dwarf actor, I thought for a minute you were him.
Also
In the thread about homosexuality, and the elimination there of, you kept saying that you liked to replace the word "homosexual" with "dwarf." It seems to me, in that context, you where saying if given the choice to not be a dwarf or be a dwarf, you would pick to remain a dwarf.
Now when I first thought about that, I was a little surprised, but I thought about it some more and I realized it not like I would want to be taller than I am now. I do not know. I was hoping you could go into that a bit more.
First, I was wondering why you do not have a picture of your self. When you said in your profile you where and actor AND you had a pictures of a famous dwarf actor, I thought for a minute you were him.
Oh, God, I WISH I were Peter Dinklage. That guy is amazing. I don't post pictures of myself out of mild paranioa. You won't see pics of me on my MySpace or Facebook either; everyone who needs to know what I actually look like already know. I guess it can be a bit misleading having that pic of Peter as my profile pic, but I've never said it was me, I've always admitted it wasn't when asked, so I do see it as being decieving. Not that you were implying it was.
In the thread about homosexuality, and the elimination there of, you kept saying that you liked to replace the word "homosexual" with "dwarf." It seems to me, in that context, you where saying if given the choice to not be a dwarf or be a dwarf, you would pick to remain a dwarf.
Now when I first thought about that, I was a little surprised, but I thought about it some more and I realized it not like I would want to be taller than I am now. I do not know. I was hoping you could go into that a bit more.
Basically you're asking, if I were given the choice, would I want to be full sized? That is a very dangerous notion to entertain. I can wish, hope, and pray I weren't a Dwarf all the live-long day, and it wouldn't change a damn thing; I'd still be a Dwarf, just a more depressed one. It's a cycle alot of people with Dwarfism, and other "disabilities," often fall into, and it pretty much ruins their life. I accept who I am; I occationally wonder what life would be like if I weren't a Dwarf, but I know I wouldn't be the same person in so many other wasy because of it. Hope that somewhat answers you question.
I guess I can go ahead and post answers to common questions I often get. Here's one I answered tonight at school:
Q: Can you drive a car?
A: Yes, I can and do drive. I try mostly to walk places, since the places I usually go are pretty close, and with gas prices being what they are...
To answer the inevitable follow-up of "How?": a raised seat and a hand throttle next to the steering wheel. Think half of a motorcycle handlebar; turn it for gas, push in for brake. I could have gotten extended foot pedals, but this would have made it virtually undriveable by the rest of my family. While I am the primary driver of my car, we assumed (correctly) that occation would arise that one of my parents would need to drive it, so we opted for the hand throttle. I am capable of driving a card without it, but it requires me to push the seat all the way back, and standing up while driving. Very uncomfortable, and definately not the safest.
Yes; you can chalk me up to that lovely 1/25,000 chance. Both my parents are normal-sized (quite tall, actually), Neither my sister nor any of my extended family are Dwarfs, but these would actually hold no bearing on whether I'd get it; because of how Achondroplasia (the most common cause of Dwarfism) works, only my parents would matter.
Yes, Achondroplasia is the most common cause of Dwarfism; I think it accounts for about 70% of all cases of Dwarfism, including mine. For a more scientific rundown of it, you can check here.
Basically: AC (I'll call it that for short) is a dominat trait; if you have the "Dwarf gene", then you're a Dwarf. However, as a result, the gene can't sit dormant for generations and suddenly spring up, like some genetic conditions. If I were to have a child (assuming the mother weren't an AC Dwarf), they would have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene. If they didn't, and then had a kid oif their own, it would have no more chance of being a Dwarf than anyone else (again, assuming none of the other parents are Dwarfs). So, if one of my grandparents were a Dwarf, it would really have had no effect on me unless one of my parents had inherited it to pass on to me.
There are a number of terms used to describe dwarfs. I have heard and read varying accounts of their different meanings. What are the differences, if any, between the terms dwarf, midget, and 'little people'?
Bonus question: Is the proper plural dwarfs or dwarves?
There are a number of terms used to describe dwarfs. I have heard and read varying accounts of their different meanings. What are the differences, if any, between the terms dwarf, midget, and 'little people'?
I actually answer this pretty well in this blog and it subsequent comments, but I'll give a brief rundown.
The word "Dwarf" is used to describe someone of short stature and disproportional shortness, which is usally caused by a genetic disorder. The "M word" is, medically speaking, used to describe someone who is of short stature and proportional shortness, usually caused by a hormone imbalance. (These are fairly rare, now, as they're pretty much treatable with hormone therapy) Obviously, th "M word" is now consided offensive, so I wouldn't recommend using it, even in the correct context. Some prefer to be called "Little People" instead of "Dwarfs", but that's just a matter of preference; there isn't exactly a difference. "Little Person/People" is the safer bet, as most who prefer "Dwarf" don't mind LP, but those who prefer LP can get offended if you say "Dwarf."
