A few days ago I had a friend of mine come to me with what he thought was a very pressing issue. Worried and distraught, he explained to me a growing problem across the globe, a problem so rare and so wild that most people have skipped right over it. In fact, I myself was unaware until he further explained. At first look some might say it’s not really a problem at all. Others would say it was a good thing, but nevertheless this young lad was terribly concerned.
This devastating problem is that our world is suffering from a severe lack of redheads. Now before you laugh, please understand that research has proven this fact, and it is indeed a problem. Why? For one thing, studies show that people in general are more attracted to redheads. For another thing, they were already rare to begin with!
The gene for red hair is said to have begun with the Celts, a people group similar to the Scottish. The Scottish currently have the highest population of reds, but still only hold thirteen percent of their entire population. On top of that, the American population only holds two percent redheads, and overall, it is estimated that less than one percent of the entire world has naturally red hair. Some scientists predict the red population will become extinct by 2060. This is because only four percent of the population holds the red hair gene, MC1R.
Speaking of MC1R, it’s interesting if you think about it. Most people with red hair do not have redheaded parents. This is because the redheaded gene is recessive, which means red hair is a genetic mutation.
This rare gene is not only a stereotype, but a proven scientific fact. Perhaps this is why many people think redheads are strange, weird, or different. Personally, I feel like redheads are gorgeous. There’s something about those fierce fiery locks that’s exciting, tantalizing, and oh-so breathtaking. Finding a redhead is like finding a white diamond in the middle of the scorching desert. It’s rare, it’s gorgeous, and it’s different. Reds stand out amongst the crowd. They can boldly make a statement with just one turn of the neck.
Unfortunately, like most uncommon and unnaturally beautiful things, redheads are often under respected. This unsettling act became a depressing phenomenon in 2005 when the hit TV show, South Park introduced Season 9, Episode 11: “Ginger Kids.” Thus began the ever-popular ginger jokes, including the fact that they “don’t have souls.” Fast forward a few years and 37,466 people are following @GingerProblems on Twitter. Like I said, a gross phenomenon.
Although I myself am not a full ginger, I do have a red tint in my hair, blonde eyelashes, and I used to have freckles. So it’s close. I guess it would help if I clearly defined ginger. UrbanDictionary.com defines it this way:
As for the no souls part, that just happens to be a common misconception. I have two wonderful people in my life that are ginger, and as far as I know they have plenty of soul. One helps out with the children’s department at my home church, and the other faithfully films the local football team for volunteer hours. In fact, most redheads seem to be pretty nice if you ask me.
The TV show, South Park created the “gingers have no soul” joke for the entertainment purposes of teenage boys. Lucky for the producers, the episode went viral and has caused a world-wide trend of “Ginger jokes.” Sadly, most young kids have taken the joke too far.
For example, Gwendolyn Russell, a Canadianteenager, was kicked dozens of times repeatedly on “Kick a Ginger Day,” a holiday her classmates made up. Although her mother fought the issue with the local school board, no kids were suspended. This is just one of many stories redheads have endured because of the South Park jokes.
Perhaps these ginger jokes can be compared to the story of the ugly duckling that was always made fun of until one day he turned into a beautiful swan. Perhaps redheads are made fun of because of their exceptional good looks. Perhaps one day they will become “swans,” the most coveted of people.
If you are a red-head you should celebrate your natural hair color! Don’t cover it up with the normal colors we see every day. I bet one day our country will have a national Ginger day. That seems to be the trend with all other minorities here. White people used to hate Indians until Thanksgiving, and African Americans were treated horribly, but now we have Martin Luther King Day and Black History month. There are many examples of groups who go from being hated to being admired.
So take heart gingers. One day your flawless pale skin will be celebrated! Imagine all the blondes in the world dressing up with red wings and white paint. Thousands of people painting light orange freckles all over their face, arms, and shoulders. What a shining day that will be, literally.
