What constitutes to someone being Irish?

[Cybercubed]

Born there? Parents from there? Grandparents from there?

I'm born and raised in England, my parents are both Irish (mum from Belfast Dad from the ROI). In England whilst growing up people routinely called me Irish and so that's how I saw myself. Then I moved to Northern Ireland as teenager and had a reality check, because then everyone started calling me English. I still have an English accent so everyone still refers me to as an English person here. I've always understandably have a bit of an identity crisis therefore, compounded by the fact that the "British vs Irish" issue is right of the forefront of Northern Ireland politics as well I don't feel I fit in with either community here.

We've all heard of the term 'plastic paddy' which usually gets thrown at anyone with a non Irish accent calling themselves Irish. I personally don't really identify as anything more and feel kinda stateless but do you think calling yourself Irish should be reserved for those who are born and/or raised there only?

Wolfgirl - I live in London. I have no gripe with the British currently. Many of my friends are British. I'm not eaten up with hate or bitterness or anything else. What I am though, is sick to fucking death of reading your drivel all day long.

You know full well that it was the British (English) crown who ordered the plantations of Scottish Lords into NI

Oh! Do you mean James, the son of Mary Queen of Scots and Henry Stuart. The one born in Edinburgh? That one ?

Yes, a Brit born in Edinburgh into the English crown. He wasn't King James of Scotland was he? Nope.

Yes, a Brit born in Edinburgh into the English crown. He wasn't King James of Scotland was he? Nope

Actually he was !

Well good for him - that's why I tend towards referencing Brits rather than solely the English.

What I am though, is sick to fucking death of reading your drivel all day long.

..and he was born into the Scottish crown as well

@Howallergic so don't then, click off and have a cuppa tea.

I find it amazing you criticise the UK for oppressing Ireland to build its economy and wealth, yet you're happy to live here and benefit from it yourself 🤷‍♀️ so really you're just as 'blameworthy' as any English person, and very much part of the 'Britain' you accuse of so many wrongs.

Actually he was !

LOL!

Howallergic many people in Britain did not have a vote at that time anyway and certainly not women. It was the ruling classes that caused the problems in Ireland. I really don’t understand the hatred that is felt towards the English these days when it has nothing to do with us now. It’s a bit like when someone blames all Muslims for a terrorist attack perpetrated by a small group of extremists.

Having a pint of Guinness instead. Need one after reading this shite all day long.

@stairway - Where's the hatred?

No acknowledgement that you're happy to benefit from the UK yourself @Howallergic ?

How am I benefitting from the UK? I live here and contribute taxes. Hardly benefitting.

I moved here for the weather actually. I've also lived and worked in other EU countries.

@Howallergic

Why pay taxes to a British government you profess to hate?

Anyway you blamed Britain, you are now part of Britain, so you may as well blame yourself.

I never professed to hate anyone.
Stop making shit up. You're making a holy show of yourself.

@Marpan

Interesting. May I ask where you parents are from originally? I view immigration to Ireland and multiculturalism very favourably so when people of immigrant backgrounds identify as Irish I take that as a really good sign and I'd love those of immigrant backgrounds in Northern Ireland do the same (but its obviously their choice ultimately and I would respect).

'I blame Britain for Ireland's suffering.'

'What, the British government?'

'No. Britain. Because you voted them in.'

'But that means you're blaming the entire population of the UK, even the people that didnt vote for them or werent alive when they were elected. So their only sin is to happen to be born on this patch of soil and live on it.'

'Essentially yes.'

'But now you live on it as well.'

'Stop asking questions.'

Do you enjoy creating fiction Wolf?

HowallergicI have met a few Irish people who gave me the impression they strongly disliked England and the English. I don’t know if their views are wide spread of course. They were actually nice people , but they gave me that impression and you have also given me that impression. My husband is from a country that was a former colony of France and he also has a strong dislike of France which I find a bit strange too. I just think you’ve got your country back now so why is it still a big deal, stop blaming France.

@Howallergic

Oh come on lighten up! That wasn't fiction anyway, more of a screen play. Just imagine stomping noises and a slamming door at the end

@stairway I have a theory that certain cultures 'enjoy' having a common enemy to sort of unite them, and make them feel martyred and 'special'. They tend to be the people that havent actually experienced any of the oppression, but they like to 'claim' it through virtue of their heritage for dramatic effect.

Others prefer to just forgive and move on.

We are special.

Biggest party in the world? St. Patrick's Day.
Country most people are proud to claim heritage from? Ireland.
Most well received people globally? Irish
Best behaved sports fans internationally? Irish

Very very proud to be Irish. So put that in yer pipe and smoke it Wolf.

God I'm so jealous, I really want people to see me as a well behaved sports fan...