'Kick a Ginger Day': Just fun? Or something to fear?
Posted By TONY RICCIUTO Review Staff Writer
Updated 2 months ago
Harmless fun? Or is Kick-a-Ginger Day something for red-heads to dread.
Review Video: Tony Ricciuto
They represent a very small part of the population, but kids with red hair had to be on guard Friday because it was "National Kick a Ginger Day."
Most parents have never heard of it, but ask any teenager and chances are they know all about an episode from the satirical cartoon South Park where one of the characters delivers a class presentation that targeted red-haired people.
That episode resulted in the formation of a Facebook group that urged nearly 5,000 members, from across Canada and around the world, to "kick a ginger" on Nov. 20.
The 14-year-old teenager who administered the site ended up being investigated by the RCMP in British Columbia for promoting violence and inciting hate.
One mother called the Review on Friday to say she was keeping her kids at home because they have red hair and she feared they might be kicked or beaten up.
"It's on Facebook and all the kids are texting it," said the exasperated Niagara Falls mother of three, high-school-aged students. "So, these poor kids are going to get beat up over this. What's a parent supposed to do?"
Jesse Koteles, 16, a Grade 11 student from Stamford Collegiate, is proud of his red hair and is prepared to defend it.
"I've been kicked a couple of times from some buddies today, but I kicked them right back." said Koteles, a member of the wrestling team, who wasn't so concerned about his himself, but was keeping a close eye on his younger cousin, Kyle Watchorn, who also has red hair and is only in Grade 9.
"I told him to call me if something happens and I'll deal with it," said Koteles, who wore a pair of construction boots to school and a sweatshirt that had the words "angry ginger" written on the back of it.
Red hair runs in his family, both his grandmothers had it.
Koteles said he thought the South Park episode was pretty funny, but didn't think it would actually be turned into a special day. He actually bought a clip of it off itunes and has it stored on his iphone.
"Everyone has been talking about it. I know it's just a joke, but I can see where some people might take it too far," he said.
Last year on Nov. 20, a Grade 10 student from St. Francis High School in Calgary was attacked in the locker room after gym class. Thirteen students ended up being suspended and two 15-year-old boys were charged with assault following that incident. In May of this year, the two accused pleaded guilty in youth court and were handed absolute discharges.
Kamrin Bradshaw, a Grade 12 student at Stamford Collegiate, found out about this day from friends back in September.
"I've been kicked in the leg by some friends and I've kicked them right back. Basically, it's just fun and something to do. I'm not too worried about it," said Bradshaw.
Grade 11 student Kevin McCraw said he's good friends with most of the gingers at the school so he would never kick them. He has never seen the South Park episode, but has certainly heard about it.
Student Brent Crosbie discovered that if you give, you will receive. He kicked one of his red-haired friends, but ended up getting chased and was kicked back.
Brett Sweeney, media relations officer with the District School Board of Niagara, said it's kind of unfortunate that it happens on Nov. 20, which is International Children's Day.
Sweeney said they are aware of Kick a Ginger Day and did send out a message to principals advising them to keep a careful eye on the situation.
"Some principals have made announcements letting students know there will be consequences for anyone taking part," said Sweeney, noting their schools have a code of conduct that students are expected to follow.
"Things like this have the potential to escalate and you never know what can happen."
John Crocco, director of education for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, said it's disturbing to know that a particular day would be set aside for something like this, especially when schools are trying so hard to get across their message about anti-bullying.
"Students are part of a family and each one of them has the right to walk to any part of the school and feel safe at all times," said Crocco.
If any student is treated unfairly, he added, there will be consequences for those who are responsible.
"Our administrators take these things very seriously," said Crocco.
Niagara Regional Police Staff Sgt. Shawn Clarkson said he had not heard of any problems on Friday, but that police they would be monitoring the situation.
tricciuto@nfreview.com