Bonus question: Is the proper plural dwarfs or dwarves?
To the best of my knowledge, "Dwarves" is the plural form when refering to the fantasy creatures, like in The Hobbit, DnD, Magic, etc. "Dwarfs" is the correct plural form when talking about real people. I've sometimes seen it the other way, but it's a disticntion that's rarely made when speaking, so not many know or care.
Do you think that you being a Dwarf, an alternate (albeit genetic) lifestyle, push you into the other alternate lifestyles you're in (specifically vegan / homosexuality).
I know I'm not really one to talk, I'm pretty effeminate myself, though do you think that in the end, having something that made you take the alternative route, continued "pressing" you to take other alternative routes, thus making homosexuality in your case, a choice not something that you weren't born with?
I found this question suprisingly difficult; I don't know if I can give a satisfactory answer.
First off, you're implying homosexuality is a choice, at least in my case, which I disagree with; don't want to get into that, though.
It's possible. There are some decisions that are a bit easier to make when you don't have to worry about suddenly not fitting in, this is true. My psychiatrist would agree with you that I'm intentionally making desicions and lifestyle choices that defy societal norms for a bit of the "shock value"; personally I thought the guy was on crack, but I admit his theory has some validaty. I've never consiously said, "I want to do that because that's different/alternative." I do what I want and feel is "right." Can't say what perticularly draws me to some of these diecisions (can anyone, really, though?).
I think there can also be a bit of "pride" in being different; for me, with the exception of my eye color (blue) and skin color (white), nothing about me is within the "majority" (not sure if males are in the majority...), and maybe part of me takes pride in that, and like accentuating the fact. But like I said, I didn't decide to go vegan just because it was different, I didn't join a church just because it was different; I did what I thought was right.
Not really about dwarfism, but it's a thread about you!
I'd say it's related to Dwarfism. And I did open up the topic to those other subjects, so it's all good.
If I came out that way, then I correct myself. I meant to say that in my case it was a choice. The rest of the "cases" are what baffle me. I have no answer
Okay, just checking. It sounded like you were implying I chose to be gay. Wasn't sure, which is why I didn't touch on that too much.
It came up, because in this same thread, you said that you don't wish you weren't a dwarf.
The thing is, that's an extremely difficult question to answer. If I truely were, somehow, given the choice to not be a Dwarf, I might take it, but I can't really know what I would do in that kind of unrealistic situation. What I was saying was that I've accepted the fact that I am a Dwarf, and I'm happy. The way of looking at it that I've somewhat adopted is this: Of all the "disabilities" I could have, Dwarfism isn't that bad. I can still see, hear, and talk; I have all my limbs, apendages, digits, and organs (except my appendix, but who needs that?), and they're all functional. Basically, everything is normal and works normally, it's all just... smaller. Not that I feel bad for anyone with any other form of "disability"; I've got a friend with no legs, and he's as far from "disabled" as anyone I know. And I'm sure he's adopted a similar view of "I don't really have it all that bad." You kind of have to. Anyway...[/mild tangent]
I'm a coeliac. Nowhere as hard to deal with as dwarfism, though still, had I the choice, I'd rather be without it. I'm not going to fret over it, though given the choice, I'd remove it, as it does make life simpler.
*goes to Wikipedia to look up "coeliac* Oh... I'd say I've got it easier. Two very different situations; the limits Dwarfism places on me are mostly society-based; yours is actually affecting how you live. I don't think any Coeliac group would blame you for wanting to get rid of it; I'm sure they're searching for a cure themselves.
But yeah, I do sound like a psychiatrist on crack right now I'm purposefully being challenging, so do tell me if I cross the line
Don't worry; these aren't the kind of inappropriate questions I was refering to in the OP.
I have a question. What does it matter that you're a gay dwarf? What I mean to say is: SO WHAT? I mean, unless there's a homophobic giant on sally, I don't see the entire point to this thread.
No one is forcing you to read this or post here. The point of this thread is that people are curious about certain things (as evident by the number of responses); I'm offering to answer their questions. If you don't like it, you can go elsewhere.
And do you really want to start discussing the "point" of threads on MTGS? Because I don't think you'd win that one.
I guess there wasn't really any point in answering that question, as I doubt he'll check again. Though I'll find it somewhat amusing if he does.
If I were to have a child (assuming the mother weren't an AC Dwarf), they would have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene.
After living with your disability and facing the hardships, do you still want to someday have children, knowing the figures and odds that they too might be Dwarves? Has your experience been such that you would want to potentially pass on the gene? I'm actually very curious to know how you feel about this subject and whether or not it has even affected your decision to have children.
