Little People vs Mascots Little people are individuals who have dwarfism, a condition characterized by short stature. They face unique challenges in society due to their size. On the other hand, mascots are costumed characters that represent a brand or a team and are often larger than life. The issue of little people being mistaken for mascots is a controversial and sensitive topic. It is important to recognize and understand the experiences and emotions of little people. They often feel disrespected and humiliated when mistaken for mascots, as it reinforces the stereotype that they are simply objects of amusement.
They often feel disrespected and humiliated when mistaken for mascots, as it reinforces the stereotype that they are simply objects of amusement. Little people are human beings with their own thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. They have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, just like any other individual.
Midgets vs Mascots
If you combine “Jackass” and “Borat” and remove all semblance of discipline or organization, you get something like “Midgets vs Mascots,” an occasionally very funny but often very sloppy mockumentary that is far too eager to show us how taboo it is.
The premise is that a Texas millionaire named Big Red (Richard Howland) has just died, and his will has unusual stipulations on how his fortune should be dispersed. Big Red was a little person and had great fondness for that group. He had also done work as a mascot early in his career, and always loved mascots. But as adult-film legend Ron Jeremy says, “Big Red knew there was no money in mascotting, so he did what any midget would do: porn.” Yes, Big Red made his money producing skin flicks, many of which involved actors of his height.
Anyway, Big Red wants a team of five mascots to compete with a team of five midgets in a series of ridiculous games and stunts, with the winning squad getting $5 million. (Big Red’s porn career is irrelevant, except that it gives the movie an excuse to show boobies.) He wants the team of little people to be coached by his average-height son, Little Richard (Mark Hapka), who hates midgets, and the mascots to be coached by his gold-digging third wife, Bonnie (Brittney Powell).
Auditions are held to find the competitors. The mascots chosen are a guy in an alligator suit, a Spartan, a cowboy sheriff, a bunny rabbit, and a taco (the kind that hands out fliers for a cheap Mexican restaurant). They generally do not take off their costumes, even when they’re not competing. The midgets — I’m using the word the movie uses most frequently — are a kleptomaniac, a flamboyant gay guy, a swingin’ bisexual man, an ordinary blonde woman, and Gary Coleman. Yes, Gary Coleman, as himself, or at least a version of himself.
The contests range from physical stunts like bull-riding to “How many times do you have to insult a stranger in a bar before he or she punches you?” Many of them take place in front of audiences that, “Borat”-style, didn’t know they were watching something staged. (Others, like the bar scene, obviously used actors.) Some of the slapstick is funny, in that “Jackass” kind of way, though it’s disappointing how often a situation devolves into the mascots and midgets simply fighting each other. That’s supposed to be the laugh, too: Look how funny it is to see a giant taco wrestling a little person! And while I acknowledge the comedic merits of such a sight, it loses its impact around the fiftieth time the film uses it.
Along the way, there is plenty of political incorrectness. One scene — apparently filmed at an actual restaurant, with other customers watching in horror — has the two teams discussing racial epithets and tossing the N-word around casually. Here we can admire the filmmakers (the director is Ron Carlson; the semi-improvised screenplay is credited to Kevin Andounian) for crossing a line that even most “edgy” comedies avoid, but then the realization settles in: There was no reason for it. All these taboos are being exploited, and to what end? None, really. Too frequently we’re meant to laugh at the mere fact that the film is being obnoxious, and not at what’s actually being said so obnoxiously.
The sheer volume of un-P.C. behavior is something of an achievement, though. Little Richard is a sharp parody of a Grade-A douchebag (complete with popped collar on his pink polo shirt); Big Red’s assistant, Deng Mann (Akie Kotabe), is an exaggerated Asian stereotype; the cowboy sheriff mascot is a marijuana enthusiast who can be seen smoking inside his giant foam head. (The vacant smile affixed to the costume seems appropriate in that context.) The film is dirty, vulgar, and sophomoric, and cheerfully so, if not always entertainingly. You’d think that with the success of so many raunchy comedies in recent years, filmmakers would have realized it’s not enough anymore just to be outrageous. You need to be clever, too.
C+ ( 1 hr., 28 min.; R, abundant nudity, a lot of sex, pervasive harsh profanity and vulgarity. )
A deceased millionaire's son and third wife coach teams of little people and mascots, who compete against one another in zany competitions to win the man's fortune. As the competition gets underway, the little people discover that size doesn't always matter while their cartoonish counterparts attempt to stay sober long enough to take the top prize.
Mistaking them for mascots can be seen as dehumanizing and can lead to a sense of marginalization. Mascots, on the other hand, serve a specific purpose - to represent a brand, team, or an idea. They are performers who entertain and interact with the public. While mascots can be an important part of marketing and entertainment, it is crucial to differentiate between mascots and real people. The distinction between little people and mascots can sometimes be blurred, especially in certain contexts such as sporting events or entertainment venues. However, it is essential to educate individuals to understand and recognize the difference. Increased awareness and sensitivity can help create a more inclusive society where little people are not mistaken for mascots. In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge the unique challenges that little people face and the impact that mistaking them for mascots can have on their self-esteem. By promoting understanding and respect, we can ensure that little people are seen and treated as equal members of society. Let us strive for a society that values diversity and inclusivity, where every individual is recognized for their true worth..
Reviews for "The Influence of Little People in Mascots on Body Image Perceptions"
1. John - 2/5: "I found 'Little People vs Mascots' to be quite offensive and in poor taste. The movie exploited the differences between little people and average-sized individuals for cheap humor, making them the butt of jokes throughout the entire film. It felt like a mean-spirited attempt to gain laughs at the expense of a group of people who already face enough marginalization and discrimination in society. I was disappointed with the lack of sensitivity and respect shown towards little people in this movie."
2. Sarah - 1/5: "I cannot believe I wasted my time watching 'Little People vs Mascots'. The concept itself was ridiculous and the execution was even worse. The humor was crude and often crossed the line into offensive territory. Additionally, the movie relied heavily on tired stereotypes and clichés, making it feel incredibly stale and predictable. I found myself cringing more than laughing. Overall, I would not recommend this film to anyone."
3. Mike - 2/5: "While I understand that 'Little People vs Mascots' is a comedy, I couldn't get past the noticeable lack of substance in the movie. The characters were one-dimensional and the plot was thin, relying solely on shock value and offensive jokes. The movie seemed more intent on pushing boundaries for the sake of shock rather than delivering genuine humor. It's a shame because with the right script and better execution, this concept could have had potential. Unfortunately, it fell flat and left me feeling disappointed."
4. Emily - 2/5: "Having high hopes for 'Little People vs Mascots', I was sorely let down. The movie had the potential to explore important themes and shed light on the challenges faced by little people, but it instead opted for tasteless and offensive humor. It relied heavily on crude gags and made a mockery of a marginalized group of individuals. I was hoping for something more thoughtful and sensitive, but what I got instead was a distasteful and disappointing film."