As a North American the concept of "gingerism" somewhat baffles and is totally alien to me, although it brings to mind the iconic Canadian turn-of-the-century storybook heroine Anne of Green Gables, a pluckly orphan taunted mercilessly in a P.E.I. one-room schoolhouse for her red hair, referred to as "carrot top" by the character who will later become the love interest.... she responds by breaking a slate (chalkboard) over his head.

Leile, Vancouver, Canada

"that his colouring was a magnet to women in France and America "

maybe in America , but in France if you are ginger you will hear everyday many comment and insult about your hair colour
made a term to a lot of relashionship i got

guy, Paris, France

Famous redheads missing from the article and comments include Queen Elizabeth I of England and Stan Laurel (both of whom had Welsh origins).

I'd also like to put in a mention of King Sigismund III Vasa of Poland-Lithuania, who won't mean much to most people, but does to me!

Archduke Maximilian III Habsburg, Breslau, Silesia

Completely and utterly agree with Emma's comment here, the media feels quite happy to be derogatory to people with Red hair but will make a big hoo ha scandal about idiots on big brother making derogatory comments about others.

David, Leicester,

I've noticed in the press in the past few years the tendency to refer to ginger people in heavily derogatory terms. Heat magazine in particular are guilty of this, read by teenagers and no doubt adding to the playground bullying. Lately, Ive even noted the Times' own Hugo Rifkind referring to both Prince Harry and Lily Cole with a definite "gingerist" theme.
Replace the word "ginger"in all these articles with the word "black" and the journalists would certainly be in deep trouble.

Emma (Gifted and Ginger) , Nottingham , Notts

I have spent most of my life being singled out because of my red hair. I was the only redhead at my first primary school, and it was hell. I had no friends and i ended up having to move schools because of the constant bullying.

I have finally learnt to embrace it rather than cover it up. I no longer care what anyone thinks, and I've stopped hiding. The hair is part of the overall package. Everyone else will just have to live with it, it's part of me.

One thing I have noticed is that as guys get older they stop being anti-redhead, and start finding it attractive. It's immaturity as much as anything.

Vicky, Truro, Cornwall

I have red hair and live in Ireland. In Ireland there is a veiled perception that red hair, freckles and pale skin is less attractive. However, personally I have not encountered much direct taunts - I generally find that mousy men and jealous women are intimidated by the power emanating from flame-haired warriors and beauties. I am appalled by the casual abuse levelled at red-haired people within the British media; interestingly, much of it by impotent comedians unable to come up with a better line. They also use the by-now pejorative term of "ginger" whereas the abuse would lose its sting if terms such as "flame-haired", "red", "Titian", etc were used. I find that the greatest danger of having red hair is the constant threat of being kidnapped by adoring American tourists and of having one's hair and face fade due to the constant flattering stares from French, Italian, etc people. No one is as stunning or as compelling looking than a good-looking red-haired woman.

Mairead, Wexford, Ireland

My sisters and I are all ginger and proud! We've started a facebook group entitled "hot gingers" for anyone to join. We are trying to redress the balance due to over ten other groups dedicated to ginger hate! Please help the cause and join!
Use this handy link:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2374408781

Lewis Jones, Eccleshall, Staffordshire

I have told my kids that if not soon but in a generation or two someone will be born with red hair to remind them of me. They always find it funny. It's interesting that it is akin to racism. I never thought of it that way. In essence it is exactly that. Whenever anyone is singled out for some physical or other characteristic it becomes racist. I was truly hounded as a child in Serbia, whether in school or outside. Wherever I went I was never left alone. It begs a question: If we single out people for derision and humiliation, what does it say about people who are doing it. Some input please!

Liliana, Scarborough, Canada

As a read-headed American, I got maybe one or two mean comments in adolescence about my hair; but most people loved my red hair and complemented me on it. I now have two strawberry-blond daughters and all we get are compliments! People stop me to tell me how beautiful their red hair is-- just like mom's, they say. I've been reading alot about anti-gingerism in England lately-- told my husband I guess we won't be moving to London after all! How sad for British redheads. Stay strong, Strawberry Fields!

Emma, Denver, Colorado

Anti-redhead abuse is racism.

