Kieran Dodds, a Scottish photojournalist, embarked on an extraordinary journey across the United States, seeking to uncover the essence of what unites the nation. His mission was to delve beyond the political and cultural divisions that often dominate headlines and social media narratives. Dodds, himself a ginger, was fascinated by the genetic trait that connects people across diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and continents. This led him to create the 'Ginger Series', a captivating collection of portraits and interviews with Americans from various states, all united by their shared ginger heritage.
Dodds' journey began in 2014, amidst Scotland's independence referendum, prompting him to explore the factors shaping Scottish identity. He discovered that Scotland boasts a higher concentration of gingers than most other parts of the world, although they remain a minority. This led him to uncover surprising pockets of ginger populations in places like Russia and Jamaica, as well as historical connections, such as Renaissance artists depicting Jesus and Mary as gingers.
The 'Ginger Series' gained traction after its first installment, 'Gingers', was featured on the BBC. This sparked interest from gingers in America, including individuals with Native American, Hispanic, and Central Asian heritage. During his travels from 2024 to 2026, Dodds interviewed and photographed hundreds of gingers across the country, meeting people from diverse backgrounds and family origins, including Native Americans and Black Americans.
One of the most striking revelations for Dodds was the diversity of Alabama. He was surprised to find that people in the UK, running on 'old software', had a different perception of the state. Alabama, to him, was not a backwater but a vibrant hub, a place where people come to build lives. He was particularly struck by the state's obsession with college football, noting its unique shape and the passion it evokes among Alabamans.
Dodds' time in Alabama also brought him face-to-face with the state's history of racial conflict. A visit to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute left a profound impact on him, prompting him to reflect on the words of Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, a civil rights pioneer. Dodds realized that the divine is in the details of everyday life, and his portraits captured the dignity of daily experiences, from raising families to cooking with friends.
What made Dodds' journey truly remarkable was his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He found that, beneath the headlines and media labels, there is a shared humanity that transcends differences. His interviews revealed that commonalities such as local and national pride, family and ancestry, sport, food, religion, community spirit, and shared values of freedom and equality, unite the States. Dodds' work challenges us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the intricate tapestry of human connections that bind us together.
