[Stardust]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/angela-van...20953.html

Dwarf tossing masquerades as a "sport" when barroom bullies compete for prize money awarded to whoever throws a dwarf the farthest. The dwarf serves as a human projectile when tossed into the air and crashes into a pile of padded mattresses.

Many express dismay when they learn about this abomination and are impressed that Florida and New York have laws that ban dwarf tossing in commercial places licensed to serve alcohol. In contrast, others have no problem with an activity reminiscent of 1930s carnivals because the dwarf is a paid, willing participant. They forget that there are many illegal activities where the participants are willing -- assisted suicide, prostitution, pornography, and drug dealing, to name a few. In all these cases, the State has legitimately exercised its police power to protect the health, safety, welfare, and morals of the people.

In chafing against the dwarf tossing prohibition, some argue that individuals with dwarfism should be free to exploit their own bodies. After all, basketball players exploit their height, movie stars exploit their good looks, and comedians exploit their personal traits. Dwarfs should be no exception. I agree.

There is no law against people of short stature exploiting their size in many settings. Our distinctive appearance fascinates the public. One example of this fascination has been the popularity of reality television shows about Little People on the TLC, a Discovery Company. The stars of these shows have definitely taken advantage of their uniqueness and for a fee have allowed cameras to give an inside view of their lives.

Billy Barty, an actor and comedian, got many a laugh from references to his short stature. Verne Troyer gained celebrity status for his role as Mini-Me in Austin Powers movies. Countless Little People have earned a living or seasonal employment as costumed characters for Disney, George Lucas, or at shopping malls.

After all, we do stand out as different and even polite people take a second look when they see us. Many Little People also use this distinction to their advantage when it comes to marketing and sales. For example, Hervé Villechaize lent his celebrity to sell Dunkin Donuts designer mini éclairs. Bill Albaugh was a Little Person and for 33 years was the living trademark for the Squirt soda drink.

So why ban dwarf tossing in bars? Although it is another example of people with dwarfism capitalizing on their size, dwarf tossing is different. The balance tilts against the individual's right to exploit his or her own body and in favor of the State's duty to protect the people.

[Amun-Ra]

They are landing on mattresses, I see no harm. If they want to do it then let them. Not any different than a girl stripping for money.

[TheRealVille]

This is as bad as "cat juggling"!!


[YOUTUBE="Cat Juggling"]8qbc2J0zZr8[/YOUTUBE]

[Stardust]

They are landing on mattresses, I see no harm. If they want to do it then let them. Not any different than a girl stripping for money.

Typically I like to compare Apples to Apples comparisons. But sometimes apples to oranges can be valid as long as the argument is good. BUT How in the hell did you compare dwarf tossing and stripping for money in the same analogy:pondering:

[onyxmaeB]

Florida State Rep. Ritch Workman (R-Melbourne) desires to boost his local economy, delivering careers to the small people who are scuffling each day. Enter HB 4063, a bill that would lift the state ban on the bar game called dwarf tossing. Not every person is pleased that an elected official would suggest a practice regarded as demeaning in several circles. Dwarf tossing, which was initially imported from Australia, was banned in Florida in 1989 after former carnival worker and dwarf tossing performer David Wilson, 27, died of blood alcohol poisoning. Excessive drinking has frequently been a part of dwarf tossing culture.

[Amun-Ra]

Typically I like to compare Apples to Apples comparisons. But sometimes apples to oranges can be valid as long as the argument is good. BUT How in the hell did you compare dwarf tossing and stripping for money in the same analogy:pondering:

Magic?:problem:

[Spud6]

I don't see no harm in it either, if the dwarfs who are being thrown don't mind it. Then I see it as no problem!

[bigben]

I see no harm if i was a dwarf i would let them toss me lol

[ole_blue_sack_15]

El oh el @ this