I think it’s really interesting (fucking annoying) that countries like Ireland seemingly ‘get away with’ blatant racism and xenophobia yet maintain their overall positive image, when places like England (usually referred to as Britain, but we know they mean England) has a deep-seated, never to be eradicated image of racial bigotry and mistreatment, despite only recently settling the debt they owed for their role in abolishing slavery (which was still rife around the world).
Yes there is a history of at times brutal colonisation - which was similar to many other countries practise - that’s obviously not an excuse for it taking place, but I think because GB (England) was so successful compared to other countries, and comparatively so small in size, it fed a resentment among even the countries who participated themselves!
Australia is another prime example - their record for the despicable way they treat people trying to migrate there is infamous, but there aren’t many people who would sneer at the country in the same way they do England. They, like Ireland, and several countries in Eastern Europe, aren’t considered a racist country in the same way, despite their current policies.
The irony is, that for such a racist country, it still appears to be one of the top destinations for migrants and asylum seekers. I’ve read many accounts from POC who have lived in numerous countries around the world who consider the U.K. to be the best to move to for non-white people.
I read an article months ago about demonstrations taking place outside buildings used to house asylum seekers in Ireland and the reporter had the nerve to explain it as locals ‘fearing a change to their traditions’- I mean WTAF???!!! Can you imagine how that would fly if it was said by someone in Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, or conversely, the mainly white, middle-class areas down south?!
I remember all the anger surrounding Brexit and the distancing from ‘racist’ Britain and being promoted as more liberal and welcoming to migrants - until they actually started to arrive.
I doubt Ireland’s reputation will be at all tarnished by what is currently going on, because, like Australia, people around the world prefer to think of it as a welcoming, liberal (twee) place, far removed from the uptight, class-bound, racist cesspit that is and was Britain (England).
Does my head in, sorry.