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?

Views: 3606

Tags: Opinion, Stereotype

Comment by Geraldine Callaghan on January 26, 2014 at 5:32pm
This is interesting news. I wonder when and who dropped it. I will do some digging!
Comment by Geraldine Callaghan on January 26, 2014 at 5:53pm
Danny, it seems that this is a proclamation declared every year in March by whatever President is in residence. Just read 2012, signed by President Obama. Like you and others I was never aware of this. I am going to contact the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) and see what they have to say. I think they are the oldest Irish Organization in the US. Now, from the responses I have been reading there seems to be lots of smart young members. Hopefully you guys will help out. I am an old lady, true, I have time to do research and I will, but I welcome any help. Thanks, GC
Comment by R. Eoghan Sutton on January 26, 2014 at 7:04pm

The very reason the double standard exists  is because we allow it to do so. Ask any "Irish" person in a plastic green hat with shamrock on his vest,why wear green or the shamrock. Learn our language and true cultural traditions.We deserve the same respect others get. They demand respect, we need to as well. If you are Irish in your Hart stand up and object to the same old stereotyping. There are other ethnic groups with far higher rates of alcoholism than the Irish. We have been quiet far too long.

Comment by Danny Alexander on January 26, 2014 at 7:13pm

I have just fired off an email to the NC Public Television system about speaking with someone to assist in promoting March as our month. This may work in your area as well. Tomorrow I will approach my local newspaper and TV stations as well. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Comment by Jack Carey on January 26, 2014 at 7:15pm
Despite the comments, the Irish will go on with their traditions, which I would like to mention will happen in the State of Maryland, USA:
This month of March, 2014,will be declared Irish Historical Month in the State of Maryland by our Governor Martin O'Malley.
Secondly, Commodore John Barry, an Irish Catholic from Wexford will be memorialized at the United States Naval Academy. He was given his Navy Commission in 1775 by General George Washington. This year, 2014, he will finally be memorialized at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.
Yes, the Irish are very, very, very patient people.....
God bless,

Jack Carey
Comment by Jack Carey on January 26, 2014 at 7:19pm
One who is interested in learning more about Irish Historical Month in Maryland can write to State Senator Ed Reilly, Crofton, MD.
For those interested in following the Memorial Events for Commodore John Barry can contact the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
God bless,

Jack
Comment by Jack Carey on January 26, 2014 at 7:22pm
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is the oldest Irish Catholic Society in the United States. The AOH, John Barry Division played a very important role in pursuing the honor of Commodore John Barry, a Wexford man, in his right place of American History... Yes, it did take a while, but then again, it's happening!!!
Comment by Jack Carey on January 26, 2014 at 7:33pm
An interesting fact concerning Commodore John Barry:

His Bible, lost for many years, was found and a committee supported by the Parish Priest at St. Mary's Church, Annapolis, MD, a number of Irish American Navy Admirals, Navy Captains, and the AOH of Maryland, FINALLY convinced the Superintendent of the Naval Academy and his staff, that it might be a NICE idea to place Commodore John Barry's Bible in the Chapel at the Academy.
Barry's Bible is placed on the left side of the main altar should anyone want to visit the Academy and find Irish History. That's right Irish, and Irish American History.

God bless,

Jack
Comment by Geraldine Callaghan on January 26, 2014 at 7:35pm
Great input, thanks to all who have. I will continue with my research and get back to this great site.
Comment by Michael Quane on January 26, 2014 at 7:43pm

For a number of years I've been pitching the media to do articles about Wild Geese member Jim Hawkins, a seanchai, or Irish storyteller, who speaks at schools, libraries. community centers, etc., as a counter to all the green beer and leprechaun silliness. There have been some successes: The NY Daily News, Newsday, News 12-TV, among others. But yet to succeed with the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today.... We have to continue to strive to have Irish culture recognized for its richness and contribution to American life.

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