Shaun, London, London

I don't get it - am I missing something? Why would people harass you becaue you have red hair? I've never witnessed this kind of behavior before. I guess I don't get out enough. Incidentally I'm a big fan of red-headed women.

David, Waltham, MA, USA

Weren't red-headed people considered to be the spawn of Satan during the middle-ages? Pretty sure I read that somewhere, and didn't make it up. I'm sure someone will correct me if I did.

Certainly, when I was at school, ginger hair was another reason for kids to pick on one another. Rather like having, in my case, big ears, or a big nose. Pretty childish really.

However, has anybody noticed how generally stunning red-headed women are? All pale-skinned and feisty, with flaming hair.

Now, that's something you can't argue with!

Rob Wickens, Colchester, Essex,

I love red hair with a passion. I look to date redheads, they are stunning! Come to Canada, I would date you all! I want to move to Ireland just to fall in love and marry one. Come one, come all!

Overseer, Windsor,

New Zealand has a similar attitude. Boys get more stick than the girls; it definitely carries through to adulthood, with people at the office referring to "Fanta Pants" etc Of course it's worse if you've got freckles as well. The playground consensus is "red = ugly, pathetic".
;) having reached uni myself, I've just discovered that whole community of men who admire red-heads... hurrah!

Zis, Wellington, New Zealand

I am a redhead! I live in Houston, Texas, USA and when I read that some Americans were saying that redheads over here are not harassed in some way baffled me. I have had to deal with my whole life with people stereotyping me and calling me names and all different kinds of prejudices b/c my hair is red. I am now 26 and my hair has lightened up a lot and is more of a strawberry blonde now but I have come to realize that it is 100% ok to make jokes about red heads. As I have gotten older the jokes and mean taunts have lessened but they are still there. I thank God every day for making me a redhead! It has made me a stronger person b/c I did have to deal with the rudeness of others. I would fly to the UK in a heartbeat to protect that girl from that taunts, Dont change be red and proud!

Kit, Houston, Texas

People that are hung up on other people's hair color (of all things!) have far too much time on their hands and must have very boring lives.

Maria, Boston, MA, USA

Growing up in Iowa, the very middle of the US, I have to say that intolerance for we fair haired ones is NOT limited to Britain. My experience as a child was one of learning to fight... as I was constantly hounded with whatever kind of battery filled the imagination of my grade school thugs. Many a bloody lip later - I did discover that whatever I might have endured as a child - I was somehow blessed to be asked for directions in almost every country I've been in. Even those where I clearly am not native.

Being a red head is like being part of an exclusive club.

I think it jealousy and fear that makes others take a vicious stance to us. We do tend to be funnier, smarter, more charming and more talented than our other haired friends. And in communities where being "normal" means looking like everyone else - black, blond, brown - well - we simply shine!

jeff jack, hollywood, ca - USA

This was a fun read, and kind of uplifting to this American "ginger." And the other Americans who were appalled at the idea of "gingerism" -- well, it's true, I don't think we have that here, though I have personally encountered one instance in my life of someone just randomly saying they didn't like redheads. But I'm originally from Tennessee, where we gingers are pretty heavily represented among the white population. You can throw a rock and hit one. No one does, though, because of that "redhead's temper." I'm going to see if I can get my redheaded daughter to listen to that paean to... well, us, now.

Steve, Atlanta, USA/GA

I think the redhead-bashing ended in America after the 1960s. My red-headed mother told me that the teasing was terrible before then, and in Victorian-era books I've read red-headedness was equated with being "cross," or as bad a deformity as a hairlip. Thank goodness this era has passed! As a 21st century redhead, I've had nothing but compliments - and even hairdressers drawing the line at "over-streaking" my hair, so as to not ruin the natural color. I agree with the gentleman who said "If it gets too hateful over there for you, come over here!" We need definitely need more intelligent redheads in the states to help us tell blonde jokes. (Just kidding) ;)

Frenchy, Portland, Oregon, USA

What does it say about today's society that you have make yourself part of a "vicitimized group" to be a valid artist?

Adam Bair, New York, NY

I have to say, that as a Canadian in London, the whole ginger thing is bizarre beyond belief. I have never in my life encountered anyone who got stick for being a redhead. Is this really a problem in Britain? How ridiculous is this? Does this actually happen?

