Well, it seemed like a funny idea, until people took it seriously.

Never underestimate the ability of human beings to act like jerks when they are give a little social approval and can be anonymous, but we knew that from the internet in the first place.

So, across Canada, it seems that young teenage students decided that it would be fun to play "kick a 'ginger' day."



The reality is that labelling someone a "ginger" or some other term means that they are different, the "other", less than deserving of full respect.  It also permits the majority to build a group identity by identifying as not being that kind of person. 

When I was that age, I got the nickname of albino and the associated disrespect.  My solution was picking out one offender and threatening to beat the shit out of them.

Problem solved.

The boys cast stones at the frogs in jest, but the frogs die in earnest.

 - Bion (as quoted in Plutarch)

On the other hand Update:  Apart from the capacity of people to be idiots, South Park is just plain funny.

I also liked this redhead's response to "Kick a Ginger" Day, i.e., "We're psychotic, we're easily angered and we're unlucky for others....bring it on." 

I also take very seriously her call for an SPF 100 suntan lotion.