Redheads get so many mixed messages about their hair color. One day, they’re being told that they’re the most beautiful people in the world, and the next day some snot-nosed brat is quoting Eric Cartman and telling them that they have no souls. It’s hard to know how to feel about your red hair in a world that feels so conflicted about it, but today is a day of celebration!

South Park has done irreparable damage to the redheaded community for the past two decades. Before the infamous episode Ginger Kids, red-haired kids were subjected to harassment from their peers about their hair color, but not for their lack of souls. After Cartman proudly spouted the idea that ginger kids have no souls, Pandora’s box was opened. In 2008, members of a Facebook group called «Kick a Ginger» tried to start a «National Kick a Ginger Day.»

But let’s be honest: there has been discrimination against people with red hair far before South Park ever did it. In the Middle Ages, red hair and green eyes were thought to be a sign of somebody being a witch, werewolf, or vampire. Redheads are thought to have a fiery temper that matches their hair color, as Anne in Anne of Green Gables was described. Redheads also had the stereotype of being libidinous. 

These negative stereotypes are why «National Love Your Red Hair Day» matters! Stephanie and Adrienne Vendetti, two redheaded sisters who founded the brand How To Be a Redhead, established the holiday, and some of their very own memes are included in this redhead meme list!