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Well, considering I'm gay, that pretty much rules out any chances of having a child of my own (ok, it's still plausible, but unlikely...). Something my psych once said:
He believes I subconsiously decided to be gay because I didn't want to run the risk of having a child with AC as a result of a relationship with a women; being gay allows me to have relationships without running that risk. Have I mentioned I thought my psych was a crackhead?
I'm not going to debate the validaty of that theory, but it somewhat ties into your question.
That aside, it's a difficult decision. Obviously, there are many Dwarfs that still get married, have kids, and all that jazz. Even Dwarf couples have kids, knowing the 1 in 4 chance of the child not living beyond a week, if at all. No parent wants to wish the condition upon thier child, but you always wonder if growing up would have been easier if one of your parents were like you, could relate to your situation. I didn't know any Dwarfs when I was younger, that that certainly didn't help.
And it's wouldn't be entirely up to me; some Dwarf/non-Dwarf couples decide not to have kids, because the non-Dwarf doesn't want to take the chance. Not to mention the wonders of modern technology make it possible to avoid the chance (but is somewhat frowned upon).
So, basically, I can't definitively answer you "yes" or "no," because I just don't know. Do I want to raise a family? Yes, eventually (have to get over my deep loathing for children first); as to whether they'd be my own children, it's likely a moot point for me.
We did butt heads quite a bit, but part of the problem was that I really didn't want to be there (this was end of middle school/early high school). As I explain here, I sunk into a bit of a depression in MS, and may parents, being parents, wanted to help, but didn't really know what to do. So they got me a psych/therapist. I had a real problem with a non-Dwarf telling me all this crap about myself, why I was the way I was. In hindsight, he had some valid points, but in general I came to the conclusion he was more messed up than me.
It's an interesting theory, honestly, far more original than any I've ever heard ("I'm gay because Dwarfs are scared of women" :p), but it's just that: a theory. Hard to prove, hard to disprove.
Well, considering I'm gay, that pretty much rules out any chances of having a child of my own (ok, it's still plausible, but unlikely...). Something my psych once said:
He believes I subconsiously decided to be gay because I didn't want to run the risk of having a child with AC as a result of a relationship with a women; being gay allows me to have relationships without running that risk. Have I mentioned I thought my psych was a crackhead?
I'm not going to debate the validaty of that theory, but it somewhat ties into your question.
That aside, it's a difficult decision. Obviously, there are many Dwarfs that still get married, have kids, and all that jazz. Even Dwarf couples have kids, knowing the 1 in 4 chance of the child not living beyond a week, if at all. No parent wants to wish the condition upon thier child, but you always wonder if growing up would have been easier if one of your parents were like you, could relate to your situation. I didn't know any Dwarfs when I was younger, that that certainly didn't help.
And it's wouldn't be entirely up to me; some Dwarf/non-Dwarf couples decide not to have kids, because the non-Dwarf doesn't want to take the chance. Not to mention the wonders of modern technology make it possible to avoid the chance (but is somewhat frowned upon).
So, basically, I can't definitively answer you "yes" or "no," because I just don't know. Do I want to raise a family? Yes, eventually (have to get over my deep loathing for children first); as to whether they'd be my own children, it's likely a moot point for me.
My apologies for this. I read the entire thread and I must have subconsciously skipped over the fact that you wouldn't be faced with such a dilemma, being that you're gay. Thank you, though, for still answering my question anyway. Despite the fact that it won't become an issue for you given your sexual orientation, it still stands to reason that you would have thought the subject over many times.
Thanks for you time.
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Here, feel free to ask me anything*, where it be pertaining to my Dwarfism, or I suppose anything else about me (I've also recently revealed that I'm gay, a vegitarian/attempting to go vegan, and a Magic player. 'K, that last one was a bit obvious...). I'm pretty easy-going and open about my "condition", and my hope is that by getting some of those question answered here, should you ever actually meet a Dwarf in real life, the enounter will be much less awkward, both for you and them.
So, ask away.
*I would like to hope common sense would tell you what kind of questions are and are not appropriate.
A: I'm not saying I find it hard to believe "big people" can find Dwarfs attractive; there were some girls I went to high school with that I'm pretty sure found (find?) me attractive: I went to Snoball with them (Snoball is like prom, but the girls ask the guys, so it's not like they said "yes" out of pity). My days of having a "nobody will ever like me because I'm a freak" attitude are long since over. And yes, there was a time I thought that, but most people probably go through that phase.
That all said, I probably will be (overly) cautious when I begin dating. During a brief foray into online dating, I found most guys had one of two very distinct reations when I told them I was a Dwarf (because they apparently didn't take the time to read my profile :-/): They either instantly lost all interest they may have had in me, or they got way too interested. For some reason, I'd say "Dwarf," and they start thinking "SM/Bondage." It is an association I will never understand.
