However, I realize that red haired children on their own in the playground will almost inevitably have to endure an uncomfortable or even difficult time until they learn to appreciate their own beauty. If this childhood initiation ritual, doesn't destroy their confidence for ever, it can give strength and independence. I had enough relatives telling me how lucky and beautifull I was to be blessed with the red hair gene to make me proud.

I had more of a problem accepting my white skin. No one ever told me this was beautiful until adulthood. I remember as a ten year old, coating my arms and legs with a thin film of brown shoe polish in an attempt to blend in with my tanned class mates. This is as pitiful as some black people feeling they must bleach their own skin.

I discovered that it was, ironically, often those same 'white' people that used to make derogatory comments about non-white people that would be the ones ridiculing my complexion. I have never experienced any such offensive comments from black or brown people; on the contrary, it has often been black people that have expressed admiration and attraction for me partly because of my so very white skin.

So for all you whiteys out there, forget the sunbed, you are more sexually attractive than you realize. Plenty of people are going nuts for a taste of you.

Sor far, so good. They get a lot of positive comments on it, and the 5yr old, who has the brightest red, absolutely LOVES his hair. In fact, when he heard a child will start at his school next year with the same name as his, his first concern was. "What if he has orange hair like me? Then I won't be special!"

I'm enjoying the positive outlook he has on his hair while it lasts! He feels special right now. And I hope that continues.

I know other girls who had red hair in school who were teased. I never understood why. I was blonde and I thought their hair was far more interesting! Funny I ended up with red heads!

Great post. Thanks! x

I'm in the U.S., and I've never gotten teased about my red hair. Usually it's compliments. Someone even asked what color the box said. I was happy to tell them it was my color.

Seriously, come to the other side of the pond! We'll love your hair and your accent!

Cecilia

Liz VP – It is such an intrinsically British prejudice and an odd one at that. Even if your children don't have red hair they might carry the gene. I was a surprise!

VBH – Joseph does have beautiful hair indeed. I wish red hair recieved the same reaction in the UK as it does in Spain. Also, sending Joseph a ((Big Hug)).

Dadwhowrites – Bolshy, yep me too. It's so frustrating. I expect you're right about the old Irish prejudice and this being the evolution of that.

Rebecca – Sorry you were bullied. I was shy and hated my hair too. I now love it but it was a long road and I still feel embarrassed saying it!

Nappy Valley Girl – I reckon Tesco have been inundated with complaints. I've heard Moonpig.com carry it too but haven't checked it out yet.

Erin – It is ridiculous that such a prejudice is accepted. Your hair is beautiful too!

Em – I do get compliments too but sometime feel they're out of pity. Especially when at the hairdressers, it's like it's scripted LOL! Women can be very cruel but I get it from men too, especially when I worked in a pub.

Helen – I was the shock redhead too . Genuine compliments are lovely. I secretly love it when someoine coos over my babies. I bristle at jokes on TV too and when I saw the story about the card I was utterly gobsmacked.

Laura C – It is an outrage. I've read comment elsewhere about how we need to get a sense of humour about it. Errr, I do have a sense of humour anf prejudice and bullying isn't funny.

Clareybabble – I'm so glad that so many people have said their children have had positive comments. Long may it continue. I wonder if the card manufacturers are ashamed or revelling in the free publicity?

Natalie – I totally agree that prejudice is learned behavior and is so easily passed through generations.

Janine – It's funny, I'd usually say I'm a redhead. I suppose ginger does carry negative connotations because of this odd prejudice and needlessly so.

Thanks for all your comments.

x

I did actually feel for her the minute she was born as even then it concerned me she will be bullied when she grows up, despite her hair being a gorgeous colour. Kids will pick on the slightest little thing.

I have to admit I don't like it when people say she's got ginger hair

But I worry about the future and every time ginger "jokes" come on the TV I bristle. I'm disgusted with that Tesco card, so much so I gasped out loud.

Whilst my mum said she used to get lots of compliments from passers by when she took me and my sister out, I did have to deal with a fair amount of bulling at school for my hair colour.

Even in the last year, I've heard so many people say things like "oh god, I'd hate to have a ginger child". You wouldn't say anything so rude about another race, so why is it ok to say it about a hair colour?

The best thing is when the joker turns to you and says "oh, but you're not a 'real' ginger"

Funnily enough, it's now mainly women that make these kind of comments, when it was boys at school that used to make them!

::hugs::

When I was little my hair was strawberry blonde, as I got older it became more and more auburn, which in the US was considered beautiful.

Growing up I was always jealous of my second-cousins who had redder hair than I did.

It's a horrible cultural thing on the British Isles that discrimination of the basis of hair colour is allowed to continue!

I think your hair is beautiful! =)

and yes, there is absolutely no excuse for bullying of people with red hair. Why is it any different from victimising people according to their skin colour?

I really enjoyed your blog post. Well done for putting it out there.

Rebecca

It pains me that it's something that he could be picked on for, especially as he is already being bullied (in a 3 year old way) for being an odd one out in not being Catalan. Fingers crossed that so far it has only been revered and admired and I've never heard a nasty comment about his hair, long may it continue.

I don't understand why it's acceptable for people to jibe others on their hair colour. Weight, colour, religion, sexual persuasion etc are all taboo so why is hair colour any different. Bullying is bullying regardless of the reason!

Growing up my best friend had the most beautiful red hair and like you say people just thought they could verbally abuse her because she had red hair. When she moved the US she was amazed at the love and adoration her hair suddenly got and it gave her a vast amount more confidence in herself.

If someone was of an ethnic minority and had those things said to them they'd be in front of the police – why any different for the redheads of our country? We should be proud of them!

As far as I know, the card's been withdrawn. I'm shocked that it was produced in the first place.

x

Mummy Bear – It's those early teenage years that are the most perilous. You're so self aware and the need to blend in and 'be perfect' is so great. Maybe one day she'll realise that her red hair could be her crowning glory that sets her apart in a positive way rather than feeling she wants to hide it.

xxx

CJ xx

Heather – I've never purposefully tried to cover my hair colour. Have had highlights and once a richer red full head colour but never gone blonde or brunette. I like my hair . Yes, at my school teacher let it slide and in adulthood it seems totally acceptable to make jokes, hell, it's even acceptable to broadcast 'jokes' like these on TV.

Emma – I think a big problem is that it's not seen as bullying. It's just one big 'hilarious' joke.

Thanks for all your comments x