Dwarfism

 What is Dwarfism 

Dwarfism is either a medical condition or a genetic condition where someone is shorter than an average individual (Roland, 2017). To be considered a dwarf, an individual would have to be under the height of 4'10.  Another term for dwarfism is short stature, which is preferred over dwarf or dwarfism, or the term little person or little people.  

 (Adelson, 2013). 

Historical and Contemporary Overview 

In the 18th Century, in ancient Egypt courts, dwarfs were collected, indulged, abused, and were sent by royalty as gifts (Adelson, 2013). Ancient Egypt dwarfs were linked with Bes and Ptah - Gods of childbirth and creativity - being linked to gods help raise their status (Adelson, 2013). Dwarfs were given roles of priests, courtiers, jewelers, and keepers of linen and toilet objects. Emissaries were sent to gather dwarfs from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central America to be their owners' property; this was the lives of dwarfs for more than 5000 years (Adelson, 2013). 

Isabella d'Este, Marchioness of Mantua from 1474-1539; Isabella's attitude toward dwarfs were much like her attitude toward unique valuable collections (Adelson, 2013). Isabella would lend dwarfs to her family or friends for amusement or present these individuals as gifts. Some dwarfs were treated better, such as Richard Gibson (1650-1690) he was offered good clothing, food and was provided with artistic training (Adelson, 2013). Although Richard Gibson had a talent for painting, he still couldn't step out of line. If he did, his status would be demoted, and he would be killed.                                                                

 

(Lewis, 2019).

"Only a few commentators have analyzed the role of dwarfs in the courts - most notably anthropologist Francis Johnston and humanist geographer and theorist, Yi-Fu Tuan" (Adelson, 2013, para 5).  Francis Johnston thought the dwarf's status was ultimately gone since the court era, but it was actually reduced to handicapped becuase of their medicalization. Johnston also believed that dwarfs' positions in the court era were romantic instead of being treated inhumanly (Adelson, 2013).  On the other hand, Yi-Fu Tuan thought dwarfs were constrained by the blending of dominance and affection with other groups. Tuan thought dwarfs were in the same category as animals, women, black slaves, fools, and castrati (Adelson, 2013).

In the 18th century, dwarfs were being shown in fairs, sideshows, and taverns. Joseph Boruwlaski left the courts when they refused to let him marry his average-statured significant other. He provided for them and their child by playing the violin all over Europe. The only way for dwarfs to make a living for themselves was to exhibit themselves for the world to see to be mocked. 

Stereotypes and Stereotypical Thinking

(BuzzFeed, 2020). 

Cultural Perceptions 

A study performed by Jermey D. Heider, Cory R. Scherer, and John E. Edlund looked at cultural stereotypes and personal beliefs when it comes to little people. A questionnaire was given to 30 undergraduates from Austin State University in East Texas (Heider, Scherer, & Edlund, 2012). The undergraduates were to complete a 110-trait adjective checklist and write down characteristics that establish cultural stereotypes of little people (those with dwarfism). They did not have to believe a characteristic was actually associated with little people, only what others would make an association to them.  The next task the undergraduates had to do was select characteristics they personally believe were associated with little people (Heider et al, 2012). It would found that for Cultural Stereotypes individuals believed that little people were weird (40.1%), incapable (22.8%), creepy (32.9%), unathletic (29.3%), childlike (26.3%), clumsy (22.8%), entertaining (18.6%), low self-esteem (18.6%), quick-tempered (18%), and humorous (13.8%) (Heider et al, 2012, pg. 84). The majority of these characteristics can be considered negative. The results of personal beliefs regarding characteristics of little people are capable (34.4%), independent (28.8), intelligent (20.9%), individualistic (20.9%), kind (19.6%), ambitious (17.8%), sensitive (16.6%), low self-esteem (14.1%), loyal to the family (13.5%), and witty (12.9%) (Heider et al, 2012, pg. 84). The majority of these characteristics can be seen as negative the only positive characteristics is centered around the little people's ability to entertain someone. 

References 

Lewis, J., J. (2019, May 16). Biography of Isbella d'Este, Patron of the Renaissance. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/isabella-deste-bio-3529705

Adelson, M., B. (2013). Understanding Dwarfism. UD. http://www.udprogram.com/brief-history

BuzzFeedVideo. (2020, October 29). Little person answers most googled questions about dwarfism. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGaDhRMIZ3A

Roland, J. (2017, July 25). What is Dwarfism? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dwarfism

Heider, D., J., Scherer, R., C., & Edlund, E., J. (2012, January). Cultural stereotypes and personal beliefs about individuals with dwarfism. ResearchGate. https://www.fundacionalpe.org/images/alpe/library/cultural-stereotypes-dwarfism.pdf