A: That is a very dangerous notion to entertain. I can wish, hope, and pray I weren't a Dwarf all the live-long day, and it wouldn't change a damn thing; I'd still be a Dwarf, just a more depressed one. It's a cycle alot of people with Dwarfism, and other "disabilities," often fall into, and it pretty much ruins their life. I accept who I am; I occationally wonder what life would be like if I weren't a Dwarf, but I know I wouldn't be the same person in so many other wasy because of it.
A: The thing is, that's an extremely difficult question to answer. If I truely were, somehow, given the choice to not be a Dwarf, I might take it, but I can't really know what I would do in that kind of unrealistic situation. What I was saying was that I've accepted the fact that I am a Dwarf, and I'm happy.
A: Yes; a raised seat and a hand throttle next to the steering wheel. Think half of a motorcycle handlebar; turn it for gas, push in for brake. I could have gotten extended foot pedals, but this would have made it virtually undriveable by the rest of my family. While I am the primary driver of my car, we assumed (correctly) that occation would arise that one of my parents would need to drive it, so we opted for the hand throttle. I am capable of driving a card without it, but it requires me to push the seat all the way back, and standing up while driving. Very uncomfortable, and definately not the safest.
A: Achondroplasia, the most common cause of Dwarfism; I think it accounts for about 70% of all cases of Dwarfism, including mine. For a more scientific rundown of it, you can check here.
Basically: AC (I'll call it that for short) is a dominat trait; if you have the "Dwarf gene", then you're a Dwarf. However, as a result, the gene can't sit dormant for generations and suddenly spring up, like some genetic conditions. If I were to have a child (assuming the mother weren't an AC Dwarf), they would have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene. If they didn't, and then had a kid oif their own, it would have no more chance of being a Dwarf than anyone else (again, assuming none of the other parents are Dwarfs). So, if one of my grandparents were a Dwarf, it would really have had no effect on me unless one of my parents had inherited it to pass on to me. I am the only Dwarf in my family.
A: The word "Dwarf" is used to describe someone of short stature and disproportional shortness, which is usally caused by a genetic disorder. The "M word" is, medically speaking, used to describe someone who is of short stature and proportional shortness, usually caused by a hormone imbalance. (These are fairly rare, now, as they're pretty much treatable with hormone therapy) Obviously, th "M word" is now consided offensive, so I wouldn't recommend using it, even in the correct context. Some prefer to be called "Little People" instead of "Dwarfs", but that's just a matter of preference; there isn't exactly a difference. "Little Person/People" is the safer bet, as most who prefer "Dwarf" don't mind LP, but those who prefer LP can get offended if you say "Dwarf."
Q: What about "vertically challenged"?
A: Strangely, I've never liked that term. I don't know why, but it's always sounded like it's implying it's my fault I'm short. Weird, I know, but that's how it is. I prefer Dwarf, but Little Person (LP) is fine as well.
A: A standard "euphamism treadmill." It was originally the correct term for people of short stature, but then people began using it in a derogatory manner (loooong ago), so it became a sort of "bad word." The same thing happened with words like "crippled" and "retarded." Those words were once proper terms, but have now become "politically incorrect." That's just how thigns worked.
It may also have to do with the fact that actual midgets are extremely rare, as we know how to treat the major causes of the problem (it's usually a hormone imbalance that can be corrected). So calling a Dwarf the M word would be like calling a Vietnamese person Chinese; it's just the wrong term.
A: To the best of my knowledge, "Dwarves" is the plural form when refering to the fantasy creatures, like in The Hobbit, DnD, Magic, etc. "Dwarfs" is the correct plural form when talking about real people. I've sometimes seen it the other way, but it's a disticntion that's rarely made when speaking, so not many know or care.
A: First off, you're implying homosexuality is a choice, at least in my case, which I disagree with.
It's possible. There are some decisions that are a bit easier to make when you don't have to worry about suddenly not fitting in, this is true. My psychiatrist would agree with you that I'm intentionally making desicions and lifestyle choices that defy societal norms for a bit of the "shock value"; personally I thought the guy was on crack, but I admit his theory has some validaty. I've never consiously said, "I want to do that because that's different/alternative." I do what I want and feel is "right." Can't say what perticularly draws me to some of these diecisions (can anyone, really, though?).
I think there can also be a bit of "pride" in being different; for me, with the exception of my skin color (white), and possibly gender, nothing about me is within the "majority", and maybe part of me takes pride in that, and like accentuating the fact. But like I said, I didn't decide to go vegan just because it was different, I didn't join a church just because it was different; I did what I thought was right.
A: Well, considering I'm gay, that pretty much rules out any chances of having a child of my own (ok, it's still plausible, but unlikely...).
