10/10/2024
Some members of the Little People community have begun referring to it as the “M-slur” to underscore its discriminatory nature and to emphasize the seriousness of its impact.
As we observe Dwarfism Awareness Month, it’s essential to address the negative history surrounding the term “midget.” The word “midget” originates from “midge,” a term for a small insect like a sandfly or gnat, which carries degrading connotations.
This word is widely regarded as offensive, particularly within the Little People community. Originally used to describe individuals of short stature, it became synonymous with exploitation and dehumanization, reducing people to mere labels that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Some members of the Little People community have begun referring to it as the “M-slur” to underscore its discriminatory nature and to emphasize the seriousness of its impact.
The term gained traction in the late 19th century, largely popularized by Phineas T. Barnum, the founder of Barnum & Bailey Circus. During this era, Little People were often exploited as entertainment in freak shows. Barnum featured performers like Charles Stratton, known as “General Tom Thumb,” presenting them as curiosities rather than individuals deserving of respect. While Barnum may have elevated Stratton’s status, it reinforced the notion of Little People as objects of spectacle.
This legacy of exploitation has had lasting effects, as Little People were treated as commodities, bought and sold by agents with little regard for their well-being. Such practices contributed to the long-standing stigma surrounding dwarfism, where individuals were paraded for profit and amusement rather than embraced as equal members of society.
Additionally, the era saw a rise in medical curiosity, leading to invasive studies that further entrenched harmful beliefs about dwarfism needing to be “cured.” The stereotype of Little People as childlike or doll-like figures persisted in the media, limiting their portrayals and opportunities beyond entertainment. Classic films like Snow White and The Wizard of Oz exemplify this typecasting.
A notable example of how this exploitation evolved can be seen in Montreal's Midget Palace. In the 1920s, the Nicol family, former circus performers, capitalized on their experience by creating a living museum. Their everyday life was put on display for paying visitors, showcasing a miniature version of “normal” life, complete with scaled-down furniture and family roles. This attraction, stemming from the circus era, lasted until 1990 and serves as a reminder of how Little People were only viewed as commodity and for entertainment.
Understanding this painful history is crucial to recognizing why the term “midget” is offensive. It trivializes the struggles and exploitation faced by the Little People community. What’s most frustrating is that we have been asking those still using the word to remove it from their vernacular but it continues to be weaponized against us.
We understand that opinions may differ within our own community regarding this issue.
LPA’s position has remained unwavering and we believe that it's time to move away from harmful language and embrace respectful terms like “little person,” “person of short stature,” or “person with dwarfism,” fostering a culture of dignity, equity, and inclusion.
Sources: “The Lives of Dwarfs: Their Journey from Public Curiosity Toward Social Liberation” by Betty M. Adelson
“Canadian Carnival Freaks and the Extraordinary Body 1900 – 1970’s” by Jane Nichols
“Dwarfism, Spatiality and Disabling Experiences” by Erin Pritchard
