An Ethnography on Gingers

by Louise Cockram and Conor Leggott

With thanks, apologies and a roshambo challenge to South Park)

Anthropologists study different societies to understand cultures in their own context while discovering what it means to be human. Ginger people, however, seem to be underrepresented in anthropology and their distinct behaviours, practices and beliefs have yet to be studied extensively. Perhaps anthropologists are scared of igniting their fiery tempers or maybe Gingers are not exotic enough to warrant any serious study. We as anthropologists shall attempt to reverse this trend and delve into Ginger culture.

We have all seen them walking our streets, in our grocery stores and attending our classes: those with red hair, light skin and freckles. It is believed that this condition is caused by “Gingervitis”, a disease resulting from their having no souls. Most people in the civilized world view them as disgusting and generally dumber than ordinary people. They are marginalised and discriminated against because of their unusual hair-colour. They are often seen as “weedy” and having an uncontrollable temperament.

While the rest of the world is a dangerous place for Gingers, there appears to be one safe haven for these beings sometimes referred to as the “scum of the Earth”. Where is this crimson paradise? One would have to travel to the mysterious Island of Prince Edward.

On Prince Edward Island gingers seem to have achieved an almost cult-like status. This is probably born out of the frenzy surrounding Anne of Green Gables, the mythical figure whom all Islanders trace their lineage back to. Island mythology is rich with lore involving Gingers. A popular story is that in ancient days, non-Ginger babies were cast upon the cliffs as a plea for the gods to send them more carrot tops.

Such extreme idolatry for Gingers is also present around the globe. Pilgrims from as far away as Germany and Japan come to PEI annually to pay homage and catch a rare photograph of these redheads, or perhaps even Anne herself. While the real Anne passed into legend centuries ago, these worshippers often mistake everyday Gingers on PEI for the illustrious Green Gabler going so far as to photograph them and ask how Gilbert is doing.

PEI allows Gingers to live their lives without fear of discrimination and they are allowed to interact with other Islanders off-leash. At UPEI, the ginger community is thriving with red hair being seen as a major asset. Some believe that Gingers “are smarter than most hair colours”. This trend is also apparent by the fact that many of those we observed were not born ginger and had actually chosen to become redheads later in life. Those Ginger from birth told stories of precocious octogenarians suggestively stroking the redheads and mumbling prayers to their great ancestor.

Despite the veneration Gingers enjoy on PEI, they remain one of the most misrepresented groups in Western society. They are often portrayed negatively and are sometimes the victims of violence, particularly on November 20th, “National Kick a Ginger Day”. Perhaps people should follow the Island example and treat people of all hair colours favourably. Perhaps Gingers are no different from any other hair-colours - neither gods nor scum. Perhaps we simply create that difference in order to feel better about ourselves.