Lessons for (2): The Film Industry

“Munchkins” from Wizard of Oz

Whoo, yeah, this is a big lesson to take on. I cannot give too much leeway to the film industry. It is composed of powerful and privileged producers and directors, who use the scarcity of acting roles available to people with dwarfism to their advantage, in order to exploit their differences for financial gain. These representations, often prompting stereotypes of people with dwarfism as childish, cheerful, stupid, mischievous, etc.,  have permanent negative effects on how people with dwarfism interact in society.

Dwarf Tossing from Wolf of Wall Street

Although I definitely take grievances with the individuals who profit off of this abuse, I have to admit that they would not profit unless they reflected views of society as a whole. Because dwarfism is a minority disability ( 30,000 people in the United States are affected, according to https://www.respectability.org/inclusion-toolkits/little-people-dwarfism/), it is harder to generate public outrage for discriminatory behavior/representations, especially if the general public finds these representations as acceptable or tolerable. Obviously, “wokeness” or awareness changes over time. I don’t believe that films like the Wizard of Oz (above) or Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory could be made today (although their effects are lasting – often with taunts I have been associated with these films), I do not believe the film industry is free from discriminating against people with dwarfism. Even in modern day, with mainstream stars, there ranges modern media that either directly perpetuates stereotypes or makes fun of dwarfism physically (Wolf of Wall Street, Austin Powers, Bedtime Stories, SNL, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) or portrays dwarfism in a more complicated role, but ultimately refers back to dwarfism as the defining characteristic of the character or allows perpetuation of negative terminology under the guise of “characterization” (Elf, Joker, Three Billboards). 

For these reasons, then, I believe that the film industry needs some schooling about dwarfism. I believe progress is gradual, and while I do not think filmmakers will or will feel inclined to make these changes immediately, I would hope at least to make viewers aware of these points as they watch these representations.

1. Remember Dwarfism as a Disability

Often dwarfism is portrayed as a choice, a lifestyle, or a physical characteristic, rather than a medical disability. Other than disregarding how these physical characteristics impact people with dwarfism with pain or limited abilities, it also pressures people with dwarfism to act one-dimensionally. Dwarf tossing, for example, which I honestly shouldn’t even have to explain why it is offensive, ignores the possibility of back injury to the person with dwarfism, and assumes they can easily bounce back for another throw (ugh). Let’s get this straight: Dwarfism, even without the discrimination around it, is difficult to handle. These are just some of the common medical problems dwarfism can cause (from Mayo Clinic):

• Delays in motor skills development, such as sitting up, crawling and walking
• Frequent ear infections and risk of hearing loss
• Bowing of the legs
• Difficulty breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
• Pressure on the spinal cord at the base of the skull
• Excess fluid around the brain (hydrocephalus)
• Crowded teeth
• Progressive severe hunching or swaying of the back with back pain or problems breathing
• Narrowing of the channel in the lower spine (spinal stenosis), resulting in pressure on the spinal cord and subsequent pain or numbness in the legs
• Arthritis
• Weight gain that can further complicate problems with joints and the spine and place pressure on nerves

I experience consistent pain personally from my disability, so going through this pain while dealing with the expectation of cheerfulness or resiliency/invincibility is….let’s say, annoying at the least. I think it will be hard for abled people to understand this complexity without knowing someone personally with dwarfism, but with all representations of any type of people, we should have an expectation to demand research of these roles, to not use ignorance as an excuse any longer. Moreover, other than the pain, it is easy at least for me personally to forget I have dwarfism. So many other factors make up my identity, including my family, friends, interests, studies, work, etc. My speaking on dwarfism does not come as much from enjoyment of speaking about my disability, but almost having to speak the same language as the one-dimensional representations I see in order to be heard. If filmmakers make the CHOICE, because everything in film is deliberate, to include these scenes, the public should at least acknowledge that these representations worsen the lives of people who already suffer from their disability and reduce them to a single characteristic, making their accomplishments and skills feel worthless in comparison.

2. Write REAL stories about people with dwarfism as leads or at least re-occurring characters. 

The Little Couple

I know, I know, Tyrion from Game of Thrones. We’ll address that in a second. I want to be clear, however, that I’m not totally against representation of dwarfism in media. In fact, positive representation, such as the reality shows The Little Couple and Little People, Big World, aid in acceptance, bringing the complexities of dwarfism to the mainstream. These shows not only bring to light the actual lives of people with dwarfism, but often educates them on correct terminology and offensive behavior. My question is, why can’t these complicated, informative representations exist in the fictional world as well? There is the example of the film Station Agent, which I would recommend to anyone who hasn’t seen it. The main character (Peter Dinklage) is unconventional from dwarfism stereotypes, has personal relationships with abled bodied people, and expresses life problems both related and unrelated to his condition. Dwarfism is such a unique disability, and has value for further exploration. How about perspectives from women with dwarfism, people of color with dwarfism, children with dwarfism, etc.?

Similarly, there is importance in not having dwarfism in the spotlight as well. Having people with dwarfism as simply customers, neighbors, friends, family members humanizes them in the public eye, essentially. A show could have a person with dwarfism in a show without even directly acknowledging their dwarfism! It is important for able bodied people to learn about dwarfism, but it is not the job of people with dwarfism to educate them. People with dwarfism should be allowed to act and work professionally as actors without constant reference to their condition, if they so choose. 

3. The World is More than Peter Dinklage

The face I make when people suggest I be like Peter Dinklage

This post is getting long, so we’ll wrap things up, but not before acknowledging the Dinklage in the room. Let me say first that Peter Dinklage is a talented actor. He is the main actor in Station Agent and has brought much positive attention to a man in the professional acting business. Although in a fantastical setting (which perpetuates dwarfism as “mystical”), I do believe his role as Tyrion Lannister has created the potential of someone with dwarfism as the anti-hero and MORE than just his disability. I personally connected with this scene where Tyrion “confesses” to being on trial for being a dwarf his “entire life”:

Yet, Dinklage cannot be the end all be all. Although having dwarfism, Peter Dinklage is also a straight, cis, white, privileged man, and therefore, does not represent the perspectives or viewpoints of dwarfism as a whole. It is the equivalent of having Brad Pitt represent all able-bodied actors, let alone an entire population. Additionally, “Dinklage, 47, typically resists being a spokesman for the dwarfism community” (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/little-people-actors-actresses-low-pay-degrading-jobs-tragedy-922261). Frankly, “being a spokesman” should not be his responsibility, especially if discussing his dwarfism makes him uncomfortable or brings up traumatic experiences. Still, we then have to be willing to let others will dwarfism potentially take up the place of advocacy that may be lacking currently. We need to recognize other actors with dwarfism as valid and understand the privileges that have brought Dinklage to this point. Having a token actor, regardless of what roles they occupy,  is no longer enough. There is and should be a place for Dinklage with the film industry, but there should not just be a singular place for dwarfism within Hollywood. Representations in film have impacts, undoubtedly. Why can’t those impacts make positive change?

Grace