That aside, it's a difficult decision. Obviously, there are many Dwarfs that still get married, have kids, and all that jazz. Even Dwarf couples have kids, knowing the 1 in 4 chance of the child not living beyond a week, if at all. No parent wants to wish the condition upon thier child, but you always wonder if growing up would have been easier if one of your parents were like you, could relate to your situation. I didn't know any Dwarfs when I was younger, that that certainly didn't help.
And it's wouldn't be entirely up to me; some Dwarf/non-Dwarf couples decide not to have kids, because the non-Dwarf doesn't want to take the chance. Not to mention the wonders of modern technology make it possible to avoid the chance (but is somewhat frowned upon).
So, basically, I can't definitively answer you "yes" or "no," because I just don't know. Do I want to raise a family? Yes, eventually (have to get over my deep loathing for children first); as to whether they'd be my own children, it's likely a moot point for me.
A: I get a very wide array of reactions. One I get alot (including here in this very thead...) is "over-cautious"; some people are so worried about saying something wrong, or wording something incorrectly (not slamming you guys, really, just saying). They're afraid to use the words "small", "little," "tiny," etc., even in proper context. I'm pretty laid-back about that kind of stuff, it'd be more hassle than it's worth to get up-in-arms over it.
I also get the other end of the spectrum, those that never learned the meaning of the word "tact" (mostly teenage boys). I had to deal with the "M-word" alot in middle and high school. It doesn't happen very often anymore, but on occation. I mostly just find ways to enjoy myself at their expense (kind of "improvise" the moment), it makes it a bit less frustrating.
Fortunately, I live in a fairly close-knit community, so for the most part I get treated "normally", but pretty much everyone I know had some trouble the first encounter. Can't blame them, the first time I met my legless friend was kind of awkward (for both of us); that's just how it is, you get over it. Usually, by the third time I meet someone, it's not a big deal for them anymore. When walking to work, I occationally get a "double-take" from a passerby, but for the most part I've learned to just tune that stuff out when in public.
A: No; my house and everything in it are regular-sized. I know they make scaled things such as chairs, beds, keyboards and mouses (mice?), etc., but the way I see it, things won't be scaled for me in the real world, so I might as well be used to using regular-sized stuff.
A: I guess it wasn't until last year I really "accepted" myself as a Dwarf. At the same time, I'm still dealling with it. It think it's a bit more perpetual that other "hurdle" issues people deal with (though I don't know, others may say the same about their issue). Alot of other problems are more about self-acceptence, and while Dwarfism has that, there's also the social aspect. Anytime I meet new people, I'm going to have that to get over. Moving away from home is going to be brutal.
A: No, I don't think Dwarfs by default are sexual freaks, but that's not to say they can't be. We're still people, and just like regular sized people, we have sexual fantasies and fetishes. I think it's just viewed as "bizarre" when it's a Dwarf because, well, Dwarfs are viewed as bizarre.
Remember when Verne Troyer's sex tape was leaked? TMZ apparently posted a 15 second, PG-13 rated clip of it, and in a matter of hours, it accumulated several hundred-thousand views before being taken down. I seriously doubt this was because all those people find Troyer attractive. It's because people are curious how "it" works with an LP. I think that's why some famous Dwarf actors/comedians exploit the sex angle; they know it will get people's attention.
However, I don't know how much you can blame them; if you look at any other comedian, sex is just as prevalent. Comedians of all shapes, colors, and sizes tell jokes about sex because that's what the audience wants. For example, Brad Williams has alot of jokes that revolve around various sexcapades and one-night-stands he's "had" (I'm sure he makes some of them up, just like all comedians), and alot of them are only funny because of his size. However, you see the same sort of thing done by other comics; think of all the Latino comedians who's entire basis for a set is about the fact that they're Latino. So it's not really fair singling Brad out, it's just that he's more noticable.
A: I don't think being a Dwarf makes you smarter by itself, but I know that sometimes people in a disadvantaged position will be more motivated individuals, thereby achieving greater things. For example, my legless friend said when he was younger, people telling him "you can't" just made him try harder. He did a season of little league baseball just because he was told he couldn't, and he wanted to prove he could. Not so much to others, but to himself. I think that's very common, including among Dwarfs.
A: Well, it certainly attracts attention. During a failed foray into online dating, anytime I told someone I was a Dwarf (since they apparently didn't bother reading my profile, which clearly stated it :-/), I usually got one of two reactions: they either lost any and all interest they might have had in me, or they got way too interest. They would start talking about SM/bondage stuff, and that just isn't my thing.
I also got alot of messages basically saying, "Hey, you're a m*****! We should have sex!" Classy, I know. This likely goes back to the sexual curiosity, and I'm sure this happens to regular-sized guys/girls of all preferences as well. So, yes, being a Dwarf has helped me attract men, but not in the way I want. I'm currently "off-the-market" (i.e. not looking) and I'm terrified what kind of dating follies I'll have once I start going to bars and alcohol enters the mix... *shutter* And I'm sure I'd have similar experiences/problems women. Oh, wait, I do...
