The Irish Character?

by Danny Alexander

Jan 22, 2014

I am NOT advocating revolution or organization in any manner but I do have something I would like all of us to consider if you will.

Do you not find it to be a bit insulting to have the Irish alway characterized as brawling stiffs and drunkards?

Why, everywhere I travel I find novelty shops selling items show Irishmen layed out in a drunkin stuper, with phrases such as "Irish Yoga", etc. Get this, "An Irishman walks out of a bar, really it can happen"!

I realize we love our drink and are not ashamed to show it either, but the Irish help build the United States and many other countries as well.

We have our world renowned artists and writers. We have our beautiful homeland, and much more are we and do we have.

I find it a bit discriminating that we are looked upon that way. If it was a black person being represented, that would be deemed as such followed by a major public outcry and display. 

So then, my question to everyone is this "Why do we as a people allow that"?

Do we just not care what others thinks of us?

Are we a gentle people who are soft and wish to remain that way?

What is your take on this partucular subject?

  • Bit Devine

    Okay..at the risk of stepping on toes... I am Mexican/Irish/Sicilian... If I took offense to every Spanish/Irish/Sicilian joke, I would be bent out of shape all of the time.

    Common sense would say that we aren't all blithering drunks... The Irish are great at poking fun, at both ourselves and at others.

    I think things have gotten out of hand in the "Politically Correct" world that we live in now. Everyone is too quick to get offended instead of looking at the humour of things.

    So, no, I don't get offended when people people make off-handed ethinic jokes or parodies. I laugh along with them, offer them a drink and tell them about our culture, history and such.

    Jan 22, 2014

  • Ryan O'Rourke

    I agree with what you've said, Bit.

    What I abhor, though, is the double standard.  Nobody gets in trouble for the Irish jokes (which is fine with me), but most other groups are off limits.  Now, I don't make a habit of telling ethnic jokes of any kind ... in fact, I never do.  Just not my sense of humour.  However, for those who do, there is a very obvious double standard, and that doesn't sit right with me.

    Jan 23, 2014