The red mist

"Does 'gingerism' really exist?", asks the BBC website. Having had a ginger-headed partner for the last twelve years, I can say that the answer is an unequivocal "Yes". What's in some ways worse than the occasional abuse Jen's received are the people who feel that the word "ginger" is somehow taboo and offensive, and pussyfoot gingerly (if you'll pardon the pun) around the term, using "redhead" or (worst of all) "strawberry blonde" instead in a misguided attempt to spare her feelings. As the proud father of a ginger child, I'm now even more attuned to the issue and hope that Stan, like his mum, grows up to be proud of being that bit different.