Many readers of this blog were raised by Irish or Irish American mothers. In this little corner of the internet, we easily recognize the traits and characteristics which make Irish mothers unique and exceptional. Irish mothers are supportive and attentive, caring for us in their uncomplicated ways, loving us with quiet, unassuming devotion. Deep love […]
The Irish Psyche
The Irish psyche is a complex and intriguing topic, especially if you are Irish. From glib stereotypes and insulting drunken characterizations, to nostalgic and tragic portraits of stoic men and women, it is clearly evident the idea of "Irishness" is difficult to define, and the understanding of the Irish psyche is no easy task. So why not join me in this section, as I try to define what many believe to be truly indefinable.... the infamous Irish psyche.
The Essence Of Being Irish
In this little corner of the world wide web we love to discuss all things Irish. Ireland is in our hearts and in our souls. It captivates us like no other place on earth. And so today, let’s delve a little deeper into what it means to be Irish, and see if we can touch […]
What It Means To Be Irish
What does it mean to be Irish? That my dear readers is the question I pose today, in my very first blog post of 2016. I believe this is the perfect year to explore our Irishness together as we celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Rising. Let’s start off the year with a little foray […]
The Irish Love Of Adjectives
Irish people love adjectives. This may seem absurd at first, but I believe Irish people’s love of descriptors runs far deeper than others’ appreciation of these little words. Over my twenty-something years in America I have come to realize I have an affinity for adjectives many Americans do not understand. My first inkling of this […]
Bidding Farewell – A Not-So-Simple Irish Ritual
Saying goodbye and departing a friend’s home may be a simple act in America, but in Ireland there is an unwritten code of honor that guides farewell rituals. There are superstitions that must be adhered to, or God forbid you may draw some form of ill fate upon your unsuspecting self. I always remember my […]
The Irish – A Superstitious Race
Ireland is a land of superstitions. Take it from me. I grew up surrounded by these superstitions. Pheasant feathers or lilac were never to be brought into my granny’s house. God forbid a robin landed on a window sill and flew indoors – he bore the news of imminent death. When visiting a house for […]
Irish Catholic Guilt
Guilt is widely accepted as a stereotypical Catholic trait, with the guiltiest of all Catholics being the Irish. Since we are in the Lenten season, I thought why not explore this concept of Irish Catholic guilt and its impact on the infamous Irish psyche. By discussing Irish character traits, I hope I don’t reinforce cultural […]
Thou Shalt Not Blow Your Own Trumpet – A Commandment Of The Irish Psyche
Irish people do not like to show off. We have a palpable fear of being perceived to blow our own trumpets, so much so I feel confident in claiming self-deprecation and self-effacement are traits of the Irish psyche. Image Credit “Who do you think you are?” To most Americans this is a question […]
The Irish Psyche And Sigmund Freud
The Irish psyche is a deep topic for a blog post on the day after St. Patrick’s Day, when many facets of said psyche were on display all over the world. As I did a little research for this post I came across a quotation attributed to the father of psychoanalysis himself, Sigmund Freud. […]
Thoughts On The Irish Stereotype
March is moving onwards and once again advertisers are rolling out stereotypical Irish images of shamrocks, rollicking leprechauns and beer-drinking, freckle-faced party goers. When St. Patrick’s Day approaches, let’s face it, most Americans think of cheesy “Kiss Me – I’m Irish” T-shirts, green beer, Irish fighting songs, claddagh rings and leprechauns. Collage Created With Some […]
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