Gingerism

The Overlooked Face of Discrimination

When we talk about discrimination, most people think of race, gender, or religion. Yet, there exists a lesser-known but persistent form of prejudice: gingerism—discrimination against people with red hair, pale skin, and freckles. Gingerism refers to prejudice, ridicule, or exclusion based on someone’s natural red hair. While often dismissed as harmless teasing, gingerism can have real and lasting impacts on those who experience it.

Growing up as a redhead, I was taunted, teased, poked fun at, singled out, and shamed sexually.  Discrimination against redheads is often overlooked, ignored, or discounted because most redheads are white and part of a racial majority in the areas where they are persecuted. Even if it is acknowledged, it is treated as a joke.  Imagine being in a culture where not one person looks similar to you (as redheads are less than 2% of the population) - often no one in your entire town.  Both parents need to carry the recessive gene in order to produce a redhead.

I can remember as a teenager growing up in the Michael Jackson age, thinking that perhaps Clorox on my skin would make my freckles go away.  Thank God I was able to think that one through.

Why is gingerism different?  There is often a sexual nature to the discrimination.  Comments often involve the color of pubic hair - in a very public manner.  This is very upsetting to a young person - evoking feelings of shame - who already feels they don’t fit in and have no power.

More ginger men and boys experience more prejudice than females.

GIngerism in the popular culture

While recently while watching the “crown” a Netflix show about the royal family, Prince Harry was talking to Prince William about how the young girls were fawning over him at the age of 16 and Harry’s reply was “I’m just jealous. In the history of humankind, no one has ever screamed for someone with red hair”.

In the “Call her Alex” documentary about Alex Cooper, an extremely popular podcaster, she was surrounded by young 12 year old boys who screamed “put the fire out” and covered her head with coats and slammed her into the ground.  She suffered a concussion.  The bullying was so real for so long, she eventually changed her persona and dyed her hair blonde.

Why Does Gingerism Persist?

• Genetic basis: Red hair is a genetic trait, much like skin color. Yet, while racism is widely condemned, mocking redheads is still often seen as socially acceptable or “just banter.”

• Cultural stereotypes: Redheads, especially those of Scottish or Irish descent, are often stereotyped as “angry” or “fiery,” reinforcing negative perceptions and justifying exclusion or ridicule.

• Normalization in media: Popular culture, such as the infamous “Ginger Kids” episode of South Park, has normalized jokes about redheads, making it harder for society to recognize the harm caused.

History has always put those of us who are different tin the line of fire.  New immigrants to America were often shunned and scorned.  Anything other than the standard blonde haired blue eyed look is shunned.  The difference is that most other groups have other people that look similar to them.  Redheads are like albinos - just not enough of us to gather together to soothe one another.  We are out there on our own, being accused of being angry, bad tempers, mistresses, and even witches,   We need more anesthesia during operations, we have a higher pain tolerance for sharp pain, we can make Vitamin D better than most.

Like most people, we want want to fit in and be accepted by others when we are young, but embracing our differences as soon as we are able can enable us to feel special and not so alone.

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