A Characteristic, not a Disadvantage
"Short People" a song by Randy Newman
Short People got no reason Short People got no reason Short People got no reason To live They got little hands Little eyes They walk around Tellin' great big lies They got little noses And tiny little teeth They wear platform shoes On their nasty little feet Well, I don't want no Short People Don't want no Short People Don't want no Short People `Round here Short People are just the same As you and I (A Fool Such As I) All men are brothers Until the day they die (It's A Wonderful World) Short People got nobody Short People got nobody Short People got nobody To love They got little baby legs That stand so low You got to pick 'em up Just to say hello They got little cars That go beep, beep, beep They got little voices Goin' peep, peep, peep They got grubby little fingers And dirty little minds They're gonna get you every time Well, I don't want no Short People Don't want no Short People Don't want no Short People 'Round here |
Although there are many characteristics that are neither advantages or disadvantages, people often criticize others for having those characteristics. One common theme is height. One of my friends and I are both short, and my other friends (jokingly) make fun of us for this. However, being short is not necessarily a problem. Although it's hard to see over crowds, short people can curl up into small spaces. Some people treat being short as a disadvantage, but it is just another trait that adds to who I and many others are. Despite making fun of short people, the song says "Short people are just the same / As you and I." Many differences between people are not important, and before criticizing someone it is important to decide whether or not the topic really matters as well as thinking about disadvantages like Nick Carraway's father suggested.
Additionally, falling short (not height-wise but regarding a standard) should not be criticized if one has tried their best to reach the standard. When someone does the very best they can, it is important to recognize their efforts instead of criticizing them. Then, they may have the courage to try a second time. When I dance, if I am not able to do a certain leap or step, if I am encouraged to try again and congratulated when I improve, I feel much more confident and work even harder to achieve a goal. |