What Would the Setbacks Do?

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A little problem...

February 23rd, 2004

Sedric Jamieson writes:

Hey boys, I'm gonna lay it on the table here - I have an intense fear of midgets (or little people) dating back to a terribly traumatic experience I had at the circus when I was six years old. With recent reality TV shows like The Littlest Groom and Man vs. Beast (1 and 2), I'm seeing that little people are becoming more and more accepted in mainstream popular culture. This frightens me. If other TV channels start following suit, I could find myself in a veritable nightmare land of midget packed prime-time programming. I think back to what I consider television's golden era - ABC's TGIF in the mid 90s - and ask myself again and again, "Where did we go wrong?"

I guess this is more of a rant than a question, but is there any wisdom or insight you guys can shed on this?

Thanks in advance,
Your bud Sedric

Trevor	I think the real issue here is discrimination, pure and simple. If you wrote in your question about the fact that black people are becoming more and more accepted in mainstream popular culture, we would likely not even post your question. Your continued hate for people whose only difference is their height is not only disgusting, but also uninformed. I am guessing you have no little friends. I have lots. If you had a little buddy that you could always count on to win at Hide and Seek, who you could stow in overhead compartments, that could be tossed, who could get into movies as a child, then you'd understand. Nobody knows the trouble they've seen, mostly because what they see is around waist level. As for ABC's TGIF I have two words: Full House. That was a bad show. I for one think midgets are far more entertaining. Especially when racing camels, or trying to find true love. I think you should rent Willow and go easier on the little guys.
Steve	Hey Sedric, this is a nice little question so I'll keep my answer short. The one minute problem I have with your small predicament is the tiny respect you have for midgets. Your attitude is nothing short of sickening.
Paul	I do agree with you in the fact that TGIF TV back in the 90's was amazing. Actually most after school TV was great. Get Smart, Welcome Back Kotter, The Fact's of Life, Saved by the Bell, Doogie Howser MD, Quantum Leap, Cheer's, The Cosby Show, Diff'rent Strokes, Family Ties, Growing Pains, Head of the Class, Macgiver, Mr. Belvedere, WKRP in Cinncinati, Night Court, Perfect Strangers, and Happy Days. Looking at all of those amazing TV shows there isn't a single midget in any of them (excluding Gary Coleman, but he wasn't really a midget.... just really short).
Chris	Man...I one hundred percent agree with you. Midgets are the weirdest little fuckers on earth. Once my dad was working in the garden, using those happy knees as he was digging out weeds. I turned a corner, and saw him all shortened out and what not from behind, and immediately screamed. ABC's TGIF was so great. I also enjoyed watching Just The Ten Of Us and Perfect Strangers as much as the next guy....wicked times....unfortunately ABC's lack of class in putting God's brainfarts into mainstream television is unnacceptable, but also highly crazy. I have decided to stay at home under the covers until the midget thing is figured out...you and me both.

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