Hi all, and welcome to our blog!
We are three students at the University of Western Ontario who are trying to create a new method of interaction between the public for a class project. To start, however, we need YOUR help!
We want to know what you think about red-haired people? So drop us a line, send us a picture, a video, or write what you think in the comments to this post. Feel free to stay anonymous or to post it to your name, either way works for us. All we ask is that you participate!
This is the first step on our journey, so stay tuned, and we'll let you know when phase two begins.
Thanks again, and remember, communicate!
First!
ReplyDeleteI think the first thing that needs to be distinguished, although it is all too obvious, is that red-heads are in 2 distinct categories, that of the Gingers and the Daywalkers. The Gingers are the obvious red-heads, who not only have the flaming head of hair, but also have a pale complexion with vivid freckles sprinkled throughout. This drastic contrast has lead some to the belief they are somehow less socially acceptable and generally stick out, much like a leper or albino. The Daywalkers on the other hand are just like everyone else, except their hair is obvious red. These groups could be further broken down into such stereotypes concerning certain matching carpet and drapes. As to how often these two things positively correlate is rather unknown and altogether too intrusive to investigate.
ReplyDeleteThis being said, those of the red-head species of human are by all means just as well adapted to the structures of Western society as any other racial, ethnic or distinct group. The red-head is a slippery character who can sway from extremely attractive to the unfortunate category, just as any other variety of hair-coloured person can. However, something must be said that this striking rarity could be considered as something of an exciting trait, insofar that being in the presence of a red-head brings an element of the Other to an otherwise dull, listless existence of conformity that plagues the perspectives of the general public. This exotic nature of their red hair is both socially and sexually exhilarating, bringing a newfound sense of understanding of the differences of others by exploring the variants within a single culture of ethnicities. However, an issue arises where these red-haired persons are treated unfairly on the basis that their exoticness imposes on their individual traits and characteristics through a mask of artificiality. Much as stereotypical views concerning blonde-haired women can eclipse their potential to become fully self-realized as functional members of society beyond their appearance, red heads face a similar dilemma but with an altogether different set of stereotypes.
This does come to an apparent conclusion that red-haired people should be treated as no different than any other person with varying physical traits; this conclusion is however, deeply flawed. This would allude to a society that embraces all as equals while ignoring differences, to a point where such obvious differences in physicality become taboo. This ignorance of differences causes a culture where individuals are unable to embrace their heritage as many undoubtedly involve particular styles of dress. This denial of aesthetic variances would ultimately lead to a society where discourse is prohibited if it concerns the dissimilarities between people, and thus defeats the purpose of a so-called public sphere. This ultimately brings me to assume that the red-head must be treated on an individual level, where each person is judged based on their personal achievements, while at the same time their hair colour must be acknowledged. It is a seemingly difficult paradox of ideals, where we must be able to treat those who are different as such in order to affirm their unique background and individuality, while ignoring these features in an attempt to create equality.