1. Is red-head bullying a hate crime?
Parents of a ginger-haired girl who committed suicide after years of taunts have called for red-head discrimination to be a hate crime. The parents of 15-year-old Helena Farrell, whose body was found near her home in Cumbria earlier this year, have said that while ‘ginger bullying’ was not the sole cause of their daughter’s suicide, it was a contributing factor.
Their comments came school children participated in ‘Kick a Ginger Day’ – an event inspired by a South Park episode – last month, prompting a wave of media attention surrounding hair colour and playground bullying.
2. Australia approves new long-lasting contraceptive
The Australian Government has approved a new contraceptive device that lasts for three years. Jaydess is a hormonal intra-uterine device that is 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy. The device is smaller than an IUD, and releases fewer hormones.
3. Pub collapses after helicopter crash
Many people have been injured in Glasgow after a helicopter crashed into a pub, causing its roof to collapse. Details are currently coming in via social media, but it has been confirmed that patrons are still trapped inside.
This is unbelievable. Just spent 20 minutes pulling people out the bar. Apparently a helicopter crashed on the roof. pic.twitter.com/4hoSwgwX2E
— Wesley Shearer (@scotscribbler) November 29, 2013
4. Tensions escalate over the East China Sea
China has deployed fighter jets into its new air defence zone in the East China Sea, escalating tensions in the region that includes territorial claims by Japan and South Korea. The new air defence zone has been rebuked by the US, a move supported by the Australian Government. In an editorial in the state-run Global Times, the Chinese Government suggested that conflict with Japan was imminent if the new defence zone was not respected.
5. Australian Greenpeace activist released
Australian Greenpeace activist Colin Russell has been released on bail, and reunited with his family. The Australian is the last of 30 activists to be released by Russian authorities, after their boat, the Arctic Sunrise, was detained by Russian authorities during a protest. The activists – known as the Arctic 30 – will still face charges of hooliganism, a crime which carries a sentence of up to seven years imprisonment.
6. Protests continue in Thailand
Over 1000 Thai protesters have stormed the compound of the Royal Thai Army. The protest is the latest event in an escalation of civil unrest in the country surrounding Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Shinawatra is accused of pushing through laws that will increase the power of her brother, former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
7. Mormon bishop puts congregation’s compassion to the test
A Mormon bishop has made headlines after dressing as a homeless man and attending a church service. Bishop David Musselman employed a makeup artist to transform his face, and dressed shabbily as he attended a Mormon service in suburban Salt Lake City, Utah. Five members of the congregation told the bishop to leave and the majority completely ignored him when he wished them “Happy Thanksgiving.”
At the end of the service, Musselman walked up to the pulpit and removed his prosthetics, revealing his true identity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rVyf8lk5UI
Top Comments
That little girl's hair in that photo is LUSCIOUS! My 14yo niece has red ringlets almost to her waist - she is a stunner. I also have long, thick, reddish hair. People love it. People will always find a reason to pick on someone. I wish they wouldn't. I remember being teased by two male workmates because the hair on my arms was dark. WTF? What is the point to teasing someone about that? I later discovered one of my tormentors had an Achilles heel regarding his height - so guess what? But I am very saddened to read a girl took her life, and I'm guessing it wasn't solely due to the ginger-teasing but other issues as well.
My son has the most glorious red hair, if I had a dollar for every person that stopped us in the street since he was born if be a very rich woman.
The kids in his prep class are too young to care at this age but I dread the day he comes home upset because some arse picks on him because of it.
When he was a bub in his pram, one moron had the nerve to say to his mate "look, a ranga baby". Luckily my baby was too young to understand the filth that came out of my mouth at the stupid dickhead. Children are beautiful, full stop!
I love a red-head. So spunky!
My sons little "girlfriend" at school has the curliest red hair and she is just divine. She has so much gorgeous energy, I love seeing her chase my son around.
I am in the same boat. My son is very ginger, and people are ALWAYS stopping us to comment on it. The amount of tourists who took photos of him when we were in Europe and especially in dubai, was insane. If I had charged per photo, we'd have paid for the holiday! Thankfully he goes to a school where they are a few other red head kids in each year, so he isn't the only one. Sadly, I know that one day he will be teased about his hair, but he is a strong and self confident kid, with many friends so I truly don't think it will bother him. If he is like me, his hair will turn much darker, nearly brown, with age so he won't always be teased for being a red head. But i absolutely despise terms like 'ginger ninja', 'ranga', 'Fanta pants' and the like. You wouldn't say it about a blonde haired person, so why is it ok to say it to a red head. We have feelings too!