Red is confidence

by Nicole
(Michigan)

I'm 19, and a redhead. Of all the stereotypes, I can get a little hot-tempered, am passionate and sexual, friendly, loyal, very opinionated, adventurous, and smart. I can be unpredictable, and I am a free spirit. These things are not because of my red hair, it's just my personality. My friends all share these same characteristics and none of them are redheads.

Saying redheads are monsters is like saying blondes are all skinny, big chested dimwits and brunettes are intelligent and professional. I relate to a few of their stereotypes as well. Personality, temper, and intelligence don't care what color hair you have. Everyone is different in their own way and all of these things vary from person to person. Besides, when we turn grey, does that mean we all become wise, confident, and mature? Not necessarily.

I feel the only true stereotype for redheads is the fair skin and freckles but even that varies. I don't have nearly as many freckles as my redheaded father or my little redheaded sister.

In middle school and early high school, going through puberty and other life changes, being a redhead was difficult. I was teased and singled out. everyone called me firecr**** (I'm sure you know what insult that is and I don't like it) There was even a guy in my class that refused to even talk to me because of my red hair. I hated my hair color and begged my mom on many occasions to get it dyed. But she said it was too pretty and refused to let it happen.

Now, I love my hair. Kids are cruel and growing up was tough but I feel now like it made me a stronger person. I constantly get compliments on my hair color which I feel is unique even for a redhead, with a lot of natural blonde, deep red, and even purple highlights. And now I hardly get any negative comments. The only thing I have a problem with now is people constantly telling me that "gingers don't have souls" thanks to the cartoon 'South Park'. This is probably the most hurtful thing anyone's ever said to me and I'm afraid that it seems to be the opinion of a lot of people I meet.

But all in all, I love my hair, have never dyed it, and really never plan to. I feel like being singled out as a kid, though it was difficult at the time, has made me a stronger person today. And I feel like I almost have a "connection" with other redheads as we always seem to get along better and understand each other more. Probably because we know what the other has gone through.