Contemplating the consistent unique qualities of redheads, I finally made a connection to Alice Miller's "The Drama of the Gifted Child."
As I recall childhood and elementary school, the redheads, both male but more so female, were ostracized socially. They were often treated as objects rather than "regular" kids. Was it just their hair color, or maybe the redhead gene is a genetic marker for other traits. Either way, I wonder if they tended to be put through some of the same trials and challenges described in Miller's book.
If so, that would explain a lot of their adult characteristics. They seem to be at the edge, which bothers some, but fascinates me. True, I do not bat 100% with them, but most of the females in my life are redheads. (And I suspect that the few who are not may have gone through Miller's passages.)
Redheads often have some level of conflict that is either expressed externally, or turned inward. For those that act out, they seem to be fixed in their behaviour. While I can spend quality social time with them, it is only after learning where the minefields are, and stay clear. The best conversations I can recall are those with redheads.
For those redheads that have turned it inward, they seem to fall prey to those that would use this conflict against them. What is nice is that if you listen to them, and give them some reality strength in their talents, they can be very nice people. If they are dealing with their issues, they can find themselves and are a joy to be with.
Have others observed this?
As I recall childhood and elementary school, the redheads, both male but more so female, were ostracized socially. They were often treated as objects rather than "regular" kids. Was it just their hair color, or maybe the redhead gene is a genetic marker for other traits. Either way, I wonder if they tended to be put through some of the same trials and challenges described in Miller's book.
If so, that would explain a lot of their adult characteristics. They seem to be at the edge, which bothers some, but fascinates me. True, I do not bat 100% with them, but most of the females in my life are redheads. (And I suspect that the few who are not may have gone through Miller's passages.)
Redheads often have some level of conflict that is either expressed externally, or turned inward. For those that act out, they seem to be fixed in their behaviour. While I can spend quality social time with them, it is only after learning where the minefields are, and stay clear. The best conversations I can recall are those with redheads.
For those redheads that have turned it inward, they seem to fall prey to those that would use this conflict against them. What is nice is that if you listen to them, and give them some reality strength in their talents, they can be very nice people. If they are dealing with their issues, they can find themselves and are a joy to be with.
Have others observed this?
