Personal Brand Stereotypes #1: Tall People Are Basketball Players
April 2, 2008 at 10:30 am | In Misc, Personal Branding |This is the first post in a series of posts examining the many stereotypes our brands encounter due to our appearance. Today, I examine the “since you are tall you must play basketball” stereotype that some of us are a victim of.
Don’t even deny it for a second. I will even admit to asking people who are tall if they play basketball. Most of the time, the answer I receive consists of a laugh and a “no.” Furthermore, I do believe that people who are tall have a significant advantage over those who are short when it comes to the game of basketball. If you play center in basketball, it even becomes a requirement. Unless you are very fast, a three-point shooter and can dribble with haste, there is little room for in professional basketball (Think Allen Iverson).
When Yao Ming was growing up, how many times do you think he was proclaimed a basketball player, even before he took interest in the sport. I think sometimes this stereotype is powerful enough to force this occupation on people, to a point where they either believe they are a basketball player or will now aspire to be one (thus possibly drifting away from their personal brand).
Studies also show that men are more attractive to women when they are taller.
“No man wants to wear platform shoes for a date —a study reveals just how strong our preferences are for the taller-man-shorter-woman duo. Researchers mined Yahoo Personals (while at work!) and found that only 23 percent of men would consider dating a woman taller than they are. Women were even bigger size snobs: Only 4 percent were open to breaking romantic tradition.” - Psychology Today
Do you think that being tall is an advantage and have you ever heard the song by Skee-Lo called “I Wish”? It seems like it’s bred in our culture, even from the 90’s. Aside from listing this music video for your viewing pleasure and entertainment, think of a second about your height and how it has played a role in your personal and professional life. Does it even make a difference to you? What about the people all around you who judge your brand?
Coming up next
The next part in this series will examine the “eyeglasses” stereotype. When you meet someone who wears glasses, you automatically consider them smart or geeky. Put on your glasses for the next post in this series.
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Interesting post. You also have to consider what people consider to be tall. I’m 1.98m and in Holland this is normal. I’m taller than average, but not exactly a freak either.
But I study in England and my lenght is a lot more noticable over there. I play volleyball for my university and have never come across a player taller than me. In Holland I would probably be one of the smaller players!
As for the branding part, being tall does seem to have its advantages.
Comment by Daan Jansonius — April 2, 2008 #
@Daan - Thanks for sharing that. It’s great to get the global perspective on this topic.
Comment by Dan Schawbel — April 2, 2008 #
I love that you referenced SkeeLo…
I’m attracted to big presence and personality, not so much big/tall in stature. I think most people, even in business, are attracted to the same. You can fill up a room with your body, or your personality. Either way, people take notice.
Whether your tall, or have a big presence…it represents power, and a lot of people (whether they know it or not) are attracted to power.
Comment by Erin — April 2, 2008 #
Hello Dan, good topic.
I agree that stereotypes can steer your
personal brand.I think that stereotypes
can be connected to why some people stay
at jobs they care very little about.
Some of these stereotypes are put into
our minds at such an early age that we
are conditioned to gravitate to them.
That’s why it’s so important to get people
talking about personal branding.
- garry b
Comment by garry — April 3, 2008 #
@Garry - You are very correct. Those that are successful think “outside of their job” if you know what I mean.
Comment by Dan Schawbel — April 3, 2008 #
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Pingback by Personal Brand Stereotypes #1: Tall People Are Basketball Players : Brazen Careerist — April 3, 2008 #
At 4′11″ inches I was one of the smallest people at my previous job. I remember when I started to train someone who was over 6 feet, he was warned about me. They basically told him that I was small but very stern during training. He mentioned to me that many people feared me because of my demeanor and no nonsense attitude while training. I was a teacher and old habits are hard to break. After two weeks of training, I changed his perception of the mean, short, former teacher.
He understood that I was there to do a job and teach him how to do the same job well.
Tall or small, I think you have to have a special presence or “IT” factor to make people remember who you are and what you are about.
Comment by lucilla — April 3, 2008 #
[...] Branding, Positioning, Reputation Management | For all of you who are new to this series, my first post was about tall individuals are immediately called basketball players and my second post was about [...]
Pingback by Personal Brand Stereotypes #3: The Curse of the Pink Shirt « Personal Branding Blog - Dan Schawbel — April 4, 2008 #
Dan! U R so right.
“I wish I was a little taller I wish I was a baller” SKEE LO is so LOSER.
he didnt hear about AI, SPUD WEBB, NATE Robinson, Earl Boykins, and my man Muggsy Bogues?
Height is something you dont have control about (unlike weight) but it doesnt can be a reason to not Brand yourself as a succesful person.
Great post! I cant wait for the playoff i wish me man Baron Davis will be there…
Comment by Maor Kaplanski — April 4, 2008 #
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I’m 6′11, I love being tall, but no matter your size, if you are comfortable filling your shoes just the way you are, you are going to be ahead of 90% of people already.
In all reality 6′11 is probably too tall, for everyday life. Cars, clothes, doorways, showers, etc. There are lots of issues, however, never do I slouch, apologize or feel bad. I just stand tall, sometimes rock a mohawk, and be exactly who I am. Success and friends will follow that attitude no matter your brand.
Of course, branding is integral, and it does help. This is a good thoughtful blog.
Comment by CheyenneJack — April 15, 2008 #
That blog was absolutely true, every bit of it. Being a tall female myself (I am 15 and 6′2) I get asked that question at least 5 times a day. But, I have come to accept my height…and thats what everybody has to learn to do, accept whatever height they are, no matter how tall or short. much love.
Comment by Becky — June 13, 2008 #