TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1999

Writer content with height

I am responding to a letter printed in the April 20 Daily Forty-Niner, Political Correctness Gone Too Far, written by biochemistry major, Jose Pena.

My article, We Short People Want Respect, Acceptance, was not about being politically correct, nor was it about my self-consciousness.

It was about respect, plain and simple.

Jose Pena asked the question, "What difference does it make if I am called petite or small?" Of course I don't expect Pena to understand from a female's perspective.

But here's a question for Pena: Have you ever walked into a job interview and got a response like, "Awwwww, how cute, he's so small!" - Probably not.

Furthermore, my message was not only targeting men. I am not looking for all, or any for that matter, men to "accept" me.

So his friendly advice that "Men like women any way they come," is of no use to me.

In addition, I did not state I wanted to achieve the American average height of 5 feet 4 inches.

Maybe it's because I am not American and I do not compare myself to such a height.

Or maybe I might be content with my height. I am simply asking both males and females to recognize who people really are and not their height, weight, hair color or shoe size.

I think people like Pena should try to better understand and look a little deeper before reacting.

There was definitely more truth than ignorance in my message.

Carolann Calizar is a public relations major.