Sectarianism has been part of the fabric of life in Northern Ireland since the foundation of the state in 1921, although its roots go much further back in history. It continues to be kept alive by ancestral voices which speak to each community of past atrocities and hurts.
Some say religion is to blame, others say it's politics. Whatever the motivation, sectarianism promotes bitterness and often leads to violence and death. Listen to the voices and judge for yourself.
I myself live in N.Ireland and i see the effects that sectarianism has on peoples everyday lives - whats your views?
2006-07-08 00:52:00 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
Hi,i agree 100 per cent with john.Personally i keep away from religion
2006-07-14 02:35:35 · answer #1 · answered by Ollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Paul
As someone who lives in belfast in the 80s and 90s ... I would say that sectarianism originally came from politcis and religion to then degenerate. Children brought up in certain areas (both sides) watching men killed as they came home from school, hearing their parents/friends talk about one side or the other ... So you could say that sectarianism was nurtured, not only at home but also by evil acts from both sides.
You know i've been to and fro since i moved away and i can see a change for the better now. I hope that children brought up in a better atmosphere will grow up knowing that no one side is the enemy but violence used to achieve goals, be they to remain British or a united Ireland.
But can i say ... I lived in Scotland for many years and sectarianism was also rife in many parts! And look at what's happening between Shiites and Sunnis? You see it's all about this weird conception that everything is either black or white, no grey area. Everyone has suffered, will suffer until someone proves big enough "Enough, let's not just talk but actually mean what we are saying". And do it!
Some people in Scotland would comment that 'they're all mad there' and i would take great exception to this because it was generalising. No one is mad in northern ireland, if the situation has been and some people committed tootal acts of madness. And you kow i always felt much pride reminding people there that ... People in northern ireland were the most helpful people ever! Fall in Royal Avenue, no one would check which area you lived before rushing to your help. I've seen enough people take a tumble in Glasgow and ecinburgh and not that many people helped them out!
I also blame the media! How many charities have benefitted from the people in northern ireland? Too many to recount yet did this make a splash in teh papers? Never! Only violence made front page and such portrayal of these beautiful 6 counties tarred everyone there with the same brush.
I hope the 6 counties enjoy real long lasting peace and that it can be during my lifetime. It's my dream! I want to see it.
2006-07-08 09:00:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sectarianism is part of human nature to some degree. I must admit there are many instances where it is taken to extremes. Whether you call it sectarianism, clicky, or birds of a feather, it will always exist in some form
2006-07-12 23:54:02 · answer #3 · answered by Garry H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because religion deals in absolutes, offers only faith for proof, and no two religions can agree on absolutes there is inherent conflict. It may be that religion is the cancer because religions create the basic framework for conflict.
2006-07-08 01:32:57 · answer #4 · answered by JOHN E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately sectarianism is inherited and in the genes ...and sadly like so many cancers there is no cure ..but we can live in hope ....
2006-07-14 02:37:45 · answer #5 · answered by bobonumpty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course not! If you take away religeon it will be replaced with something else, possibly worse
2006-07-08 04:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by Tamart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