4 MINUTE READ
My name is Jill and I am a GINGER.
There, said it.
You might not know it if you were looking at me – over the years my hair has morphed from Neon Ginger to sorta Auburn Ginger + I have succumbed to societal pressure and had blonde highlights, but…
ONCE A GINGER – ALWAYS A GINGER
And I have the freckles, a drawer full of out-of-date sunscreen and the Psychological Scars to prove it.
Psychological Scars I hear all you Ginger Mockers gasp.
Yes, Psychological Scars my dear Non-Ginger Friend, for even now, in the 21st century when Society is more accepting and respectful of all the differences that human beings have in terms of age, race, religion, nationality, gender fluidity, sexuality, Milk or Dark chocolate preferences – still…
NOBODY LIKES A GINGER
And if you still don’t believe in Ginger Syndrome (ok, made that up but, I bet, psychologists would approve)…
YOU TRY… being called Carrots, Red, Bowie (was a 70s thing when Bowie went ginger to help our cause), Fanta Pants, Ginger Minger, Snaps, Ginga, Ginger Nuts and the best compliment you’ve ever had in your life was once being called a Carrot-Heided Babe.
Bonny Langford, one of my early Ginger Role Models
YOU TRY… watching our A-list ginger heroes being the butt of jokes. When Prince Harry and Ed Sheeran and… ermmm Bonnie Langford (over 40? Google It) can’t escape mockery what hope for us lesser gingers. For crying out loud, Patti ‘Millionaire Matchmaker’ Stanger won’t even help Gingers find a Millionaire to marry, as she considers us unworthy – hmmmff.
YOU TRY… wandering through Waterstones and coming across a book entitled Nobody Loves a Ginger Baby (rather a good read, as it happens)
YOU TRY… spending your 20s faking hilarity when your Gal Gang shouted in unison, GINGER ALERT whenever a ginger bloke walked into the pub – then rolled about laughing for next 20 minutes.
Yes indeed my non-ginger friends, YOU TRY being on the receiving end of all that…and then tell me Ginger Syndrome does not exist.
I have news for all Ginger Mockers…
Gingers have feelings too!
Starting to Feel A Bit Guilty, Now?
So in an attempt break down some barriers to and to put an end to Ginger Syndrome once and for all, here are 12 Lovable Things About Redheads
1. Unlike other hair colours, we Gingers have special days dedicated to us
…like Kiss a Ginger Day, Ginger Pride, Redhead Day and there’s even a Redhead Picnic. So Na Na Na Na Na to all you BLONDES and BRUNETTES
2. We are mutants
It’s a bit scientific and complicated but basically when both a mother and father both possess a genetic mutation of a gene called MC1R they have a 25% chance of having a ginger baby.
3. We are brave
So this little ol’ mutated MC1R gene releases a chemical called pheomelanin, which blocks the brains receptivity to pain, which means redheads have a higher pain threshold. Particularly handy for wars and childbirth.
4. …and rare
Only 2% of the world population have red hair. Scotland, at 13%, has the highest population of gingers with Ireland runner-up at 10%. Only 2% of the USA popular are blessed with ginger hair.
Neither Scotland or Ireland have ever won Miss Universe.
5. We spend a fortune on sunscreen
…and the best we can hope for is an Even Pink, after spending days lying on a sun-lounger.
6. Meh colours suit us best
Brown and beige and pea green all look particularly fetching on a redhead. Pinks and red and yellow don’t – but hell, that doesn’t stop me
7. There are tons of inspirational gingers
…including Elizabeth I, Vincent Van Gogh, Damien Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Prince Harry, Julianne Moore and, ermm Bonny Langford. Wiki has a whole PAGE dedicated to them.
8. Some people CHOOSE to be ginger
30% of women who dye their hair at home opt for a red shade. Famous dyed gingers include Rita Hayworth, Lucille Ball, Emma Stone, Cynthian Nixon (from Sex and the City) and Christine Hendricks (Madmen)
9. Gingers might become extinct
It’s that old pesky Climate Change again! Red hair doesn’t adapt to warm climates, so as the world warms up there could be a decline in the number of people with red hair. And then you’ll be sorry – won’t you!
