S2, Ep16: Super Interesting History of Red Hair with Guest, Jacky Colliss Harvey

The truth is: redheads are super cool, but we already knew that right?! To help understand just how cool we are, you should learn a little more about the history of red hair. That's why we're so excited to talk with Jacky Colliss Harvey. Jacky is the author of "Red: A History of the Redhead" and "My Life As A Redhead: A Journal". She studied English at Cambridge University and art history at the Courtauld Institute. She works in museum publishing and is a commentator and reviewer who speaks on the arts and their relation to popular culture. Her red hair has also found her an alternative career as a life model and a film extra playing everything from a society lady in Atonement to a Parisian whore in Bel-Ami. She splits her time between New York and London. We answers the following super interesting questions: 1. "Red: A History of the Redhead" tells the history of red hair throughout the ages. It traces back 50,000 years and dives into science, religion, feminism and sexuality, literature, and art. The book begins with how the redhead gene made its way out of Africa with the early human diaspora, to its emergence under Northern skies. Fascinating! Tell us a bit more about the book & the fascinating things about redheads! 2. What was the biggest thing you learned about redheads while writing this book? Anything that surprised you? 3. The book dives into contemporary culture when it comes to “gingerism” and the movement against bullying. Do you think we’re moving in the right direction when it comes to anti-bullying against redheads? 4. Do you think redheads are portrayed positively in culture? Is there a difference between redhead men and redhead women being portrayed? If so, why do you think this happens? 5. In the book, you call your red hair, “The single most significant characteristic of your life.” Have you always identified with being a redhead? PODCAST NOTES: COMING SOON!