There’s a reason it’s offensive to make posts that say such things as, “LOL OH MY GOD I’M ATTRACTED TO A DWARF WHAT IS THIS?” There’s a reason expressing surprise that Tyrion Lannister/Peter Dinklage can be attractive to you is problematic, just as there’s a reason being perturbed that he has sexual desires should cause you take a look at your own prejudices. There’s a reason you should think one - twice - three times before making posts that imply any of these things.
Recently, someone reblogged a post of mine, in which I asked people to stop putting shit like this in the Tyrion Lannister tag, and argued that, well, he is a dwarf, so why should we pretend that he isn’t? Let me just say, I’m not asking anyone to ignore the fact that Peter Dinklage is a little person. That itself would be pretty damn problematic, and I think the fact that he’s getting so much recognition is certainly something to be celebrated. But here’s the thing, guys: when you say “LOL MY GOD I’M ATTRACTED TO A DWARF WHAT IS THIS?” there are some really unfortunate implications there.
You’re implying that there’s something inherently unattractive - something inherently undesirable - about people with achondroplasia, and similarly, about people with other kinds of disabilities. You’re implying that you feel uncomfortable with your attraction to Peter Dinklage because of his disability. You’re implying that the idea of being attracted to someone like Peter Dinklage is funny - is a joke. And actually, you’re implying that, first and foremost, you don’t think of Peter Dinklage as a person. Rather, you think of him as his disability. Think of it this way. Imagine you said, “LOL OH MY GOD I’M ATTRACTED TO A PERSON OF COLOR.” That would be entirely uncool. And so is saying this about Peter Dinklage or any other little person.
So yeah, don’t ignore Peter Dinklage’s disability, but god, don’t make it into an object of ridicule either. Actually, don’t make him into an object at all. He’s a person, and he deserves more respect than that.
Note: As I am able-bodied, please let me know if I’ve gotten anything horribly wrong here.
