‘Law’ on Dwarf Tossing

I am a dwarf. A recent episode of television’s “L.A. Law” raised the issue of “dwarf tossing”--people competing in bars to see who can throw a dwarf the farthest. Kudos should be given to the writers of “L.A. Law” for portraying this activity as disgraceful.

There is simply nothing funny about dwarf tossing. It ridicules and demeans. It causes average-sized persons to view dwarfs as objects or freaks. It exploits all dwarfs by eroding our self-esteem and by perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions.

National organizations such as Little People of America and the Billy Barty Foundation are working to educate about dwarfism.

A final comment: At the end of the “Law” episode, a successful plaintiff’s lawyer who is a dwarf states that the only way for him to find companionship is to hire a call girl. This message offends me. A dwarf, like anyone else, dates and marries. Many dwarfs are married to other dwarfs, whom they meet through Little People of America, and many dwarfs are married to average-size persons. To imply that no one would want to have a relationship with a dwarf is inappropriate and wrong.

PAUL STEVEN MILLER, Esq.

Member, board of directors of the Billy Barty Foundation; member, Little People of America