Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) Support Group
Achondroplasia is a type of genetic disorder that is a common cause of dwarfism. Only one copy of the gene needs to be present for the disorder to occur. People with achondroplasia have one normal copy of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene and one mutant copy. Discuss everything from relationships to lifestyle challenges.
I do not have Achondroplasia. I am here because I am actually shorter than some with Acho and I believe height is big factor in bullies targeting me. But the average person tells me to stand up for myself. However, the average person is almost a foot taller than me.
Maybe it's the way I stand up for myself, but my experience is that those doing the bullying get even more upset when I stand up to them. I think because it must be pretty embarrassing to be put in your place by someone much smaller. Their shame turns to resentment then to even more anger. It gets worse, not better.
I would like to hear opinions from the Acho crowd.because having someone of average height or even taller tell me that I just need to be stronger is difficult to swallow. It strikes me as foolish, like a white guy telling an African-American guy - "No one has ever discriminated against me. You must have done something or you're too sensitive." But I am open to being wrong.
Maybe it's the way I stand up for myself, but my experience is that those doing the bullying get even more upset when I stand up to them. I think because it must be pretty embarrassing to be put in your place by someone much smaller. Their shame turns to resentment then to even more anger. It gets worse, not better.
I would like to hear opinions from the Acho crowd.because having someone of average height or even taller tell me that I just need to be stronger is difficult to swallow. It strikes me as foolish, like a white guy telling an African-American guy - "No one has ever discriminated against me. You must have done something or you're too sensitive." But I am open to being wrong.
When I said I was open to being wrong I mean I am totally open to the possibility that the short crowd may disagree with me. That's cool. It's all about perspective and sometimes hearing a dissenting view from people who have things in common with you can mean much more.
I don't like that I think my height is a factor in bullying. I don't want to play victim. But until I hear more from those with similar characteristics I am left to wonder - am I just making lame excuses or am I stepping onto the playing field with an obvious handicap?
Just posting to apologize for selecting the wrong forum for my question.