10. There are special gifts for gingers
…like this rather ginger-tastic Colour Me Ginger Book
The perfect gift for your favourite Ginger
11. Redheads Can Help You Win The Lottery
…if you are Polish and you pass 3 redheads in a row you will win the lottery. Fact.
12. I can’t think of No. 12 but I’m sure there is one.
So in closing, I have a message for all Non-Gingers…
THINK TWICE before you ridicule another ginger
THINK TWICE before you crack another Ginger joke along the lines of….
Q: What’s the difference between a ginger and a vampire?
A: One is a pale, bloodsucking creature that avoids the sun. The other is a vampire.
or
Q: Why are the Harry Potter films unrealistic?
A: A ginger kid has 2 friends!
or
Q: How many Ginger people does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: None. They prefer to sit in the dark.
or
Q: What do gingers look forward to later on in life?
A: Grey Hair
source: http://www.jokes4us.com/dirtyjokes/gingerjokes.html
…OR on your head be it – for one day we GINGERS might just rise up in unison – one massive group of freckly, slippery (it’s all that sunscreen ) pale-ness – and take revenge on all the ginger-mockers – and then you’ll be sorry.
On behalf of the 140 million gingers in the world, thank you for listening.
The End
Don’t miss a trick – tune in every Saturday for more randomness & unsolicited advice – or better still, sign up for Regular Updates (above right). You’ll also find me on…
Twitter @MidlifeSmarts
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MidlifeSmarts
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.co.uk/midlifesmarts
HEy Jill I love a good ginger! Only a true ginger can pull it off, so you’re truly special
Author
Thanks Amelia. Hated being ginger when I was young but I love it now. X
Good one Jill! My daughter is expecting her first baby and there’s a high chance it will be a ginger, so I’m loving your post today. You are indeed a rare breed and very special as a result.
Author
Oh that’s so exciting Debbie. I do hope it’s a wee ginger 🙂 Thanks Jill x
You’re one Ginger I would love to meet some day 🙂 Wasn’t Lucille Ball a ginger too? Maybe Gingers have a natural flair for humour 😀
Oh and by the way, you got my vote for the Funniest Blogger award in the Bloggers’ Bash category awards 🙂
Author
Thanks so much – That’s so lovely to hear. No Lucille was dyed. Shocker! And yes would be amazing to meet sometime. Jill x
Love this! Catherine Tate was my favourite Doctor Who companion BECAUSE she was ginger! 😉
Author
Thanks Shelley. Yes she was fab. I love it now. As a child – not so much!! X
Thanks a million Debbie, your post cheered me up no end!! Don’t forget all those fake tan woes.. I’m sitting here at the moment all streaky orange and full of regrets 😉 here’s to all us red headed people xx
Author
Oh don’t get me started on fake tan 😂. Yes cheers to all redheads !! X
Sorry Jill, memory is gone too :-/x
Oh, I love a good Ginger! And you are a perfect one Jill! In the Asian culture, don’t forget all the henna-hair-dyed oldies who turn ginger rather than white-haired!!!
Author
Thanks Ritu. Dying your hair bright red is rarely a good look if you are over 30 😳. I do Love being carrot headed now 👍 x
Brilliant, loved the Potter one. Although, redheads are rather lovely in my opinion…just saying…. now this kiss a ginger day….is it real 😍😍
Very funny post!
Author
Haha. Yes the potter is good and Yep, Kiss a Ginger Is real. It’s January so u have missed it this year 😳. Thanx for popping on. Jill.
Thanks for highlighting us unique redheads 🙂 I am the same as in I was more ginger when younger now its more highlighted naturally with blonde [grey]. My cousins are fiery red, and one has two adorable bright redhead granddaughters who are so cute and very pretty. Long live the redhead genes 🙂
Author
Ah a fellow ginger 👍 fantastic.
Little ginger girls and boys are gorgeous. And yes long live the ginger gene!! Jill x
As probably the only person in the world to have dyed her hair ginger (strawberry blonde?) I hear you re: the jokes. I have ‘ginger’ colouring – pale freckly skin – and it is actually a hair colour I really like so at times I go ginger by choice;) – and you always look fab in your photos!
