This is the first post in a series of posts examining the many stereotypes our brands encounter due to our appearance. Today, I examine the “since you are tall you must play basketball” stereotype that some of us are a victim of.
Don’t even deny it for a second. I will even admit to asking people who are tall if they play basketball. Most of the time, the answer I receive consists of a laugh and a “no.” Furthermore, I do believe that people who are tall have a significant advantage over those who are short when it comes to the game of basketball. If you play center in basketball, it even becomes a requirement. Unless you are very fast, a three-point shooter and can dribble with haste, there is little room for in professional basketball (Think Allen Iverson).
When Yao Ming was growing up, how many times do you think he was proclaimed a basketball player, even before he took interest in the sport. I think sometimes this stereotype is powerful enough to force this occupation on people, to a point where they either believe they are a basketball player or will now aspire to be one (thus possibly drifting away from their personal brand).
Studies also show that men are more attractive to women when they are taller.
“No man wants to wear platform shoes for a date —a study reveals just how strong our preferences are for the taller-man-shorter-woman duo. Researchers mined Yahoo Personals (while at work!) and found that only 23 percent of men would consider dating a woman taller than they are. Women were even bigger size snobs: Only 4 percent were open to breaking romantic tradition.” – Psychology Today
Do you think that being tall is an advantage and have you ever heard the song by Skee-Lo called “I Wish”? It seems like it’s bred in our culture, even from the 90’s. Aside from listing this music video for your viewing pleasure and entertainment, think of a second about your height and how it has played a role in your personal and professional life. Does it even make a difference to you? What about the people all around you who judge your brand?
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=icr0eW1fRSs]
Coming up next
The next part in this series will examine the “eyeglasses” stereotype. When you meet someone who wears glasses, you automatically consider them smart or geeky. Put on your glasses for the next post in this series.
