a) I’m a redhead, and I’m heretosexual, I don’t like the term ‘ginger’. I have a right to object to derogatory labels.
b) Keeping derogatory homosexual american (or british) slang out of “accepted” hetero vocabulary by pointing it out is the point; to ignore it IS to allow homosexuals to dictate “accepted” words in my speech
c) Red hair is genetically predominant in England especially, so even if the word is ‘english slang’ as you claim, I seriouslydoubt the majority population red-headed Brits ever considered it meant as a very-derogatory term to describe themselves as ‘crazy’, as “ginger” is now used and defined within the homosexual community.
below is a list of most of the ‘british slang’ words I grew up hearing and using as a child in a London suburb to refer to people.
http://www.effingpot.com/people.shtml
Labels only apply to those that care about them.
I wouldn't say ginger is an enlish slang, inasmuch as I've heard it used repeatedly by British scientists on British documentaries dealing with archeaology.
And from my readings from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
'Methinks the lady doth protest too much.'
Stay out of the sun, wear sunscreen, and floppy hats. Skin cancer kills light-skinned ginger-haired folks.
/johnny
ginger has uses other than culinary, possibly leading to the
terminology..