LPA, the "M" Word and the Celebrity Apprentice


Between July 3 and July 10, more than 3,000 people of short stature, their families and friends from at least 48 States and 22 countries met in Brooklyn for the 52nd Annual Little People of America Conference. With record setting attendance, Conference Organizers filled the week with traditional and new conference activities, from organized sporting events, local tours and live music revues to medical consultations, professional expos, workshops and an awards banquet. Similar to past conferences, LPA used the opportunity to deliver a message to the general population that people of short stature, like other groups, strive for equal access to education, employment and social opportunities for the chance to live fulfilling and productive lives. Much more so than in year’s past, LPA’s message was heard. Read the article on Salon.com entitled "Who are you calling a 'midget'?"

With coverage of the FCC Complaint filed by members of LPA over what we believe to be objectionable content and with coverage of our public statements against use of the word midget, the issues of LPA reached an audience wider than ever we could have hoped. While we understand that no group can dictate what words are spoken or images are projected, we hope to continue to raise awareness around the dwarfism community and use of the word midget – a word that many people of short stature consider a slur and a word closely associated with the public objectification of people of short stature. We ask that friends, allies and supporters of LPA join us in our efforts to raise public awareness around issues of community and language. Though we can’t control what people say and what content is broadcast, working together, we can ensure that people understand the impact of what they say and what they broadcast.

Congratulations to the 2009 Conference Committee for organizing and hosting a spectacular conference and for giving us a stage to deliver our message of diversity and participation. Though the 2009 Conference is history, the efforts and events of the 2009 Conference provide a springboard for the future success of growth of people with dwarfism and LPA. 

Click here to read the letter from Jimmy Korpai and Chapter 40.  Click here to download information for the FCC complaint.