Saturday 24 January 2009

Gingerism; the last acceptable prejudice?

Simon Hattenstone, the father of one red headed child elaborates on his misinformed prejudice against his own daughter, whilst asking the question "Why do so many seemingly decent people - the type who would hate to be considered prejudiced - think gingerism is perfectly acceptable?"
In my time I have been a revolting gingist. My daughter Alix was born 17 years ago with a fine carrot topping. Over time, she developed into a fully-fledged ginger. Ginger is one of the first words she learned. Why? Because I called her my little ginge, my ginger darling - on a good day.

At other times, I went the ginger with two hard Gs route. What made me think I had the right? Because I was her father, because I thought I was being funny, because I loved her? Whatever, there was no excuse. When we met other gingers, I'd smugly announce, "Look, one of yours!" and expect the both of them to crack up at my sparkling wit. Thoughtless bastard.

Worst of all, I travelled the road euphemistic. Despite my "banter", I told Alix her hair was copper, Titian, russet - anything but ginger.
Read more at The Guardian

2 comments:

LuckyLizard said...

Gingerism is actually a real issue, its affect me and others ive spoken to ranging from lower social standing to verbal and physical abuse. It mostly affects young men and in the school environment. If your reading this and you have this issue: 1) your image is more important - contact lenses, fashionable hair/clothes etc 2) there is less prejudice outside the UK 3) tell your teachers but don't let them make it public, you need rep. I have a twitter feed Rights4Redheds. Peace out :)

LuckyLizard said...

Gingerism is actually a real issue and it seems to be mostly affecting young men and in the school environment. Abuse can range from lower social standing to verbal and physical abuse. If your reading this and you have this issue: 1) your image is more important - contact lenses, fashionable hair/clothes etc 2) try dating non-UK people, there's less prejudice outside the UK 3) tell your teachers but don't let them make it public, you need rep. I have a twitter feed Rights4Redheds. Peace out :)