Emily Modrowski: Myths about
redheads
Throughout my 18 years as a redhead, I’ve gotten mixed reviews
from people about my hair. Anything from, “Do you dye your
hair?” to “Does your hair melt the snow?” Gingers seem to have
surpassed blonds as the new hair color to make fun of;
sometimes even I join in. But over the years, I’ve heard
multiple myths about redheads, and some of them are just
stupid.
They turn to vampires after death.
I have to say when I read this it took me by surprise. Ancient
Greeks believed that when a ginger passed, they did not die,
but became vampires. This might explain why red-headed slaves
were more expensive during that time, but I don’t know why
anyone would want a slave who would turn into a vampire after
they die: it makes no sense. I can’t debunk this 100 percent
truthfully. I’ll report back to you all if I die and grow
fangs.
Bees have a secret love affair for red locks.
Apparently, bees are attracted to red hair. Now this one I
have personal experience with. I’m going to have to agree that
this is true, because in the warmer months I can’t walk
outside without a bee buzzing around my face. The other day I
was peacefully enjoying my lunch with a friend when two bees
just decide to fly in and get lost in my hair. That was enough
for me to contemplate pulling a Britney Spears and shave my
head.
They don’t grey.
I haven’t experienced this yet, but after doing research I
have found this is surprisingly true. Red hair slowly turns
lighter, more blond, and then straight to white. There is no
grey stage for gingers. Also, red pigment stays in hair longer
than any other color. So while you dye your hair in attempts
to look younger, my hair will look the same. Checkmate, antigingers.
They are mutants.
Okay, yes this is technically true. Red hair is a recessive
gene caused by a mutation in the MC1R gene. Plus side: I’m not
the “unwanted redheaded step-child” as my grade school friends
once joked. Downside: I’m a mutant.
They don’t have souls.
Ah, my personal favorite. While I’m sure South Park had its
reason to believe this myth, I’m fairly certain it is just
that: a myth. I can’t be too sure, but there is quite a chance
that I, along with other redheads, do in fact have souls.
Unless the first myth turns out to be true – then the ‘no
soul’ thing is perfectly believable.
Emily Modrowski is a first-year majoring in communication.