Author
Oh thanks Fiona. Ur an honorary ginger then!! I appreciate red hair now – hated it when I was young! lots of actresses go red now and look amazing. Thanks for popping on. Jill
You forgot to mention one important Ginger that most Scots love…… IRN BRU….. I shall now put on my pith helmet, dig a deep hole and keek out occasionally to see if the cost is clear! 😁
For the record….. I once grew a beard… guess what colour that was…. yep…. ginger!
Author
Hahah. Beards count so welcome to the Ginger Gang. 👍👍
Oh No. I had hoped that one of my children would end up a red head. (My ex husband’s mom, sister and niece all had the gorgeous red hair) but so such luck. I had strawberry blonde hair as a child, and had dyed red hair for most of my adult life. I love red hair!
Author
Hey Cherie. Yes I love it too now. Didn’t as a child though. Strawberry blonde always sound so lovely. I was a total ginger 😳. Thanks for popping on. Jill x
I LOVE red hair – fact! And I love George Martin’s description in Game of Thrones, considered lucky S they are kissed by fire 🔥
I mean how exoticly awsome is that?
Author
Hey Sonia Oh I love kissed by fire 🔥!! I’ll be using that to the next person who calls me Ginger 🥜 Nut 😂. Thanx ps I must watch Game of Thrones!!
My Mam and my cousin are gingers and proud. I love red hair I think it’s gorgeous. My hair is brown and boring!
Author
Hey Rachael. I soooo longed to have brown hair when I was a young. Long sleek brown hair. Secretly I quite like being a Ginger Heid now !! Jill x
Yep, Your ginger days are well remembered — that high top curly mop and big smile, Jill. Fab blog today. SOOOo fun and creative.
Author
Thanx LES. Yes miss those old carrot 🥕 days. I might dig out some henna and go proper ginger again. XX
I’m not a ginger but I do have a son who leans ginger-ish and I myself own some SPF 100 so I’ve always empathized. I know that it’s a life long burden but also a blessing as well
Author
Leans towards Ginger-ish. Lol. Your son is very welcome to join the Ginger Gang and you can get in too – just because you know him. And have some SPF 100 !
We have gingers in our family. I’m not one of them (dark brown). Had young cousin say recently she wants red headed babies. So there are people out there supporting you!! Always enjoy visiting have a great weekend.
Author
Hey Brenda, Redheads Rock. Glad We Gingers have your backing!! Jill x
Good luck with the nomination, I’ve just popped over to vote for you. Keeping everything crossed x
Author
Thanx so much. That means so much coming from u. Jill x
Xx
I remember spending hours using henna as a teen to try to go auburn! I do have a couple of friends who, whilst they have come to terms with their ginger now, they also hated it as kids. Funny how we all hate something about what we are gifted isn’t it – my daughter has very blonde hair, which she wants to dye dark…but as a Harry Potter superfan when she was younger she wanted to be like the weasley gang!!
Author
Hahaha. I expect your daughter will grow to love her lovely blonde hair in time 🙂 I actually used Henna as a teenager too and my hair would go the brightest shade of red. Writing this has made me sorta want to go back to my ginger roots!! Thanks for commenting. Jill x
I’ve never understood the Ginger hate. I LOVE GINGERS! And the freckles make you even more beautiful. A London-based photographer did a project a few years ago capturing people of colour in the Caribbean who are natural Gingers. The images were stunning. Red heads have a friend in me. 🙂
Author
Hey Melissa, thanks so much for commenting. I’m gonna google that photography project you mention. Delighted to know Gingers have a friend in you 🙂 Jill x
Author
Is this it, Melissa?
https://www.buzzfeed.com/gabrielsanchez/beautiful-photos-that-show-redheads-of-color?utm_term=.ytbevXAbkY#.foR1LOb56d Stunning!!
I HATE that negative attitude to red hair. It is do ridiculous. I even get angrier about it when people don’t grow out of it. Cop on world.
Author
Yeah right. Cop on World!! All the nicknames upset me as a kid but I can take it i my stride now!! Jill x
Weirdly, i’ve never had any negetivity attached to my ginger ness. Always loved my hair colour. Never had anything, but a positive response to it.
