On Being Irish
The Saint Patrick’s Season is upon us. It is no longer a one day event of celebrating the island’s famous Christian missionary; but, as evidenced by the Dail Diaspora, it is a two week political pilgrimage to the four corners of the earth. Are these Missionary Ministers spreading the good news of Irish interests throughout the world or are they re-enacting Patrick’s banishment of the snakes from the land? For these politicians "the Patrick’s" is not so much different than "the Christmas" except that they do it abroad, on a junket, and out of site of the electorate.
The Irish culture is constantly being re-defined. It is an ongoing process. There is no costume, cuisine, or ritual custom that can be associated or immediately distinguished as Irish per se. Most myths, legends, and folklore are viewed as embarassments of history that were held by the uneducated, superstitious, and impoverished. The only "good old days" are the days of the Celtic Tiger. When asked, most Irish will reply to the question, "What does it mean to be Irish?", with personality traits of individuals instead of unique descriptions of the group. How would you define being Irish?
Is it Irish that a Minister of Finance claims to have no bank account and then we find out he has 20? Is it Irish that the first Green Minister will preside over the "desecration of Tara" as quoted by Nobel Prize winner Seamus Heaney? Is it Irish that we will let the politicians define our modern culture? I hope not, thank goodness for traditional music and the renewed interest in the language!
- Politics, Culture, Caoimhin, Irish Culture, Irish Politics, All posts | Time: 12:03 pm (UTC+8)
Thanks for your observations (some of the references were outside my knowledge of Irish politics, alas). I’ve got a big dose of Irish-orign genes in my makeup, tho raised American with little of the Irish heritage, since my Irish ancestors migrated to the USA in the 1830s. I’ve gotten to know some Irish folks over the years and search their ways for clues: did something “Irish” stick with my grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. and get passed on to me, even if unknown to anyone as being an Irish trait? Do I find my feet wanting to dance when I hear an Irish song? Do I prefer Joyce to Hemingway? Do I weep when the guy sings in John Huston’s THE DEAD? Yes, to all three.
Don’t know what that means, but will be keeping an eye on your blog for more clues.
Grillman
Comment by Grillman & Luna — March 14, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
I am looking for clues too!
Comment by Administrator — March 15, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
I wouldn’t rely too much on a revival of the language in this context.
Comment by Póló — March 18, 2008 @ 12:17 am
There is great promise Polo with the interest that young students are finding in the language in the Irish language schools. It is fashionable and cool to them, that’s a great start! And look at you! You have an Irish blog, well done!
Comment by Administrator — March 18, 2008 @ 4:36 am
Bertie’s aide is back at the Mahon Tribunal today…he’ll have a little explaining to do.
I think they need to call St Pat in too because clearly he didn’t drive all of the snakes out of Ireland….
Comment by Isitjustme? — March 20, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
We are indeed being visited by a new breed of snake Is It!
Comment by Administrator — March 20, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
how ’bout exchange link?
Comment by Henry — April 19, 2008 @ 10:12 am