In the words of Emma Baty, a Cosmpolitan writer, ‘Welcome to the gingerenaissance.’
Ginger-enaissance: is a pun on the word renaissance and refers to a time when gingers (also known as redheads) are very popular in TV, movie and entertainment roles.
It’s exciting to see news articles like Cosmpolitan‘s. Redheads have been ignored for a long time and to see celebrities like Jessica Chastain, Julianne Moore, Ed Sheeran.. and more, represent us with such talent and beauty, is amazing. It’s a great time to be a redhead!
When recent news was released about the casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel for Disney’s live adaption of The Little Mermaid, it sparked mixed reactions, and some of those reactions were negative.
Many think they are defending redheads by stating, “Ariel should have red hair!” and “African American’s do not have red hair.” We, natural redheads, know this is completely false. Natural redheads come from all corners of the world and cultures. Take a look at some natural redheads from unique cultures by clicking here. The most common redheads are usually caucasian because statistically Scotland and Ireland have the highest number of redheads in the world’s population –– which makes redheads of different ethnicities most rare.
READ: ‘Little Mermaid’ Fan Art Welcomes Halle Bailey As The New Ariel
Let me just say this to anyone who is against Halle Bailey being cast as the new Ariel: you are doing a disservice to redheads.
First and foremost: redheads are still popular. If you remember, there is a gingerenaissance occuring! Did you forget the amazing redhead, Sadie Sink, in Netflix’s original show, Stranger Things? How about Natasha Lyonne in Russian Doll? Or the lovely actress who played young Beverly (Sophia Lillis) in the successful readaptation, of Stephen King’s IT? Amy Adams in Sharp Objects and Kristofer Hivju in Game of Thrones? Also let’s not forget one of our favorite redheads, Madelaine Petsch, on Riverdale. Those are just six, and I have barely warmed up to how many natural and non-natural redheads still captivate audiences all around the globe.
Personally, I am happy for Halle Bailey, and I know she will do great justice to Ariel. She will give a new voice to our favorite mermaid. Redhead characters are popular because we are both visually striking and have a fiery spirit to go with our hair.
If you think we are being replaced, I am here to tell you we are definitely not.
Rock it like a Redhead!