3 (scientific) reasons it really stinks to be a ginger

Ever since that fateful day when South Park decided to coin the phrase ginger along with the scientific fact that they don't have souls, I have been relentlessly teased about my red hair.

Sure, I've also had those sweet souls (the ones I didn't steal) tell me how much they love my unique hair color. But other than the fact that my hair looks like a weird mutation (oh wait it is a weird mutation), I doubt most people would choose to go red.

So anyway, I knew it pretty much was the dumps to be singled out for being a redhead. But I didn't even realize that redheads are pretty much duped by their genes too.

If you're a fellow red hot, join my cry fest at the end of this post.

1. We could be a little less stable than the rest

According to this study and this article, we're actually more prone to Parkinson's disease and Tourettes. So while we're falling over from dizziness and yelling out obscenities, you can thank our mutant genes.

2. We can't take the same amount of pain.

In a study of pain tolerance in 2009 researchers found that gingers were actually more prone to feel pain. I'm not making this stuff up....you can check out the whole explanation here

Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that redheads, "may need more anesthesia for dental procedures."

And this is thought to be caused by the mutation of the same gene that makes us redheads in the first place.

Well played, recessive genes, well played.

So while the rest of you blondes and brunettes enjoy sticking your hands in a bowl of tacks, us gingers over here will try not to get stabbed by a feather.

3. We have a higher chance of skin cancer.

This article says that redheads more prone to get skin cancer, with or without the sun. Basically, yes, going to the beach without sunblock can give you skin cancer, but so can reading a book in your house.

Awesome.

Apparently, once again, the genes are all to blame, not just our Edward-Cullen-esque skin. Red pigment production is thought to use up our antioxidants, making us more susceptible to skin cancer.

I guess the moral of the story is to not be born a redhead. Or don't marry other redheads. Or maybe just enjoy the fact that you're not this kid.