“Little People” are making a big difference

Little People, Big World is a show unlike any other. Sure, there are plenty of reality shows that chronicle the daily lives of families all over the country. But few actually take the time to educate viewers about an often-times misunderstood segment of the population. Those with dwarfism.

When you think of dwarves on television and in movies what is the first thing that comes to mind? Elves. Leprechauns. Munchkins. The punch line of a joke, right? Well the TLC program Little People, Big World is showing Americans that there is more to being a dwarf than just being little.

Little People, Big World follows the busy lives of the Roloff family. Based at the family’s huge farm in Hillsboro, Oregon, the show gives viewers a glimpse into the daily lives of little people. Matt and Amy Roloff are little and were both born to average-sized parents. They have four children, only one of whom is little. Jeremy and Zack, the 17-year old twins are about as different as different could be. But that difference does not only come from their height - Jeremy is average size and Zach is little - but also their approach to life. Then comes average-sized Molly. She is 14 years old and often takes a backseat to the antics of her three brothers. And lastly there is Jacob. Also average-sized, Jacob is a typical baby of the family.

As previously mentioned, Little People, Big World documents the daily lives of the Roloff family. School, homework, soccer games, chores, vacations, projects on the farm, friends and the pie-in-the-sky ideas of Matt who is always scheming to better the farm in one way or another. But more than just showing off their family life, Little People, Big World gives viewers an appreciation of the challenges that face little people living in a big world.

Most of us take for granted the fact that we can reach the gas and brake pedals in all standard cars by simply moving the seat. We do not think about needing pedal extenders installed. Most of us can reach the counter in our own kitchens without needing a stepstool to cut an apple or fry an egg. And most of us can sit on an average-sized chair without having to climb up into it.

And while these differences between averaged-sized people and little people are noted in the construction of decks and fences, the restoration of cars and the ways in which everyday tasks are completed, Little People, Big World is not looking for viewers to feel sorry for those with dwarfism. Rather, the Roloffs show viewers just how resilient little people can be. And as Amy says in the opening credits, “We can do anything an average-sized person can do. Just in a different way.”

In addition to showing how the Roloffs live with dwarfism, Little People, Big World shows the camaraderie and competition that little people from all over the country have when getting together at conferences. Zack Roloff especially enjoys the annual Dwarf Athletic Association of America conference in which he can compete on an equal playing field with people of his own size. And his soccer team won the soccer competition two years in a row!

Matt Roloff, in addition to maintaining a lucrative farm-based business, is an avid spokesman for the little people community. As former president of the Little People of America, he is invited to speak all over the country to groups who wish to better their customer service to little people. And while Matt may be invited to talk about how airline companies and hotel chains can better serve the little people community, his message of resiliency inspires those in attendance.

Little People, Big World is a light-hearted show with a great message. Anyone, no matter what size, can do great things. So tune in to TLC on Monday nights at 8:00 and 8:30 for two new half-hour shows. The Roloff family is sure to teach you something while bringing a smile to your face…