Britain is well-known for its peculiar dislike of redheadedness. The trait that many countries perceive as desirable is an excuse in Britain for verbal and even physical harrassment. The terms 'gingerism' and 'gingerphobia' have been coined to refer to such abuse. While it seems ironic that a country should despise a hair colour strongly associated with its own Royal Family, one theory suggests that anti-redhead prejudice is a result of historically-based tension between the English and the Irish and Scottish.
Four cases of varying levels of discrimination are often cited as evidence of Britain's anti-redhead trend.
The Chapman Family—Moved House Three Times to Escape Bullying
Kevin and Barbara Chapman of Newcastle have three times moved house in order to avoid vandalism, taunts and physical violence aimed at their four redheaded children. Mr Chapman reported that his eleven-year-old son Kevin had been so traumatised by constant anti-redhead bullying that he attempted suicide, and was pulled out of school to avoid the abuse. The Newcastle Council reportedly claimed to be helping the family; however, one of their suggestions was that the family dye their hair.
Yorkshire Victim—Stabbed Three Times in Anti-Ginger Hate Crime
An unnamed 20-year-old Yorkshire man was stabbed in 2003 for being 'ginger', according to a BBC news report. The victim left the bar following anti-redhead taunts and was stabbed three times outside
Sarah Primmer—Received Compensation for Sexual Harrassment
The 41-year-old waitress received £17,618 in compensation for 'lewd and embarrassing remarks' made by the night manager and other staff at her workplace. Sexual innuendo is one of the commonest forms of harrassment for redheaded women; Primmer reported that the staff enjoyed watching her blush as they made sexual comments concerning her red hair. The mother of three won a claim of sexual harrassment and unfair dismissal.
Dave Kitson—Labelled 'Ginger Whinger' by Media
When football striker Kitson spoke out against 'ginger-baiting', the response of the local newspaper was to title an article 'Kitson's a Right Ginger Whinger'. Kitson spoke of being offended by thousands of opposition fans screaming the 'ginger' epithet during games. The footballer compared the slurs to racist insults. Kitson also objected to a 'Ginger Day' planned to celebrate his skills. Fans donned redheaded wigs and orange T-shirts in honour of the star; but, as Kitson put it, 'I’ve spent all my time going to places like Ninian Park and The New Den just getting harassed about the colour of my hair to the point where you want to fight back so the last thing I need really is 15,000 people all in ginger wigs drawing attention to it'.
Sarah Tennant - Sarah Tennant is a onetime English major who lives in New Zealand with her husband and two small children. Her interests range from ...
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