Andrew, London, Uk

My wife says my red hair is what attracted me to her in the first instance. Always been red and proud of it despite the abuse of teachers and schoolmates as a teenager. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Philip Webster, Leigh. Lancashire,

Red-haired male here. I had the usual 'ginger' and 'carrot-top' names when I was at school. No big deal - if you're sporty you don't get bullied.

But the first hint I had of general prejudice was when I was sent on a sales training course in my first job with Citibank. The (extremely well-known) sales trainer told me in front of my training group that I would have an uphill struggle being successful because people "don't trust red-haired salesmen."

It's only become apparant to me over the last ten years how much prejudice there is. I only recently heard for the first time the phrase, "should be beaten like a red-haired step-child" from a client who had no idea what colour my now white hair had once been.

It makes me wonder how much this affected my career - were missed opportunities or failures all my fault?

But then, so what? I have a beautiful, red-haired daughter who is constantly pestered by admirers. My son is blond. And I now own my own business.

Steve, Ashford, Kent

I like gingers, especially if they have green eyes. Reddish hair looks more vibrant than mousy hair. Being a ginger nearly always means being very pale-skinned, which means you're susceptible to sunburn and won't tan.

Kevin Varney, Reading, UK

I think the combination of ginger hair, pale skin and freckles is the very peak of sexiness! What is wrong with people?!

Will Duffay, London,

Gingers seem to be specially cherished States' side, being both (a) found to be unusually beautiful, and (b) believed to be particularly 'fiery' in temperament, including in, er, erotic contexts. If you're underapreciated in the homeland, then, do please come to the colonies. But be sure to bring sunscreen if you land south of the Mason-Dixon line, as the sun there tends both to make Celtic skin prematurely age and to render it vulnerable to carci- and other 'nomas.'

Alexander Hamilton, NYC, US

I'm a redhead, and have always lived in the US. I think perhaps part of the teasing (which I only experienced in the smallest degree, though still enough to make me self-concious into my teens) is a mix of both the hair color and accompanying lighter skin. Kids will pickl up on any difference. In college now, it is never mentioned, and i rarely give a thought to it!

red, OK, USA,

I adore ginger hair, but I have real trouble believing that the people in Newcastle were persecuted for their ginger hair. I can believe the abuse hurled at them involved their ginger hair, but I doubt that was the underlying reason for the harrassment.

starling, Lancaster,

In school I was constantly teased and made fun of because of my red hair....this went all the way through high school...however, as an adult I have had no issues. In fact my girlfriend loves my red hair...she tells me constantly that I glow in the sun because of it.

Anthony, Riverside, CA

Kate, I have brown hair and am not a mouse. More steroeotypes! Will it never end!!!

Helena, Notts, UK

Gingerism is pretty big in Scotland too believe me. Me & my brother are both red heads and typical monikers include Carrots, Ginger nut, Bunsen (the inoffensive ones). Its a source of humour now but at school, as with any difference, its something to hang u with. There are different types of redhead of course but undoubtably in this country, it is generally not seen as attractive.

Stephen, Glasgow,

Another American here to say Brit redheads should at least visit another land (like ours) where you will be considered beautiful and charming. Anyone reading this - if you work for a major airline, please consider sponsoring a flight of 100% redhead passengers to the U.S. for much needed pampering and appreciation! What PR that would be.
Carol G
Wisconsin, USA

Carol, Mt. Horeb, US/WI

I have always thought that gingerism IS racism - purely and simply. It is a hatred of the Celtic bloodline that gives rise to the colouring, and therefore no different than bullying someone based on the colour of their skin

Jo, Cambridgeshire, UK

America's most famous redhead is Patti Scialfa, wife of Bruce Springsteen. His song "Read Headed Woman" is a ribald paean to the joys of gingerism. Go Red!

Peter, Asheville, North Carolina

I have ginger hair - its not red or any other such colour it is GINGER! I was teased at school and in the streets,as was my sister and my dad but luckily we were also into alternative stuff which made us a bit different anyway,so perhaps we just got on with it,prefering to be a little bit different.I detested the lewd names that went with it from immature boys,but i bet many of them would now love a 'redhead' on their arm. If you can tolerate the comments(ok you shouldnt have to) and hold your head up high and proud ,believe me you will stand out in a crowd. My favourite game is spotting the dyed redhair and quoting the famous beamish red advert -"some are born red ,others aquire it" I love having redhair, passionate,fierry and unique!

karen roberts, Greenford, U.K

Is this a joke? People in the UK are actually taunted and abused for having red hair? I suspect redheads are more common in the US, but I've never heard of someone being abused for that reason.

