Gin-ger [jin-jer] - noun : A person with red hair, pale skin that burns in the sun, and freckles. In the episode "Ginger Kids" of South Park, Gingers are characterized as inhuman, repulsive, and soulless. I created Redhead Haven in December 2009. The idea of creating a redhead support website occurred to me when I was writing a practice business letter for my Rhetoric and Composition course in college. I chose to speak out against redhead discrimination, or "Gingerism", in the United States. I believe a large factor that started the Gingerism trend was Episode #911 of South Park, "Ginger Kids". Instead of simply seeing the humor in the episode (Eric Cartman is an ignorant, manipulative dimwit), some people have taken the notion of "Gingers" too far. As a Day Walker by definition, I have been called "it" and "dirty daywalker" and I am sure I am not alone. Facebook groups titled "Stop Gingervitis" and "National Kick a Redhead Day" are highly offensive to me. Redheads have long been called derogatory names such as "carrot top" and "firecrotch". I am tired of the stigma associated with having red hair, pale skin and freckles. They are beautiful characteristics in my eyes. The fact that redheads have a few recessive genes does not make them any less human than anyone else. Redhead discrimination is real, and I felt that I needed to create a special place where redheads can vent and share their experiences without criticism or hate. See "Ginger Kids" here: http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/103676 (viewer discretion advised) Laura |
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