A: Yes, I am, actually. I go to church, I read my scriptures, say my prayers (most of the time), and all the other things a "good Mormon" does. In fact, the only places I say I consistently slip up are watching R-rated movies, and parts of my music collection couldn't accurately be described as "wholesome."
Q: How did friends/family/those of you faith react to finding out you were homosexual?
A: They don't know, I'm not out yet. I did tell my bishop during our discussions about the prospect of me serving as mission. We tried working through it (you could say we tried to "cure" me), but it just didn't take. Until I feel there's something wrong, we can't fix it. The reason it isn't a real big issue yet is because I haven't "done anything" yet; I entertain some inappropriate thoughts (and, let's face it, who doesn't?), but have yet to act on them. We still meet every other month or so, just kind of checking up to see if anything has changed. (Sidenote: my family isn't LDS, only I am. I joined my Junior year of high school.)
Q: Has there been any backlash from your ward/branch after making that decision?
A: Strangely enough, I'm not too concerned with any sort of backlash if/when I come out to them. There are a few families that I'm pretty close to, usually due to a child I'm friends with, and thus far they've been very supportive of me, even when my plans haven't fit with the Church exactly. I'd like to hope that won't change if they find out.
Q: Do you ever feel at odds with your faith and your sexuality, knowing that the Mormon Church has a very strong Anti-homosexual stance?
A: Yes, sometimes, but for the most part, I try not to think about it. I realize there will come a time that I will be forced to choose between the two. Until then, I'm just trying to figure things out, sort of "weigh my options." Not the greatest of plans, but hey, I sort of thrive on doing things in an "unconventional" manner.
A: Yes and no. I've very rarely been told flat-out "no, you can't do X," but there have been times that someone (usually one of my parents) has made sure I was aware that things wouldn't be easy because of my size. I also realize when attempting to do something isn't just going to be challenging, it's going to be inconvenient ad just plain not fun for me and all involved. That's why I never attempted sports; I certainly could have, but I just didn't think I, or my teammates, would have had much fun. Most sport involve alot of running (football, soccer, baseball, etc.), or at least that you can run very fast, and I can't do either very well. I once considered trying wrestling, but decided against it for many reason (mostly because it would have conflicted with rehearsals for theatre). So, it's never really kept me from doing something I really wanted, but I've also never really wanted to do something I couldn't.
I haven't been to an amusement park in a very long time, and I don't get the feeling I'd enjoy roller coasters much anyway...
I'm old enough and mature enough to recognize that there will be several opportunites unavailable to me because of my size, and I've accepted that. The world is built for regular-sized people, and I've got to try and make due. But I still have alot of options. I'm hoping to get into acting, and there are enough examples of LP's making it big in that field to encourage me (oh-ho, I made another pun there!). There are also plently of career options where height is irrelevant (ex: most office-type jobs). So, I'll never be a cop, but there are plently of avenues for me to explore.
Q: Conversely, have you ever been especially qualified for something due to being a dwarf?
A: I'd like to think every opportunity and special recognition I've had I earned on my own merits. However, I'm also aware that there will be serveral fields I'm "especially qualified" for. Especially in theatre; I hope to avoid alot of the stereotyping roles (gimmicky, sight-gag roles, you know the kind), but there are several parts where being smaller will be advantageous, or even required (believe it or not, people do write actual parts for Dwarfs, not just "Santa's Elf #4" or "Bridge Troll"). Though it will also kick me out of the running for several major ones; I'll likely never have the opportunity to play Jesus.
A: Probably about the same as most other people. This can obviously vary, just like every other person, but I personally eat about as much as any other 20-year-old guy. Since my torso isn't much smaller than mosts, I assume my stomach is still averaged-sized (haven't specifically checked about that). Also, I'm a fairly active individual (I walk to and from work, and I'm up on my feet all day), so I'm sure that's a factor. Basically, I've never been told by my doctor I should eat less just because I'm small. So I don't.
A: Yes, alcohol does have a stronger effect on Dwarfs (basic physiology, though; alcohol has a great affect on smaller people). The one time I drank, I hadn't had very much, and I was already feeling pretty buzzed; 2 beers and I was done, while there were people taking shots of hard liquor doing much better than I. Though, like any other person, one can build up their tolerance. I think that can be as big of a factor as anything else.
