It’s a well-known fact that redheads are an under-represented minority. For example, fewer than 2% of the world’s population has red hair. The same can’t be said about how people react to those with ginger locks. Redheads have been getting a bad rep for centuries – but why? The insults we hear about gingers today aren’t exactly something new – back in the 14th century, they were known as ‘frightened wretches’ and ‘devilish brood’ due to their unusual hair color. Then what changed? Why do people hate ginger-haired individuals so much? A lot of it comes down to envy and suspicion. While having red hair used to be a sign of nobility, some cultures developed negative associations with the trait (as well as blonde hair) because often they were found exclusively among commoners. In other words, gingers still get picked on today because people think they look weird or different. Don’t believe us? Keep reading for more details about this unfortunate case of ginger discrimination.
Why Do People Hate Gingers?
There are many possible explanations for why some people might hate gingers. Some people might find ginger’s flavor or scent overwhelming or too spicy. Others may associate the color red with anger or rage, and therefore see ginger as a symbol of hostility. And still, others may simply be biased against people with red hair because they’ve been taught to view them as different or strange. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that not everyone enjoys the company of gingers!
The Stigma Of Being A Ginger
1. People View Gingers As A Threat.
Gingers are often seen as a threat – to themselves and others. While people with red hair aren’t inherently dangerous, they’re often confused for being dangerous. This can lead them to be perceived as threats or ‘not fitting in’ – and that makes people very uncomfortable! (Ultram) In many cultures, redheads are viewed as being a little unusual – it’s not the most common hair color you see in nature. That can make people feel uncomfortable, which may lead them to bully gingers.
2. Redheads Have Been Stereotyped For Centuries.
Throughout history, there has been a negative association between redheads and evil or demonic beings (like Satan). This is largely due to the fact that red hair was often found among the lower classes (commoners) while the ruling classes were blonde-haired or brunette-haired. There is also a belief among some cultures that ginger-haired people have jaundice (a yellowish skin condition) and therefore are ‘unclean’. This is the reason that some people associate ginger-haired individuals with being unhygienic – and this can lead to them being discriminated against.
3. Redheads Are Seen As ‘weird’ Or ‘different’.
There is a long history of people associating red hair with witchcraft, devil worship, and other supernatural activities. In many cultures, redheads have been seen as ‘different’ or even ‘unnatural’ – which may be why they get bullied for it! Some cultures also associate red hair with being a sign of demonic possession – and this can lead to them being treated like outcasts. This isn’t the only case where people have associated red hair with superstition or evil; in China, they believe that gingers have fangs!
Why Are Redheads Discriminated Against?
1. They’re Unusual
When the color red became associated with the devil, it was often seen as a sign of evil. The same can be said about gingers today. People think of redheads as strange, and often associate them with bad luck. This is why they’re often teased and treated differently by others.
2. They Have Weird Hair Color
To some people, having ginger hair is a sign of being different – which is why they’re discriminated against in school, work, or other social settings. They feel like they don’t fit in when surrounded by people with blond hair and fair skin – so they get picked on because of it! How can someone who looks different be considered a friend? It doesn’t make any sense! That’s why bullying gingers is so common among kids: they feel left out because of their hair color. So what should you do if you have ginger-colored hair? Just remember that it’s not a bad thing. It’s just the way you are, and there’s nothing you can do to change that.
3. They’re Unattractive
Have you ever seen a ginger-haired person with a nice figure? It doesn’t happen very often, does it? Why is that? Well, redheads are often thought of as unattractive because they have freckles and pale skin. This combination is also thought to be unappealing – so people don’t like them very much! Plus, they have a tendency to get rashes or other skin issues – which is why gingers are often avoided by creepy guys who want to get laid. So what should you do if you have ginger hair? Just realize that your hair color isn’t the problem here! You might be ugly, but that doesn’t mean your hair is ugly too!
Consequences Of Being A Ginger Has Been Discriminated Against
1. Resentment
Gingers have to deal with a lot of discrimination. Not only are they picked on for their hair color, but because of the way they look in general. Their skin tone is usually naturally lighter than what most people expect, and it’s not uncommon for gingers to have freckles or red hair. All this can make them seem unusual or even ‘unclean’, which can make people feel uncomfortable around them. Ginger discrimination is especially common among children. In a study conducted in the UK, more than half of the children who were asked admitted to making fun of other kids who had red hair (and 40% did it because they thought it was “weird”).
2. The Dreaded ‘r’ Word
One thing that has always bothered many ginger people is the term “redhead” itself. It’s used as an insult for anyone with red hair – whether you’re ginger or not. So, if you’re a redhead and one of your friends calls you a “freckle-faced ginger”, it’s no wonder you feel offended.
3. Being The Punching Bag
It’s not just gingers who are discriminated against – they also get picked on by others because of their hair color. For example, a study conducted in 2011 found that people who have red hair are more likely to be bullied than those who have blonde hair. If a person has red hair and is teased or bullied for it, they may grow up with low self-esteem and feel insecure about themselves. As adults, they may also be less likely to be hired or promoted in the workplace because of their appearance and less likely to get married or have children. Why would anyone want to put their life on hold?
4. A Stigma Attached To Their Culture
As mentioned above ginger”, you may be a little offended. If you’re a ginger, you know exactly what they mean – but if you’re not a redhead, then chances are they don’t know what it means.
Final Words
At the end of the day, you can be whoever you want to be. Whether you have red hair or not, you can still be successful, confident, and happy if you want to. That said, if you have red hair and have been dealing with negative stereotypes and discrimination because of it, it’s time to stand up for yourself. You don’t need to let others control the way you feel about yourself. You can wear your hair in a different style if it makes you more comfortable. You can also wear different colors and take care of your hair to make sure it looks its best. You can also try boosting your self-esteem with positive self-talk and by surrounding yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are. In the end, being a redhead isn’t something you should let hold you back. You can be successful and happy just as much as anyone else can be.
