Feelings red hair links feelings about Irish

by Mrs. Geraghty
(Virginia)

I believe that how people view red heads is linked to how the people of their country have traditionally viewed the Irish and Scottish.

Obviously, in Ireland and Scotland red hair is a good thing, while in some other countries that didn't necessarily have good feelings about the Irish and the Scots didn't like the red heads. In early America under English rule the Irish were considered trashy, hot tempered, and drunkards. The phrase "paddy wagon" comes from there. Paddy is an Irishman, of course, and a paddy wagon is a vehicle that picks them up and takes them to jail. Well, we know how the English have always thought about the Irish and Scottish. That has trickled down. A lot of the negative stereotypes comes from these prejudices of the Celtic people.

How can anyone really think that someone's temperament is different because they have red hair? That's like thinking the color of one's skin dictates their temperament or intelligence although some people do think that!!! It's racism. Fortunately, Americans are mostly kind people. I think Americans mostly like red hair because we mostly have Irish roots!