Author
Thanks for popping on. I was teased when I was at primary (junior) school but that was it. Love having red-ish hair now. JIll
Fun post! I dyed my hair ginger several years ago and loved it far more than my natural colour 🙂
Author
Hi Ruth, I do love red hair now and writing this has made me want to go bad to a bolder red again!! JIll
This brunette always wanted to be a ginger! Thanks for the great post!
Great post, some of my favourite friends are ginger.
Author
Oh thanks Sarah. Yes gingers make good friends 🙂 Jillx
Great post Jill! Can you do one about blonde people?
Author
Haha. That’s maybe one for you? Do blondes have more fun? Thanks for popping on JIll x
I have naturally curly hair and freckles, and Mr Fletche was ginger before his premature greyness so it is highly likely that if we’d chosen to have kids then i’d have given birth to Annie… 😄
Author
Hahaha. Sounds like you have that Mutant Gene!! There’s a saying in Scotland Nobody Loves A Ginger Wean – so unkind but funny.
I am a ginger, although I now bleach my hair blonde. I need stock in sunscreen still. I’m never going to be tan.
Author
Ditto, Ginger Sister. But there are up sides. Thanks for popping on. Jill x
My mother is a ginger (whilst I didn’t inherit her hair colour, I did get her pale skin) and even some of my best friends are ginger haha. Also, I dye my hair auburn too. I still mock my ginger friends though. I will now think long and hard about my actions (but probably still continue to do it). I LOLled at the Colour Me Ginger book.
Author
Haha Keep mocking the gingers – we secretly love it! Yeah that book looks fab -it’s a UK artist who does all these wacky colour books – there’s a Benedict Cumberbatch one! Jx
Hilarious post and good to know! Good luck at the Blogger’s Dash! I’m rooting for you!
Author
Hey Lisa,, thanks so much – fantastic to hear that. Jill x
I love Ginger and you have lovely hair. This was such a fun post to read. And I have just gone ahead and voted for you. Good luck. 🙂
Author
Thank you 🙏 so much. I secretly like ginger hair too. X
I love a good ginger…candy, cookie…hair. I was one of that 30 % who dyed my hair. I love love, love red hair. I will stop and stare at anyone with truly red hair. And by that I mean, NOT mahogany! I once told a hairdresser to dye my hair red and she turned my brown hair mahogany. It was the only time I ever told a hairdresser that I hated what she did to my hair. I came back the next week and they fixed it. I kept that color for a year before I started experimenting with other colors.
Author
Hey Jennifer so great to hear your a ginger fan! My hair is now sort or red blonde. Writing this has made me want to go back to a proper red again! Thanks for popping on. Jill x
I didn’t realize it was so hard being a ginger! My hubby is a ginger, at least the part that hadn’t turned to gray. I’ll have to ask him if it was rough growing up!
Author
Hey Shannon – thanks for popping on. Yes ask him!! Maybe boys didn’t get teased as much as girls. Jillx
What a wonderful post! I am a Ginger and I identify with all your points! You forgot to mention the calm gentle disposition that goes with the red hair (HaH!). And by the way, I am 73 and still have red glints in the sunshine. Not totally ginger, but definitely not yet grey. And yes, lots of folk around have red hair but it’s just that RED . . . out of the bottle. We’re for real. 🙂 Here’s a list of all topics covered in A to Z 2018 Blogging Challenge in case you missed any posts.
Author
Haha – this is brilliant Shirley. Yeah we are the real deal!! Bottle red never looks great unless you are about 21. And yes I have that ‘gentle disposition’ for sure – I prefer to call it being sassy 🙂 I’ll check out your A-Z – I caught a few of them and enjoyed. JIll x
Loved this! I’m also a 50-something ginger, only as I aged my hair lightened and much of it went white. Now people think I’m a blond and I find myself insisting I’m a ginger!
Author
Haha – totally relate to that. I did not like being a ginger when I am young but when I get mistaken for a blonde (easy mistake to make as I get highlights) I insist I AM A GINGER!! It’s like a secret society – there’s a fab website How To Be A Redhead – check it out if you have time. JIll x