Buzz, Fairfax, USA

I was bullied all my school life because of my red hair. How I hated it when I was a kid and would have given anything to have 'normal' coloured hair.
Now I'm an adult my hair colour has faded to a strawberry-blonde colour, and how I wish it was still it's previous beautiful red!

LG, London,

Unfortunately, there are ignorant, total morons everywhere.

Steve , Huntington Beach, California

I am also surprised by the revelation that red hair is still not admired in England today.

As a tween, I read and loved a classic children book series set in Canada around the 1900's, which I'm sure some of you know, with titles such as Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea. And in the series, the heroine is an irrepressible redhead who is teased for being a redhead and hates being a red head.

I thought that was just something that people did in the old days. I am shocked to learn that getting teased for being a redhead still exists in Britain. But now I understand more where that came from in the book. Perhaps the Canadians got that idea from their British roots back then, but I'm glad to see they've grown out of it. It's funny to see how long cultural stereotypes based on ancient history can persist though.

Claudia, Atlanta, USA

I was one of the lucky Brightonians to be singing alongside the lovely Ginny D. at the Royal Festival Hall and applaud her for her efforts in uncovering the nastier effects of 'gingerism' via the glorious medium of song. Thanks G. We had a fab time.

Jane Leclercq, Hove, East Sussex, England

It happens in America too. I was taunted all through my grade school years, turning me into a scrapper because I grew tired of it. The little old ladies would always tell me how they loved my hair and proceed to pet me like some sort of dog.

However, it has not been a problem in adulthood.

Jerry, Atlanta, GA

I can never understand why people are so anti-red, I've always wanted to be a redhead and at the age of nine managed to nag my mum into letting me dye (with a wash in-wash out!) my hair red. I've had many hair colours in the past 14 years but always go back to, and am currently, red! Natural red hair is truly unique and beautiful.

Ms. Jaime Molloy, Manchester, UK

I think that it was Fantastic, but then again i would as i am a member of the South London choir! My brother Terry is also a redhead.

Audrey Gregory, london, england

I can't believe that someone would write or compose music about red hair. Now we can acknowledge having red hair is a problem. However, I was not aware English looked at red hair as undesirable. I was born with red hair in a country where it was an anomaly. I could thank my Austrian grandmother for red hair. Has anyone ever heard of redhead Serbian. I was until I got older and began to turn gray. In my youth I was teased mercilessly and even threatened. Of course, living in a sunnier climate also presented a problem, I had to be very careful in the sun. I've had a sunstroke more than once. My father also had red hair and my two sons have dark hair. I'll admit to being disappointed and hope when they become parents one of their children will be redhead. My life became much easier once I moved to Canada where everyone had only nice things to say about red hair. Once in Canada as a young woman I enjoyed my red hair very much.

Liliana Petrovic, Scarborough, Canada

OK, help me out here. You limeys discriminate *against* redheads? Um, what are you putting in your beer?!?

I am at a complete loss to understand this one. Anti-foreigner prejudice, while completely and utterly wrong, is easy to understand. Likewise, racial, religious, and gender discrimination: wrong, but understandable.

But... redheads?!? Inexplicable.

Tell you what. If you are a British redhead with a clean police record, at least consider emigrating to the USA. The combination of the accent -- no matter what accent you have -- and the hair colo(u)r will make you an absolute hit over here. If we had polygamy, I would marry you all (not that I expect that to be a major draw, but it *is* an indication of your popularity).

So, the English discriminate against the most beautiful people in the world. huh. Amazing.

Chydenius, Miami, USA

Yes, red hair does seem to be a significant problem for many people. A junior school teacher I had often said that we redheads were "trouble" - we made sure we were!

Throughout my life I have had taunts but they rarely upset me because I feel that being tall, green eyed and red haired sets me apart and it's preferable to being short and dark like my detractors..

British and European history is littered with a disproportionate number of redheads. We are associated with fire and strength - perhaps a reference to our celtic/viking ancestors.

