Across the pond, debate is raging over a controversial new Christmas card sold by Tesco. No, it isn’t racist or sexist or homophobic. But it does discriminate — against redheaded children. The copy plastered over an image of a carrot-top preschooler reads: “SANTA loves all kids. Even GINGER ones.” Now, we’re not denying that the card company intended to be funny. We just don’t think they should be making jokes that could actually hurt red-headed little kids. They already have to grapple with insanely sun-sensitive skin.
So, as a bottle redhead dating a natural redhead (don’t worry, our hair isn’t the same shade; that would be weird), we feel the need to defend our people. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of our ten favorite gingers. Who’s yours?
Molly Ringwald Along with her Brat Pack pals, Molly Ringwald helped define ’80s teen culture. In movies like Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club she was — and remains — a style icon.
Shaun White We are not usually big on sports. But for some reason, we find snowboarding fascinating — and White is one of the best in that business. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he’s also pretty easy on the eyes.
Angela Chase So, she’s actually a TV character and not a real person. And she’s not a natural redhead either. That said, raise your hand if you didn’t want to dye your hair red after watching the pilot episode of My So-Called Life. Exactly what we thought.
A.C. Newman We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: New Pornographers frontman (and talented solo artist) A.C. (a.k.a. Carl) Newman is like a big, strong, redheaded indie-rock lumberjack. Plus, he writes weirdo love songs (see “There Are Maybe Ten or Twelve”) that are bound to make a girl weak in the knees.
Woody Allen We admit it: Allen is certainly not the most attractive redhead of the bunch. But he’s undoubtedly one of the best and most important filmmakers of the past half century, and if his anxious sense of humor isn’t sexy, then we don’t know what is.
Alyson Hannigan Those of us who are still nursing Buffy the Vampire Slayer addictions can’t get enough of Hannigan’s endearingly nerdy lesbian witch character, Willow. And yet somehow, over the years, she’s made the transition from teen geek icon to full-on pretty lady.
Kevin Shields The My Bloody Valentine mastermind is taking effing forever to finish his band’s next album. In fact, it’s been about two decades. Still, even if MBV never releases any more new music, Shields produced shoegaze’s defining document, Loveless — a record whose influence can’t be overestimated.
Conan O’Brien O’Brien has always been self-deprecating about his red hair and gigantic head. But we know more than a few ladies who have fallen hard for his witty, Harvard-educated humor.
Neko Case Okay, you caught us. We just really love the New Pornographers, and sometime member Neko Case’s country-tinged solo work is among our favorite late-night listening material. Back in 2003, Playboy readers voted her the “Sexiest Babe in Indie Rock.” We tend to agree.
Christina Hendricks No explanation necessary. Hendricks is without a doubt the sexiest redhead — and may be the sexiest woman, period — alive. (Hear that, Lohan?)
Bonus video: The Catherine Tate Show, “Ginger”