The gene for red hair is said to have begun with the Celts, a people group similar to the Scottish. The Scottish currently have the highest population of reds, but still only hold thirteen percent of their entire population. On top of that, the American population only holds two percent redheads, and overall, it is estimated that less than one percent of the entire world has naturally red hair. Some scientists predict the red population will become extinct by 2060. This is because only four percent of the population holds the red hair gene, MC1R.
This rare gene is not only a stereotype, but a proven scientific fact. Perhaps this is why many people think redheads are strange, weird, or different. Personally, I feel like redheads are gorgeous. There’s something about those fierce fiery locks that’s exciting, tantalizing, and oh-so breathtaking. Finding a redhead is like finding a white diamond in the middle of the scorching desert. It’s rare, it’s gorgeous, and it’s different. Reds stand out amongst the crowd. They can boldly make a statement with just one turn of the neck.
Unfortunately, like most uncommon and unnaturally beautiful things, redheads are often under respected. This unsettling act became a depressing phenomenon in 2005 when the hit TV show, South Park introduced Season 9, Episode 11: “Ginger Kids.” Thus began the ever-popular ginger jokes, including the fact that they “don’t have souls.” Fast forward a few years and 37,466 people are following @GingerProblems on Twitter. Like I said, a gross phenomenon.
Although I myself am not a full ginger, I do have a red tint in my hair, blonde eyelashes, and I used to have freckles. So it’s close. I guess it would help if I clearly defined ginger. UrbanDictionary.com defines it this way:
A human, characterized by pale skin, freckles and bright red hair.
"Gingers" are generally considered to be inferior to their more melanin-rich brethren,
and thus deservingly discriminated against. Gingers are thought to have no souls.
The condition, "gingervitis" is genetic and incurable.
As for the no souls part, that just happens to be a common misconception. I have two wonderful people in my life that are ginger, and as far as I know they have plenty of soul. One helps out with the children’s department at my home church, and the other faithfully films the local football team for volunteer hours. In fact, most redheads seem to be pretty nice if you ask me.
For example, Gwendolyn Russell, a Canadianteenager, was kicked dozens of times repeatedly on “Kick a Ginger Day,” a holiday her classmates made up. Although her mother fought the issue with the local school board, no kids were suspended. This is just one of many stories redheads have endured because of the South Park jokes.
Also, a few weeks ago sugarscape.com reported a new bromance between Ed Sheeran and Rupert Grint, who are both ginger. “Gingers everywhere will be feeling all warm and fuzzy inside at this show of brotherhood between Ed and Rupe,” the site said. Basically the only news is that two gingers are dating and that is very rare.
On a more positive note, a few of the gingers have rallied back to create their own support. Conan O’Brien and Elmo teamed up to create a public service announcement to inform kids that, “Having red hair is cool,” as Elmo says.
Some of the greatest people to even live were redheads. Lucille Ball, Strawberry Shortcake, and Reba McEntire were all fabulous in flames. As for the men, I’m pretty sure Prince Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and Vincent Van Gough have done pretty well for themselves despite their ginger qualities. Perhaps these ginger jokes can be compared to the story of the ugly duckling that was always made fun of until one day he turned into a beautiful swan. Perhaps redheads are made fun of because of their exceptional good looks. Perhaps one day they will become “swans,” the most coveted of people.
If you are a red-head you should celebrate your natural hair color! Don’t cover it up with the normal colors we see every day. I bet one day our country will have a national Ginger day. That seems to be the trend with all other minorities here. White people used to hate Indians until Thanksgiving, and African Americans were treated horribly, but now we have Martin Luther King Day and Black History month. There are many examples of groups who go from being hated to being admired.
So take heart gingers. One day your flawless pale skin will be celebrated! Imagine all the blondes in the world dressing up with red wings and white paint. Thousands of people painting light orange freckles all over their face, arms, and shoulders. What a shining day that will be, literally.
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