Survey reveals Hongkongers lack an understanding of dwarfism, reflected in prejudice against little people
- The survey, carried out for the Equal Opportunities Commission, found 84 per cent of people in the city had poor knowledge of dwarves
- Little people in Hong Kong report practical difficulties in day-to-day life and derogatory comments from the general public
Some Hongkongers still believe dwarves are slow learners who will never grow old, a new study has shown.
The survey, carried out for the Equal Opportunities Commission by the department of public policy at City University, found more than 80 per cent of residents did not understand dwarfism.
Other commonly held stereotypes included the belief that little people – a term by which many dwarves identify – had lower IQs, and did not mind being mocked for their stature.
Dr Simon Yau Yung, who conducted the study into the social and physical challenges faced by little people in Hong Kong, said that the way they were portrayed in the media played a large role in how they were perceived by the public.
Pointing to the depiction of the seven dwarves in Snow White, he said they were portrayed as stupid and inarticulate.
“I hope that media and game designers will stop presenting them in a negative light, and instead help build a positive image of little people in society,” he said.