A: Truth is, I use a "special" guitar; it's basically a regular acoustic, but half the size, perfectly to scale. I don't think it was made for LPs, but I was browsing a music shop one day, happened to notice it sitting on a rack, and it was the perfect size for me. It's a Fender, though I don't recall what model or anything (I've since lost all that paperwork and can't find it in/on the guitar itself). I've tried playing a regular-sized guitar, but it's really hard. Even with the mini-guitar, I still have some trouble with some chords; I usually can't play songs at full speed, I have to slow them down a bit.
Q: Oh, and in the Rock Band thread you talked about playing drums. Have you practiced at all with a real kit (as opposed to electric or Rock Band)? I'm about six foot and I still find it hard to find a configuration for my kit that is comfortable for me to reach everything with reasonable timing. How do you combat that?
A: No, I've never played on a real drum set before, only RB sets. But I'm not going to let that deter me; I've heard about other Dwarf drummers. They're no Neil Pert's or Keith Moon's (nor do I expect to ever be), but they manage.
[Assuming I know exactly what you're asking]I'm not saying I find it hard to believe "big people" can find Dwarfs attractive; it was more her manner of coming on to me that made me suspicious. There were some girls I went to high school with that I'm pretty sure found (find?) me attractive: I went to Snoball with them (Snoball is like prom, but the girls ask the guys, so it's not like they said "yes" out of pity). My days of having a "nobody will ever like me because I'm a freak" attitude are long since over. And yes, there was a time I thought that, but most people probably go through that phase.
That all said, I probably will be (overly) cautious when I begin dating. During a brief foray into online dating, I found most guys had one of two very distinct reations when I told them I was a Dwarf (because they apparently didn't take the time to read my profile :-/): They either instantly lost all interest they may have had in me, or they got way too interested. For some reason, I'd say "Dwarf," and they start thinking "SM/Bondage." It is an association I will never understand.
First, I was wondering why you do not have a picture of your self. When you said in your profile you where and actor AND you had a pictures of a famous dwarf actor, I thought for a minute you were him.
Also
In the thread about homosexuality, and the elimination there of, you kept saying that you liked to replace the word "homosexual" with "dwarf." It seems to me, in that context, you where saying if given the choice to not be a dwarf or be a dwarf, you would pick to remain a dwarf.
Now when I first thought about that, I was a little surprised, but I thought about it some more and I realized it not like I would want to be taller than I am now. I do not know. I was hoping you could go into that a bit more.
Basically you're asking, if I were given the choice, would I want to be full sized? That is a very dangerous notion to entertain. I can wish, hope, and pray I weren't a Dwarf all the live-long day, and it wouldn't change a damn thing; I'd still be a Dwarf, just a more depressed one. It's a cycle alot of people with Dwarfism, and other "disabilities," often fall into, and it pretty much ruins their life. I accept who I am; I occationally wonder what life would be like if I weren't a Dwarf, but I know I wouldn't be the same person in so many other wasy because of it. Hope that somewhat answers you question.
Q: Can you drive a car?
A: Yes, I can and do drive. I try mostly to walk places, since the places I usually go are pretty close, and with gas prices being what they are...
To answer the inevitable follow-up of "How?": a raised seat and a hand throttle next to the steering wheel. Think half of a motorcycle handlebar; turn it for gas, push in for brake. I could have gotten extended foot pedals, but this would have made it virtually undriveable by the rest of my family. While I am the primary driver of my car, we assumed (correctly) that occation would arise that one of my parents would need to drive it, so we opted for the hand throttle. I am capable of driving a card without it, but it requires me to push the seat all the way back, and standing up while driving. Very uncomfortable, and definately not the safest.
Basically: AC (I'll call it that for short) is a dominat trait; if you have the "Dwarf gene", then you're a Dwarf. However, as a result, the gene can't sit dormant for generations and suddenly spring up, like some genetic conditions. If I were to have a child (assuming the mother weren't an AC Dwarf), they would have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene. If they didn't, and then had a kid oif their own, it would have no more chance of being a Dwarf than anyone else (again, assuming none of the other parents are Dwarfs). So, if one of my grandparents were a Dwarf, it would really have had no effect on me unless one of my parents had inherited it to pass on to me.
Bonus question: Is the proper plural dwarfs or dwarves?
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I actually answer this pretty well in this blog and it subsequent comments, but I'll give a brief rundown.
The word "Dwarf" is used to describe someone of short stature and disproportional shortness, which is usally caused by a genetic disorder. The "M word" is, medically speaking, used to describe someone who is of short stature and proportional shortness, usually caused by a hormone imbalance. (These are fairly rare, now, as they're pretty much treatable with hormone therapy) Obviously, th "M word" is now consided offensive, so I wouldn't recommend using it, even in the correct context. Some prefer to be called "Little People" instead of "Dwarfs", but that's just a matter of preference; there isn't exactly a difference. "Little Person/People" is the safer bet, as most who prefer "Dwarf" don't mind LP, but those who prefer LP can get offended if you say "Dwarf."
