Why is it that every movie, show I've seen- the irish are always portrayed as poor, dirty, uneducated people? Doesn't anyone have anything nice to say about them?
2006-10-30 10:44:50 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Irish people are awesome and they are drunkards also.
2006-10-30 10:49:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I remember watching an film in Macroeconomics that said something to the effect of "Irish were no good at economics, in fact they were too dumb to realize their potatoess weren't going". (referring to the potatoe famine) Ah boy, it was funny at the time, but it certainly was racist. I'm actually English, Irish, French and Scottish.
I think they are portrayed this way because as America was developing many of the immigrants who came over were poor, dirty and uneducated, and that's the reason they came to America, to have a better life. The Irish came in swarms, because of the famine that was taking effect in the country. There were Irish ghettos. Certainly not all Irish people are poor or dirty, especially not now, but back in developing America, alot of the back-breaking work, like canal digging, was done by poor irish men, they deserve respect for that.
On the upside, the irish invented things like the submarine and induction coil...and whiskey.
2006-10-30 11:04:27 · answer #2 · answered by Tyson 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The media will put a negative spin on almost anything, no matter what, despite what the truth is.
I'll be honest and yes I'm poor, but I've graduated from college and have the sheepskin to prove it. I keep myself clean daily. What you have observed is mostly lies. Watch a legit documentary on Ireland and the culture and you will see the truth.
A lot of Irish people do have a temper. I definitely have a temper, but bad things kind of happen when I "lose" it, so I keep it in check.
The Irish accent is beautiful and the people are very passionate and also have a natural beauty about them. This isn't because I'm biased though. It's just plain true.
2006-10-30 11:22:41 · answer #3 · answered by angelcat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, every ethnic group has a handful of negative stereotypes about them that stick in everybody's mind, regardless of all the good qualities each group possesses as well. You're probably sick of hearing about the Irish being heavy drinkers and fighters and all that, and I don't blame you. However, the facts remain that a lot of Irish immigrants at the turn of the century were, in fact, very poor and had to live in really squallid conditions. However, that couldn't be helped at the time, and I am quite sure that nearly every group you can think of had to live in poor conditions at some time in history or another. If you'd like to read some books that celebrate Irish heritage, you should check out all of Frank McCourt's memoirs, Angela's Ashes, 'Tis, and Teacher Man, as well as a really great book about an Irish-American familty in mid-1980's Philadelphia called Green Grass Grace by Shawn McBride. All these books definitely still contain a few stereotypes, to be sure, but they look at them with love rather than contempt and reveal the true warmth and richness of the Irish spirit.
2006-10-30 10:57:32 · answer #4 · answered by fizzygurrl1980 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm an Irish American and I'll admit I am hurt by the way the Irish are portrayed like we're disgusting, dirty pigs. We are looked down upon in American society in the world for no reason at all. It's just because of racist people who think they are superior.
2016-06-02 14:40:11 · answer #5 · answered by Rebecca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know an Irishman and he's as mad as a cut snake, but he is also one of the most geniune, generous people I know, a real top bloke.
He's not poor, has a really good job.
He's not dirty, except when he's telling a joke.
And he is one of the smartest people I know.
In my personal experience Irish people are like everybody else but with a cool accent.
2006-10-30 10:59:55 · answer #6 · answered by Curious1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they are considered as "different", inferior like. Part of the reason is also because they do not understand what Islam is about or it's teachings, they base their judgments on "their ideas and beliefs". Then, part of the reason may also be because of history. Where the muslims are apparently responsible for this and that, like 9/11, but yet, this also, again, ties into their understanding that they don't have of Islam. (They seem to not get the idea that just because some people call themselves a muslim doesn't make them one.)
2016-05-22 13:09:09 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am Italian American and I love the Irish. They have the greatest wit in the world, are fun to be with and not too shabby in the bedroom. Just thinking about that is getting me horny. Need to run to the nearest Irish pub and party.
2006-10-30 10:54:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to rent "The Quiet Man." It's a classic. John Wayne stars and as usual, he doesn't do much acting; but the rest of the cast is great.
Then try reading some of Father Andrew Greeley's novels.
If that doesn't change your mind, nothing will!
2006-10-30 10:50:03 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You and me, we got something in common! I'm irish too, but I am mostly portrayed negatively because of my skin color. Oh, well, I got the worst of both worlds!
2006-10-30 10:52:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I like Irish people, but all the irish I know dig holes and put tarmac on roads.
2006-10-30 10:53:58 · answer #11 · answered by fizz 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