Black and Tans / Yup the Ra

[BATIRA]

Hi - how do you feel about references to the Black and Tans, singing Come Out Ye Black and Tans, shouting “yup the RA” in a professional workplace?

I'd honestly encourage you to 'let it go' as an individual instance and focus on a more general message of respect and inclusivity in the workplace, in order to starve the the original 'event' of oxygen and possibly finding a teaching moment which might be useful.

Not saying it is easy, but it really is that simple.

If Nelson Mandela can do it, we all have an example of how to navigate these choppy waters. good luck.

The song was written by Dominic Behan about his Da , Stephen , who was an old IRA man and had been imprisoned for opposing the Treaty.

Sometimes Behan Sr would get drunk and try to get his neighbour to have a fight. This neighbour wasn't an actual Black and Tan afaik. Perhaps an old Free Stater or policeman.

I only discovered this fairly recently and I'd always wondered about the song - especially the reference to Killeshandra . Over a 100 miles from Dublin and near my own grandfathers Brigade area. There was no gun battle between the IRA and the Tans there. I expect Behan put it in for a rhyming purpose.

I would certainly be pissed off if a workmate was singing it for my benefit because I was English. That is bullying. Otherwise it just a silly song. Come to think of it although my grandad had been in the ira circa 1920 /21 he would sing ' The Old Orange Flute ' to annoy people.

The song was written by Dominic Behan about his Da , Stephen , who was an old IRA man and had been imprisoned for opposing the Treaty.

Sometimes Behan Sr would get drunk and try to get his neighbour to have a fight. This neighbour wasn't an actual Black and Tan afaik. Perhaps an old Free Stater or policeman.

I only discovered this fairly recently and I'd always wondered about the song - especially the reference to Killeshandra . Over a 100 miles from Dublin and near my own grandfathers Brigade area. There was no gun battle between the IRA and the Tans there. I expect Behan put it in for a rhyming purpose.

I would certainly be pissed off if a workmate was singing it for my benefit because I was English. That is bullying. Otherwise it just a silly song. Come to think of it although my grandad had been in the ira circa 1920 /21 he would sing ' The Old Orange Flute ' to annoy people.

I think they're both inappropriate, the IRA reference even more than the song.
Where do you work?

You're kidding right? Unfortunately you're probably not if this is the west of Scotland..

Any sectarianism designed to wind people up shouldn't be allowed in any shape or form in the workplace.

Thanks for all the comments.
Re the spelling, I’ve never seen it written, I’ve only heard it said and it sounds to me like “yup” but I accept I’m hearing it wrong.
I work in a professional industry.

@AgnesX I live and work in Ireland.

@StephanieSuperpowers and @TheDaphne it’s in the office.

😂 at reference to Wolfetones. Don’t think it is acceptable in the workplace though.

What part of Ireland?
How old are the people singing?
Does it happen every day or was it a once off?

And do you like Brady Family Ham?

I don’t understand the ham reference. Should I?
@MrsRobinStrike it’s not every day but it’s not an unusual occurrence. Does the age matter? Genuine question - I don’t think it should but I’m happy to be corrected.

Brady's ham is from a border county you see. That might have some salience?

www.leinsterleader.ie/video/features/369601/watch-kildare-s-brady-family-s-hilarious-ham-video-to-the-tune-of-come-out-ye-black-and-tans.html
@BATIRA maybe you can sing this version

Wolfetones - the military wing of Planxty!

Nope

I stand corrected @JaneJeffer ! Was full sure Bradys were from Kyaavan...

Yes, you’ve said, but who is singing it — your actual colleagues? Do they have a general habit of just breaking into song, or is it reserved for rebel songs? Do they sing at everyone or just you? Humming under their breath or full blown West End emoting? Or are they a Wolf Tone tribute band?

It's unacceptable BUT IME difficult to get anything done about in the South as there aren't the same explicit rules and legal protections as you'd find in the North under the GFA (where this would potentially be seen as discrimination if you're the only English person in the office and this is happening). People have gone to tribunal for less up there.

This will sound daft but I'd recommend learning some Irish and singing Bingo in Irish at the top of your voice every time they start:

You could really ham it up by standing on a chair, putting your hand on your heart and wiping away a tear as you do the opening line because I'd bet money these "nationalists" will have no idea what you're singing until you start on the "B-I-N-G-O".

Fight ridiculousness with being ridiculous in a slightly different way.

Jesus I'm glad I don't work with you @SisterMichaelsHabit

And I'll let you off with the south

Wtf @SisterMichaelsHabit ?
I have to assume you're joking?
In the 'South', speaking Irish does not equate with being a nationalist!
Everyone learns it.
But if you want OP to make a complete fool of herself go right ahead. Nobody will have a clue what point she's trying to make though...

OP, you're right. They shouldn't be singing those songs in the office.

Or shouting 'Up the Ra' anywhere

🤣😂

The only time I've heard up the ra in public is at comedy nights up in Belfast where they're saying it for the craic.