To the best of my knowledge, "Dwarves" is the plural form when refering to the fantasy creatures, like in The Hobbit, DnD, Magic, etc. "Dwarfs" is the correct plural form when talking about real people. I've sometimes seen it the other way, but it's a disticntion that's rarely made when speaking, so not many know or care.
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I found this question suprisingly difficult; I don't know if I can give a satisfactory answer.
First off, you're implying homosexuality is a choice, at least in my case, which I disagree with; don't want to get into that, though.
It's possible. There are some decisions that are a bit easier to make when you don't have to worry about suddenly not fitting in, this is true. My psychiatrist would agree with you that I'm intentionally making desicions and lifestyle choices that defy societal norms for a bit of the "shock value"; personally I thought the guy was on crack, but I admit his theory has some validaty. I've never consiously said, "I want to do that because that's different/alternative." I do what I want and feel is "right." Can't say what perticularly draws me to some of these diecisions (can anyone, really, though?).
I think there can also be a bit of "pride" in being different; for me, with the exception of my eye color (blue) and skin color (white), nothing about me is within the "majority" (not sure if males are in the majority...), and maybe part of me takes pride in that, and like accentuating the fact. But like I said, I didn't decide to go vegan just because it was different, I didn't join a church just because it was different; I did what I thought was right. I'd say it's related to Dwarfism. And I did open up the topic to those other subjects, so it's all good.
The thing is, that's an extremely difficult question to answer. If I truely were, somehow, given the choice to not be a Dwarf, I might take it, but I can't really know what I would do in that kind of unrealistic situation. What I was saying was that I've accepted the fact that I am a Dwarf, and I'm happy. The way of looking at it that I've somewhat adopted is this: Of all the "disabilities" I could have, Dwarfism isn't that bad. I can still see, hear, and talk; I have all my limbs, apendages, digits, and organs (except my appendix, but who needs that?), and they're all functional. Basically, everything is normal and works normally, it's all just... smaller. Not that I feel bad for anyone with any other form of "disability"; I've got a friend with no legs, and he's as far from "disabled" as anyone I know. And I'm sure he's adopted a similar view of "I don't really have it all that bad." You kind of have to. Anyway...[/mild tangent]
*goes to Wikipedia to look up "coeliac* Oh... I'd say I've got it easier. Two very different situations; the limits Dwarfism places on me are mostly society-based; yours is actually affecting how you live. I don't think any Coeliac group would blame you for wanting to get rid of it; I'm sure they're searching for a cure themselves.
Don't worry; these aren't the kind of inappropriate questions I was refering to in the OP.
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And do you really want to start discussing the "point" of threads on MTGS? Because I don't think you'd win that one.
I guess there wasn't really any point in answering that question, as I doubt he'll check again. Though I'll find it somewhat amusing if he does.
After living with your disability and facing the hardships, do you still want to someday have children, knowing the figures and odds that they too might be Dwarves? Has your experience been such that you would want to potentially pass on the gene? I'm actually very curious to know how you feel about this subject and whether or not it has even affected your decision to have children.
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That aside, it's a difficult decision. Obviously, there are many Dwarfs that still get married, have kids, and all that jazz. Even Dwarf couples have kids, knowing the 1 in 4 chance of the child not living beyond a week, if at all. No parent wants to wish the condition upon thier child, but you always wonder if growing up would have been easier if one of your parents were like you, could relate to your situation. I didn't know any Dwarfs when I was younger, that that certainly didn't help.
And it's wouldn't be entirely up to me; some Dwarf/non-Dwarf couples decide not to have kids, because the non-Dwarf doesn't want to take the chance. Not to mention the wonders of modern technology make it possible to avoid the chance (but is somewhat frowned upon).
So, basically, I can't definitively answer you "yes" or "no," because I just don't know. Do I want to raise a family? Yes, eventually (have to get over my deep loathing for children first); as to whether they'd be my own children, it's likely a moot point for me.
'Bad Spirit' banner by Hot Pizza at Ye Olde Sig and Avatar Shoppe
I was a Top 32 Contestant for RPG Superstar 2008!
Come take a look at my custom set, Lost Relics. (To be finished...eventually)
Check out the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game
It's an interesting theory, honestly, far more original than any I've ever heard ("I'm gay because Dwarfs are scared of women" :p), but it's just that: a theory. Hard to prove, hard to disprove.
My apologies for this. I read the entire thread and I must have subconsciously skipped over the fact that you wouldn't be faced with such a dilemma, being that you're gay. Thank you, though, for still answering my question anyway. Despite the fact that it won't become an issue for you given your sexual orientation, it still stands to reason that you would have thought the subject over many times.
Thanks for you time.
Read my Constructed column on Star City, Thirst for Knowledge!
View my MTGS-era TFK articles here!