... I just had to raise my concerns about something.

I have been a member of this forum for nearly two years now and have never started a 'barny', but I want to raise something that has been playing on my mind today. I stress, I don't want this to end up in a massive debate/argument.

Recently, there has been certain members who have been making jokes about 'ginger' babies. Now, I don't know if they were serious or not, but it saddens me greatly.

I know in the UK (I am not sure about anywhere else), it is seen as ok to make fun of people who have red hair or 'gingers' as we are often called and it is seen as harmless and often it probably is just harmless joking (especially by the people making the jokes), but to people with red hair, it is not really seen that way. Luckily, I wasn't bullied for having red hair (and am proud of having my hair colour) but I know quite a few red heads who were. Now, if anyone else made fun of someone for race, sex or religion, they would be blasted for it - but it is seen by some that it is ok to treat redheads as if they have some kind of disability or genetic weakness. It is quite insulting actually. It is especially insulting when people say to you, 'oh don't worry, when we say ginger, we don't really mean you - your colour of red is nice, it is that carroty red we are talking about'.. or. 'your hair is more reddy brown'. I mean god forbid you get the dreaded carroty ginger ! I mean come on people.

Now when it comes to us as adults, we can handle it and mainly laugh it off. But it sickens me when it is children and even babies being taken the piss out of. I mean, honestly, if adults act this way, how the hell are our children going to learn not to bully others. My son has hair similar to mine and I think it is stunning - my only worry is that he ends up being bullied by other kids at
school and, this really worries me, idiot adults who think it is 'all in good fun.'

Now, I am sorry that this has come across as a rant and to be fair, it probably is. But it is something that has played on my mind all day from reading those posts I have mentioned. Like I say, I don't want to cause a massive argument, but I did want to post on something that I feel upset over.

well said poppy and i think your hair colour is beautiful hon! tristan is gorgeous! xx

Totally agree with u hun! xxx

I had red hair as a child, though it changed to blonde as i grew older. It is a beautiful colour.

the member you have seen making ginger jokes is just a troll trying to upset people. Dont take any notice

I totally agree.

In fact, it is sort of funny because I had never even heard the term "ginger" until a couple of years ago because here in the states, red hair doesn't have the same stigma. I think it is beautiful!

beautifully said ag

Ur son is gorgeous, my daughter is blonde with a gingery tinge which is a running joke in my family cos NOONE else in the family has red hair so we have no idea were she got it from!!! I hope no one make fun of her when shes older but in general kids are mean and will alway find something to pick on eachother for... I'm sorry you feel upset, i dont no really what the joke is about gingers but it seems onrunning and makes no sense, if holly does get picked on i wil have to teach her to be thick skined you no sticks and stones and all that...

I am red head too!! and i think its just childish - my son is a brunette with red flecks and i would hate to think people would be funny shoudl #2 be a red head like me !!!

I too think its a stunning colour !

Hey there,
What a great point to make. I am Canadian but lived in the UK for a couple years and as a red head I was very surprised at people's (often strong) opinion of what it means to be ginger. Personally I love red hair, all shades of it, and I find that most people in Canada feel the same (or at least that has been my experience), but yes, it seems to be looked upon in a very negative light in the UK,... Hopefully parents will keep your post in mind and remember that it is not just race, social status, gender, etc that we have to teach our children to be respectful of.


PS... OMG!!! Your Son is GORGEOUS!!! I love his hair!!!!!

i had ginger hair when i was younger and was also made fun of. i totally agree with you hun xx and tristan is GORGEOUS!! xx