YOU’D THINK IN this day and age, with Domhnall Gleeson now flying the flag internationally for gingers, that people would finally leave them alone?
Seemingly not, as a viewer made a complaint against RTÉ comedy show Bridget and Eamon over discrimination against red-haired people.
The woman made the complaint to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland as she felt a particular scene in the show was derogatory.
The complaint submitted under the Broadcasting Act 2009, Section 48(1)(b) (harm and offence); and the BAI Code of Programme Standards (Principle 5 – Respect for Persons and Groups in Society) was made about an episode which aired in September.
In the scene, the character Eamon, played by Bernard O'Shea suggests going upstairs and the character of Bridget’s mother replies:
... With the lights, off so I can’t tell that you’re ginger”.
The woman who submitted the complaint states that this remark is "racist" and demonstrates discrimination and prejudice against people with different hair colour. She also believes this type of content promotes the bullying and alienation of people with red hair.
Upon consideration, the BAI said the remark by Bridget’s mother was intended to demonstrate her shallow and unpleasant character - not to target people with red hair.
Taking the two sides into consideration, the BAI members decided to reject the complaint on the grounds that the comment did not stigmatise, support or condone discrimination.
The forum also noted that people with red hair are not considered a separate ‘race’ or group in society that would require the protections of this principle in the Code.
You may say that to your redhead friend the next time you give them a gentle ribbing now, y'hear?
