i've commented on this many times on air on my radio program. I'd say it is not a particularly virulent form, and shouldn't be even be compared to other forms that are, and have been, violently persecuted, but it IS RACISM. To be an Irish colleen one MUST have curly hair, preferably reddish/ If it is not naturally curly, it is to be curled for hours, OR, the ugly, stupid wigs. I have stated my opinion to many parents encouraging them to not put up with this, but they all say it is the only way their daughters have a chance of ever winning at a Feis. It would be like a tap dancing competition where all the kids had to wear black-face and afro wigs to be considered authentic. I've even seen Asian girls in competition wearing these silly curly head pieces. It is disgusting. Don't just blame the parents, blame the judges who like to see the bouncing curls, and the organizations that sanction this kind of child abuse. "No, your just not pretty enough without some curl in your hair, no matter how well you dance."