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Does gingerism remain the last acceptable prejudice?
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by generaldecay | January 24, 2009 at 04:22 am
197 views | 10 Recommendations | 3 comments
They are teased, bullied - and heading for extinction. Simon Hattenstone (father of one redhead) asks whether gingerism remains the last acceptable prejudice?
People don't often believe that there is prejudice again redheads/ people with ginger hair. But as a redhead I can tell you that it does exist. I was teased mercilessly at school (and often in vindictive ways) and since, although in more jovial manners.
Ginge, Ginger Nut, Ginger Minger, Carrot Top, Duracell, Period Head, Ginger Bollocks, Ginger Pubes, You Lanky String Of Ginger Piss. Just a few of the names those in Jenny Wicks' pictures have been called.
I've been called nearly all of these, at different times.
Why do so many seemingly decent people - the type who would hate to be considered prejudiced - think gingism is perfectly acceptable?
People think it's harmless fun - because it's only a hair colour - but it's not. The abuse can often be really harmful in childhood. I hated being a redhead when I was young. I love it now but it took a long time to get there.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (3)
at 08:02 on January 24th, 2009
I had no idea generaldecay. I am actually a little surprised since Red hair is not so uncommon in Briton. In West Africa it is special and almost worship in a way. People with Red or Blond hair are a sort of Ideal in West Africa even today. Natural Red or blonde hair of course. Even here in Japan Red Hair is much appreciated.
at 08:19 on January 24th, 2009
Red hair isn't terribly common in Britain, Paschen. I would say that it's the least common natural colour. It's not even that common in Ireland, surprisingly.
I think that it's an age thing. In childhood, red hair is considered a disease but in adulthood, it is much more liked. And, hey, I won't go grey until I'm about 60! So take that red hair haters! ;)
at 04:37 on April 22nd, 2009
Yes!