While checking out some of the search engine terms which brought readers to my blog, I was taken to several sites which defined the term redheaded stepchild . I was told (big surprise) that this old expression is not meant as a compliment. Beaten like a redheaded stepchild means "to be singled-out for abuse, since a redheaded stepchild will ultimately look different from the rest of the children in the family, and is probably the one child who looks most like the absent parent." This much is true: as a child I resembled my dad's side of the family (and therefore must have been a constant reminder to my mother and stepdad of things they'd rather keep swept under the rug), but the red hair was inherited from my mom's side. Another interesting definition of redheaded step child is: A colloquialism meaning "a really severe beat-down ." Apparently it comes from some people's belief that redhead s and stepchildren ain't worth much , and if you combine the two, you're getting something that you can safely wallop with maximum force and enthusiasm . Hmm, I'm not sure who decided that redheads "ain't worth much." Evil can be quite creative in justifying itself! To beat on one because he/she is helpless (only a child), or the wrong skin or hair color is nothing but pure evil. The moment we begin labeling we diminish another's worth. "She's only a redheaded stepchild" is, for some sick individuals, justification enough for abuse. Even the label ...
Anytime
While checking out some of the search engine terms which brought readers to my blog, I was taken to several sites which defined the term redheaded stepchild . I was told (big surprise) that this old expression is not meant as a compliment. Beaten like a redheaded stepchild means "to be singled-out for abuse, since a redheaded stepchild will ultimately look different from the rest of the children in the family, and is probably the one child who looks most like the absent parent." This much is true: as a child I resembled my dad's side of the family (and therefore must have been a constant reminder to my mother and stepdad of things they'd rather keep swept under the rug), but the red hair was inherited from my mom's side. Another interesting definition of redheaded step child is: A colloquialism meaning "a really severe beat-down ." Apparently it comes from some people's belief that redhead s and stepchildren ain't worth much , and if you combine the two, you're getting something that you can safely wallop with maximum force and enthusiasm . Hmm, I'm not sure who decided that redheads "ain't worth much." Evil can be quite creative in justifying itself! To beat on one because he/she is helpless (only a child), or the wrong skin or hair color is nothing but pure evil. The moment we begin labeling we diminish another's worth. "She's only a redheaded stepchild" is, for some sick individuals, justification enough for abuse. Even the label ...