Height Privilege

By Karl Richards

 

While we all have heard of the advantages a taller person has over a shorter one, have we ever explored the consequences?  We at the Garlic take all inequalities with all due seriousness.   As SJW's (Social Justice Warriors) we have to weigh in all types on inequality, not just the ones that affect us personally.  I had a long discussion with Jaden Park.  She recently wrote us telling us her plight and we are here to help.  Jaden and I had a very long discussion over a pot of tea.  Here is this conversation:

Karl: It was nice to meet you finally in person, Jaden.  I understand your concerns.

Jaden:  Me too, it is an honor to finally meet you.  I have been concerned about my son.  His father is only 5'6" and I am only 4'11" and I am worried that he will not be very tall.

Karl:  I can understand.  Though I am tall, you certainly have both my empathy and sympathy in these dark times.

Jaden:  Thanks, Karl.  I really appreciate it.  I can see that height has never been an issue for you.

Karl:   No, not really.  What really is your concern for your son?  Is he doing well in school?

Jaden:  He has excellent grades and is in the top of his class.  I am just afraid that won't be enough for him to succeed.

Karl:  Why would you say that?

Jaden:  I'm afraid that the Height Privilege of the other students will put him at a competitive disadvantage.

Karl: How so?

Jaden:  He will always get beaten out when trying out for sports like basketball or football.  If he want(s) to be popular he will need to be a star on the team.  How can he be a star or even make the team if he is pushed out by those with Height Privilege?

Karl:  That is a good question.  The best solution I can come up with is one like others use for persons of a disadvantaged background.  Across the country we could have Affrimative Action in sporting.  Many schools have this for academics, why not use it in athletics as well.

Jaden:  This way he can be on the team too.  But, I want him to start, not just sit on the bench to be a token player!

Karl:  In the interest in fairness, I agree.  Not only should he play but start as well.  If you don't mind my asking, Jaden?  What is your nationality?

Jaden:  I am from the Philippines and he is from South Korea.

Karl:  I don't know of any professional basketball players that are of Filipino/Korean heritage.  This needs to change.  We here at the Garlic are agents of change.  We want to see your family succeed.  I am determined with all of the tools that the media has  to offer to make a plea to see to it that historic injustice like this is corrected once and for all.  If it requires taking a knee at professional sporting events, I don't care what ever it takes.  Even if all other players must play on their knees to make those who do not have Height Privilege to finally feel equal.

Jaden: All I want is for my son to always feel equal to his peer(s).

Karl:  That is all we could ever hope for, Jaden.  Enjoy the rest of your day.

Jaden:  I can't thank you enough, Karl.  Enjoy yours as well.