Comment by Michael Quane on January 28, 2014 at 6:54pm

Every year we see newspaper inserts and television advertising, sponsored by major corporations, hailing Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, etc. I realize that some of this is an attempt to be politically correct, but there's also a marketing element. Why can't some of these firms highlight the many contributions of Irish Americans to US history?

Comment by jean kaniecki on January 29, 2014 at 10:41am

Education is the key to eradicating the stereotypes-newspaper, radio, etc  And I think  we have to concentrate on the PEOPLE.  Many Americans , including the Irish Amer have no knowledge of Irish history. .They sing "The Fields of Anthenry' at the pub but have no idea about the Great Hunger.  Mention Robert Emmet, Jim Larkin,  and you are met with blank stares---Wild Geese-Isn't that a local  Celtic rock group?  Yes, but where did the name originate?  Blank stares.  IRA they know, thanks to the brilliant British propaganga machine here in US but UVF, UDA, blank stares. No one wants to be preached to but opportunities do come up when we can spread a little bit  of knowledge and God knows I don't have much but I have spoken to some Irish born who are lacking , which just amazes me.  Several years ago Sears had a mildly offensive t-shirt and I spoke to the manager.  The next week they were gone.  Maybe they were all bought up by local idiots. Spencer's is hopeless.  I called head office in NJ and spoke to a Kevin Mahoney (I think that was his name).  He informed me he was a proud Irishman-after all his father was a NY firefighter and they walked in the St Patrick's Day parade..  I told him to take the shirt home to his Irish mom and see how she reacted,  The shirt is a common enough one "F**** me, I'm Irish".  I called back the following week and asked his mother's reaction.  He said  she laughed.  Sometimes we are our  ownworst enemies. Believe me, I;m no prude and I have heard that word many times in my long life and in Ireland it doesn't bother me a bit but  when I see these 20 somethings along the parade route swilling bottles out of their pockets it just infuriates me.  Enough for today

Comment by Danny Alexander on January 29, 2014 at 11:42am

Thank all of you for your comments! I believe our next path should be one of action. Not physical by any means, but one of education, community involvement and media blitzing, Purchase and fly an Irish Flag beside the American one, letting everyone know you are proud to be Irish! In the coming days look for ways you can start to be that difference in your community. BTW, don't forget your home!

Comment by Geraldine Callaghan on January 29, 2014 at 7:37pm

Jean, you are right on target with your observations. Yes, we the Proud Irish are often our own worst enemies. Many are soft on the ugly innuendos,ah! Just laugh them off and forget about them. We can learn from the Black and Hispanic communities. If merchandise with insulting, suggestive slurs were being sold in the Wal-Marts, Spencers etc. community activists like Sharpton, and Jessie Jackson along with the politicians currying votes would be all over the Media. Apologies would be demanded, heads would roll. We really do need to be heard and yes it should be done through educating the public on what a rich, strong Heritage we have. I don't believe in marches, public displays anger. Ryan, I'm working on it. Thanks Jean.

Comment by jean kaniecki on January 31, 2014 at 9:11am

Mark, good for you.  Sounds like a lot of fun.  I find dancers don't drink much-bad for concentratio and balance!!!And we need both.

Founding Member Comment by Mark Connor on January 31, 2014 at 9:20am

Yes, Jean, we do. You can't impress too many people with your dance moves when you're falling down.

Comment by Ryan O'Rourke on February 1, 2014 at 12:54pm

I will say that incidences like this one just today do not help our cause:

Young Dublin man loses his life after taking part in ‘NekNomination’

Comment by Danny Alexander on February 1, 2014 at 1:28pm

It is a sad thing! The young seem to believe that being trashed and acting in a manner that they perceive to be "GrownUp" is the way it is supposed to be. You are correct Ryan!

Admin Comment by Joe Gannon on February 1, 2014 at 3:12pm

Binge drinking by young adults is certainly not unique to Ireland though, Ryan. Here in the states is a huge problem at many colleges and universities, and it's not all Irish-American kids doing it.

Comment by Ryan O'Rourke on February 2, 2014 at 2:28am

No doubt, Joe.  Wasn't implying that binge drinking is in any way unique to Ireland.  I've seen it other places in the world aplenty.  However, we're discussing Irish stereotypes here, and my point in posting the link to that story was to state that a) there is a sense in which heavy drinking is part of the "culture" here in Ireland, and b) perpetuation of that culture (including all the nonsense like the ridiculous "Irish yoga" t-shirts and "Irish drinking team" t-shirts, etc.) will continue to have tragic and devastating results within our families and society as a whole.

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