The prejudice against redheads, setting aside envy, seems rooted in ancient rivalries between the original British population and incomers who tend not to be fair (although many of the Normans/Plantagenets rulers were red heads but thats the viking element again), Many Scots, Welsh and Irish have red hair.

There is even an old folk prejudice against red heads in northern Somerset linked to a viking raid as far back as about 900AD,

Geoff Miller, Bromsgrove, England

I always got teased at achool, but now people tell me that they love my hair colour, and I always see people who have tried to dye their hair red, but it looks so unnatural. I am proud of my hair now, and guys love it!

ellajanie, london,

Whoa. I'd never have imagined this was even a problem. As many have pointed out, over here redheads are teh hotness, as one of my daughters would say...my youngest, at 7, is a flaming redhead and has received lavish complinents on her hair all her life. As if she had anything to do with it. According to something called the Oxford Hair Foundation (?!), the redheaded gene is becoming ever rarer, but here in the US redheads are over-represented on TV and in print ads because they're so cute. Just ask my kid.

Mike, Stamford, Connecticut, USA

Oh, those caustic remarks of copper head and duracell, of freckles face and more.

The only person bullied as badly as I was (I'm half Pakistanin Half English and went to school in the 80's) was the guy with red hair.

Raymon, London,

I am a member of a family with many red haired family members in it. I have never known any of them being bullied by anyone. In my eyes being called ginger or carrot top is part of growing up.Also whatever your build or appearance someone will have a dig. you just dont keep rising to the comment.Finaly spend ten years in the middle east as I did and you will find that your red hair can open doors every where you go.when I asked why some of the Mullahs had red streaks in their
beards,I was told that it was because the prophet Mohammed had a red beard.

k f houghton, immingham, england

I think all the taunts of duracell, coppernob and gingernut at school made me a better person, although I wouldn't recommend it as a character building excercise. I think however that being 6'5" made a bit of difference to the number of taunts I receive now. I wouldn't have any other hair colour and I at least it is difficult to get lost in the crowd!

Will, London,

I absolutely adore the redder kind. A lot of my friends are ginger and sometimes get together and plot global domination.

Martin, Manchester,

Although not ginger (as in the bright red colour) being auburn I have taken many insults over the years. I believe it is a sheep mentality - pick on the few which represent a lesser threat in order to project power. Now grown man such insults are rare, only amongst friends - a research degree in itself. However words have bitten, an elder brother had physical abuse due to red hair. I cant say whether it has made me stronger but I can tell you this for certain, if insulted today I would come upon the sheep like a wolf. Be wary of the words you say a book and a cover gives little depth to the capacity of the author.

I see little difference between such abuse and racism, both are the result of small minds. Racism is addressed in schools, Gingerism is laughed about by teachers & parents - "shush, it's only in jest". Uh-hu, let's ask the parents of children who are abused if it's taken as lightly.

The gene itself is very interesting, research and feel proud - we are truly amazing!

Iain Dobson, edinburgh, uk

I have had ginger hair down to my waist and have never been bashed about it.Everyone i ever met always seems to be utterly bog eyed with wonder at such a glorious colour.I was born in Scotland but spent most of my life till 32 in Africa so maybe that accounts for it.But have been all over the world and it is only in England i have heard such rants about ginger hair.Look at Lily Cole..how could anyone not be dazzled.Her mane is gorgeous.

I put it down to spite and envy since it is the one colour not effectively got out of a bottle " because you are worth it ". Non naturals looks tarty always .

I basically could not care less since no-one has said to my face they hate my hair or my green eyes., and even if they did i am not defined by my "looks" or hair.

M McGregor, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

I had red hair as a child but it has faded to a reddy brown with age. I still think of myself as having red hair and am extremely proud of my beleaguered minority status. However, I am consistently amazed by the apparently-okay-racism towards red-haired people in the main stream media. I recently read an interview in The Sunday Times with the actor Damian Lewis. The female journalist asked him what he thought of being a red-haired sex symbol, when "so many women find it a turn off"! If I was him, I would have marched her to the nearest toilet, pushed her head in and flushed several times, then pulled her out and politely asked her to repeat the question. But then that's probably just my "ginger temper";) Seriously though, mousey people, can you imagine The Sunday Times printing the same question to a different interviewee, where the words "red-haired" are replaced by e.g. "black", "Asian" or "Jewish"? But whatever you say, we gingers don't care, because we are better in bed.

