The Idea
I haven’t posted anything in a while but that is because I am just enjoying my break a little to much, but now it is time to get back to work. So as most of you already know one passion that I have is for red head rights. I think that I had a argument with a couple of people in this class but I have had this talk with many people so I don’t really remember. Before I go explaining what it is I have to lay down some official definitions first:
Race
1. A local geographic or global human population distinguished as a more or less distinct group by genetically transmitted physical characteristics.
2. A group of people united or classified together on the basis of common history, nationality, or geographic distribution: the German race.
3. A genealogical line; a lineage.
4. Humans considered as a group.
5. Biology
a. An interbreeding, usually geographically isolated population of organisms differing from other populations of the same species in the frequency of hereditary traits. A race that has been given formal taxonomic recognition is known as a subspecies.
d. A breed or strain, as of domestic animals.
Racism
1. A belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement,usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. A policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. Hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
And some unofficial definitions:
Ginger
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 deserving discriminated against. Gingers are thought to have no souls. The condition, “gingervitis” is genetic and incurable.
Gingerism
A form of discrimination that is considered racism towards people with red heads. This form of racism is still acceptable by societies standards and is just as wrong as discrimination against Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Middle easterners. Unfortunately not much is done to stop this. Red headed children are harassed at school and even the work place is hostile for red heads.
I have done some on and off research about what other people think about the color of red hair and what label or category my friends, family, and myself fit into. Some has been really disturbing and some is just ridicules. When I get into arguments with people about my hair the first thing they do is assume that I am not treated differently for it, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Stereotypes like ‘fire tempered’ and ‘sharp tongued’ have been with me my hole life. The first thing that most people notice about me is my hair and how it stands out. This isn’t a bad thing but they sometimes assume my personality instead of getting to know me. I love being a red head but all of these ridiculous notions, stories that i have heard, and what people tell me to my face can frustrate me to the point were my blood starts to boil.
I will see you all Monday.
