I've just came back from spending three months in the States, where the political situation in Ireland came up in conversation with many people. When they asked me what it was all about, I admit that I didn't quite know where to begin.
Has anyone else faced similar questions, and if so, how did they reply?
Well, all they are looking for is the basic rough guide, so what I have done is describe how Ireland was partitioned, the conditions which led up open conflict, the main groups involved, and some of the more infamous incidents, wrapped up in a neat bundle of GFA!Originally Posted by Marty J
Aint so hard my friend, they are just looking for a bit of insight from an Irish perspective.
Food tastes better when you put it all together! It's the one best mayonnaise!
Or you can just throw Marc Mulholland's Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction at them.
"The thing that always annoyed me about traditional Irish historiography was the paradox of its Anglocentrism. People are now prepared, I think, to confront the possibility that many Irish problems are, in a sense, indigenous to the Irish situation." Roy Foster (1989).
I presume you mean the most recent troubles....What answer would you give them in response to a similiar question on the troubles up to 1921.....Give them the same answer if you want to be honest with yourself and them.......It was all about and still is about a little country's fight for freedom and independence from a larger neighbour....The Americans will understand if they know their own history .....They also had their wars of independence from the English...just like us.........
Oh dear, there is one large unopened can of nasty worms waiting to get out...
"The thing that always annoyed me about traditional Irish historiography was the paradox of its Anglocentrism. People are now prepared, I think, to confront the possibility that many Irish problems are, in a sense, indigenous to the Irish situation." Roy Foster (1989).
The best I can say of that is at least you started with 'Once upon a time'..
But the bravest fell, and the requiem bell rang mournfully and clear
for those that died that Eastertide in the springing of the year.
This aint to far of the lineportrated by the sunday indo and the times etcThe best I can say of that is at least you started with 'Once upon a time'..
Just send them this URL,... it more or less explains things in terms they understand and how the majority on this site see the Northern Ireland situation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xJq1f_8bw4
Where they burn books, they soon burn people
It was the continuation of the prodacust by heathen catholics against the decent, peace loving population of "Ulser"[/Willie Frazer]
What troubles?
Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence.
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