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What's it with the obsession with tallness? 300 years ago the Prussian kings were already fans of "the long guys". Outside of basketball, what's the point?
by classified 7y ago
What's it with the obsession with tallness? 300 years ago the Prussian kings were already fans of "the long guys". Outside of basketball, what's the point?
- CydeWeys 7y agoWhat's the obsession with beauty? People can't help what they're attracted to. This is only one of many factors feeding into attractiveness.
- chrischen 7y agoBeauty is always changing, and tallness is merely one topical aspect of it.
- Freak_NL 7y agoOutside of a few drawbacks (flying, sometimes shopping for clothes) it is mostly a benefit. Very useful in crowds. I wouldn't want to be taller than my current 200cm though.
- btrettel 7y agoFrom what I've read taller height is negatively correlated with many health outcomes: https://slate.com/technology/2013/07/height-and-longevity-the-research-is-clear-being-tall-is-hazardous-to-your-health.html https://slate.com/technology/2013/07/height-and-longevity-th...
- chrischen 7y agoIt's a benefit because people think it's a benefit. Kinda like how it's mostly a "benefit" to be a white male in America.
- JoeAltmaier 7y agoTall people get more respect in a conversation. Its a mammal thing?
- UI_at_80x24 7y agoTotally agree with you but I'll add: I would suggest it's more primitive then that. Examples from ALL species of vertebrates and invertebrates can be shown where "Bigger = Better". In nearly every case it fits one of two criteria: Sexual selection and Territory Defense. Nearly every species will attempt to make itself appear larger to attract a mate, or scare off a threat.
- econcon 7y agoYea but with Mongol archers, taller you are the easier you are to hunt down.
- wenc 7y agoI think tall people get more automatic respect. In a room where people don't know each other that well and are trying to figure out status/hierarchy, tall people are automatically advantaged. That said, shorter people can cultivate presence and earn respect through competence, people-skills and the like. There are many leaders in history and today who are shorter than average who can command a room. But they've mostly had to earn respect the hard way. They start off with negative points and have to work hard to even get to zero. Tall people start off with positive points is all.
- JoeAltmaier 7y agoAnd its a lifelong thing. Not just an initial condition. Get another point or two every day, for life.
- econcon 7y agoIn which case, only way forward for short people is to become very famous and pray that atleast few people in the room know you.
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]
- booleandilemma 7y agoYou can better see approaching predators and empty parking spots.
- klyrs 7y agoIt would make sense when battles were largely decided through melee combat -- tall swordfighters are obnoxious solo; a whole line of them is a devastating prospect. After the advent of the longbow, and then guns... not really sure what the appeal is. OTOH... sexual selection isn't all about combat; it's really quite comforting to be the smol spoon.
- econcon 7y agoMongols had no problem going Europe and dominating much taller tribes. Yes, it could be why Scandinavian are taller but East Europeans are not, maybe Scandinavian never faced enemies like Mongols? So in Scandinavia always solo fight (sword/axe) gave advantage to tall men while in East, archers were already able to kill taller men with ease so there was no advantage of being tall.
- rmsaksida 7y agoI think it's more of a Northern European / Anglo thing. It's not that important in Med countries and Latin America. It's well regarded, sure, but it's not an obsession like in the USA.