International Redhead Day 2011 - Thousands of natural redheads from many countries came together in the city center of the Dutch city of Breda.
(User Qsimple/flickr)
Growing up, red-heads often bear the brunt of ridicule and teasing. Red-headed women are often perceived as fiery, but their male counterparts are associated with different stereotypes—they're clownish, weak and maybe a bit hefty.
A new documentary, "Being Ginger," is touring the country. The film follows one red-headed man's journey to find his self-confidence—and a woman who has a thing for his ginger locks. Through this journey, the film raises the question of why red-headed men are viewed so differently from red-headed women.
Historians say the basis of these stereotypes might lie in history. In Ancient Egypt, red-heads were viewed as witches and evil. And even in the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo depicted a sinful Eve with red hair. Such representations go a long way, researchers say, toward defining the negative impressions of red-heads, which may lead to the teasing and bullying that they face.
The show is a co-production of WNYC Radio and Public Radio International, in collaboration with New York Times Radio and WGBH Boston.
Major funding provided by:
Comments [11]
Prince Harry belies the stereotypes about redheaded men.
I have two red headed daughters, mediteranian bloodlines, not fair, big brown eyes. They get so much positive attention because of their hair and they are gorgeous and unique. :)
Hoping not to offend anyone, I have had many friends who are redheads and one thing that I have noticed as well as my ex-husband who dated a redhead while living in London is that some of them have a very pungent odor. Not all, but some. While I have searched Google, I have yet to find a reason scientific or otherwise, but I'm certain that there is a distinct odor that some redheads have.
It has occurred to me that I might be some percentage of the population that has the gene to detect the odor. For example, I know that only 20% of the population can smell the chemical released in urine after one has eaten asparagus, that would be me. Is there a connection? Does anyone know?
Actually, the worst part of being a redhead is the complexion, not hair color. Most of us redheads burn and/or freckle but never tan and are at the highest risk for skin cancer. It is a lifetime sentence for staying off the beach, boats, etc.
Carrot top doesn't help things.
Ginger on Gilligan's Island.
Ginger episode south park
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXWa9ZIFsH0
and then there was Lucy
Living in Miami as a redhead is particularly difficult as there are very few us ! I always feel like the odd one out, especially when it comes to men who generally find the brunettes & blondes more attractive! Where have you been hiding? Lol
Kate:
about the red hair in the peat bogs (which are found throughout northern Europe, not just in Ireland): often the hair is red because of the tannin the peat, not because the person in question was a redhead.
here's a great tune about prejudice suffered by "gingers" by Tim Minchin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVN_0qvuhhw
In a recent PBS
broadcast about ancient Druid pagan kings whose remains where recently discovered in peet bogs in Ireland it appeared that most had red hair. Despite the in-depth reporting the was no mention of the red hair which is curious. Any thoughts?
I love women with red hair. It might be an obsession or fetish. It's come to a point where a brunette or blonde might get my attention more if they dye their hair red than if they remained with their natural hair color. In fact, in that photo above I seem to find all the females very attractive even though a small percentage of them may not be so "very" if their hair were another color. I might be a bit mental.
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