Dwarfism is typically defined as having a height of 4 foot 10 inches or less in adulthood. Along with short stature, it can also lead to bowed legs, a disproportionately large head, and short limbs. It is most commonly caused by a genetic disorder called achondroplasia. This type of dwarfism is still rare and only seen in about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 individuals. Because of this, the lives of those of short stature have always been very unique.
Ancient Times (Egypt)
Writings and imagery from ancient Egypt have shown that dwarfism may have been seen as a connection to the divine. It is thought that rulers, as a result of this belief, tried their best to be surrounded by those with the disorder. The status of individuals of short stature was so high that a 4,900-year-old burial site containing two individuals with dwarfism has been found between two ancient royal tombs. One of the individuals was so old that it is believed that he was very well taken care of during his lifetime. The fact that two ancient Egyptian gods, Ptah and Bes, were depicted as individuals of short stature is further evidence of the respect that individuals with dwarfism commanded.
Tudor-Era (England)
Those with dwarfism in Tudor England generally did not have the same experiences as those in ancient Egypt. Elizabeth I is believed to have treated a short-statured person in her court by the name of Thomasina well for the time. However, Thomasina’s role was still that of a “fool” and she was in court primarily to entertain and amuse the monarch. During this period, deformities like those seen in some cases of dwarfism were sometimes seen as signs of sin. The negative attitudes toward the condition are shown in historical depictions of Lady Mary Grey. Mary Grey was the sister of the famous Lady Jane Grey and is believed by many to have had dwarfism. As a result, she was described as “crook-backed and very ugly”.
Victorian-Era (United States)
In Victorian-era United States, so-called “freak shows” were becoming increasingly popular. This popularity led to the fame of performers like Charles Stratton, better known as Tom Thumb. After being recruited by showman P.T. Barnum in 1842, Stratton began participating in shows. His short stature made him a favorite of famous figures like Abraham Lincoln. Despite his fame and fortune, Stratton’s life was strictly controlled by P.T. Barnum. It was Barnum’s decision to have Stratton marry a woman who also had dwarfism in order to make more money off of the pair. Many other individuals with dwarfism also lived under the control of their showrunners during this period.
The Present (United States)
In the United States, freak shows are no longer the common occurrences that they once were. However, that doesn’t mean that the experiences of people with dwarfism are completely positive. There are still individuals who are speaking out about their experiences both in the performance industry and in daily life. Actor Peter Dinklage, known for his role as Tyrion Lannister in the tv show Game of Thrones, has spoken out about the way that people with dwarfism are represented in his industry. He has publicly expressed his disapproval of the way that individuals with his condition are being depicted in films. The actor also expressed his unhappiness with the stares that he continues to get from others due to his condition. His statements emphasize the fact that there is still a lot of progress to be made in the way that society treats people with genetic disorders.