Greg, Preston,

Rob, it is recessive but it won't eventually die out because it is not dangerous. Neutral recessive genes persist (at low frequencies), so don't worry. your great great grandchildren will still be able to see red hair.

Floyd, Seattle, Washington, US

I've always felt a little more special because of my red hair, blue eyes and freckles. I love being a natural born redhead. Long live the Ginger Ninjas!!

Annie Kane, London, Ontario, Canada

I think this sounds rather brilliant. As an associate redhead (I dye my hair what I think is technically known as auburn) I think there is a lot to be celebrated....

elemjay, London,

I didn't like my read hear when I was a youngster. But women now say they love my red hair. I love the compliments. So for me, it's been a real plus!

Jim, Lancaster, USA, PA

Rita Hayworth wasn't a redhead; she was a dark brunette whose hair was dyed by studio magnates to hype her image.

If MJ Paranzino wants to include some real redheads, here are three: Lucille Ball, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.

TJ Cassidy, Arlington, Virginia, USA

I'm an American, so what do I know, but over here ginger-haired women are seen as being especially attractive. If it gets too hateful over there for you, come over here!

Cody, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

I see the old story of the only green (or red in this case) monkey in the cage still holds true. I suppose from the council's point of view it makes more sense to tell a family to dye their hair than to provide cages for the real monkeys in this situation.

Just goes to show - for every civilised ape that learns to talk and count there are a hundred others who just want to swing around the trees and pelt everyone with banana skins. The council official's alleged response also confirms that if you let a monkey vote then he'll vote for another monkey.

KR, Stockport,

Stunning! That's what I think of ginger or red hair. I've never understood the bizarre dislike of it. I have always been jealous of guys with red hair and always been in awe of the women! I've heard it is a recessive gene and will eventually die out. Is this true?! This is terrible news!

Rob, Cardiff, Wales

As a redhead, I've never had a problem, although my equally red haired son occasionally has.

However, I say stuff the critics, red hair is sexy and fabulous. Who'd want to be a little brown mouse (which so many people are - boring!) when you can flash your glorious red tresses?

Kate, Oxford, UK

I think that people who bully others for their hair colour must be complete and utter morons. But then, the English are good at bullying other people - and then turning round and using the classic bully's excuse: "But it was only a joke." Sure.

Tina, Deganwy, Wales

I simply do not understand it. Red hair looks no funnier than any other hair colour. People who go on about it probably have no strong feelings either but are sheep who don't think for themselves and follow any old 'custom', no matter how pointless, if everyone else is. And ginger baiting, like weather-whinging, is just one of those 'customs'

Mohammed, Brum, UK

I grew up in Australia and I was frequently taunted throughout my schooling for having red hair. Fortunately this hasn't continued into adulthood.

Jenny, Newcastle, Australia

Spot on, I'm afraid. I'm english and ginger, and that's only been a positive attribute in foreign climes (notably France and America).

In fact, thankfully, it seems to have a magnetic effect on people of both sexes abroad (handy for both work and play), whereas in England the complete opposite is true.

And yes, i would equate the abuse i received at school to racism - although in the end I just put it down to unavowed jealousy!

LB, France,

There's been a lot of talk about this in the media recently and I have to agree with the posters from the US: this kind of anti-redhead bullying is unheard of outside England. I've only ever had compliments about how beautiful my hair colour is except one time as a child visiting England when some other children seemed to have a problem with my hair and passed comment on it. I thought their dull mousy brown hair was pretty ugly too, however, so we were quits.

I can see why schoolchildren would single out redheads because schoolchildren will pick on any silly trait to define who's in and who's not. It boggles the mind as to why any grown adult woud behave like that, however.
It's as though the media were to write articles about the short-sighted suffering "Speccy Four-Eyes" taunts or the tall suffering the "what's the weather like up there" taunt. This is all just schoolyard nonsense that should be left behind in childhood.

MB, Edinburgh (Redhead HQ),

Good grief! I've wished my whole life that I could have had red hair. I say, lucky people- it's beautiful! I'm an American, though, and I've never seen the hostility spoken of here.

Margaret, Phoenix, Arizona