The word diaspora is tossed around by the Irish media pretty frequently these days. The term refers to people scattered far and wide, living away from their ancestral homeland. The Irish Diaspora is estimated at 80 to 100 million people worldwide.
I first took note of the word about five years ago when I was watching a documentary about the Irish diaspora. The term struck a chord with me. Initially as I watched I totally disassociated myself from any diaspora, thinking it referred to people whose ties to Ireland dated back over many generations.
Irish Famine Memorial – Philadelphia
Image Credit
Realizing diaspora is an ‘in vogue’ word in Ireland, I researched the term online. I quickly came to realize I am part of this infamous scattering of Irish people across the world. I decided then and there I disliked the word. I am still not sure if I like or loathe it.
Every time I say it I think in alliteration.
“The desperate diaspora” reverberates in my mind.
When I hear the word I feel left out, as if I am not good enough,
not Irish enough anymore.
I often feel people in Ireland don’t know what to make of us diasporians (I am making up words again). As an Irish-born, American immigrant visiting my homeland, I am not sure if I really fit in.
The Irish are deeply conflicted about immigrants. I know most Irish people will contradict me, saying they welcome us with open arms. We’ll always be considered Irish in our homeland.
That is, you’ll always be Irish as long as you’re sitting down having a laugh, sharing a drink or two, and joining in the sing-song. The minute you try to talk about Irish life, politics, or career, you are shut down with a smile and a quick change of topic. Interviewing for a job is not for the faint of heart, and whatever you do, don’t even think about offering advice.
Years ago I interviewed for a job in Dublin. At that time my husband and I were seriously contemplating returning to live in Ireland. One woman on the interview panel was clearly not impressed with my American experience.
“I see you are in America, now,” she said with an insincere smile.
“Oh no! Here we go!” I said to myself.
And there we went alright. At least ten times during the interview, she told me:
“But you’re an American now.”
In her mind I was part of this “desperate diaspora” who, if hired, might interfere with the Irish way of doing things. She imagined me telling everyone “but this is how we do it in America.”
I felt like Tom Beringer’s character in the movie “The Field” with the Bull McCabe roaring at me:
“Go home, Yank. Go home.”
And that I did. I came back to America. At that point in time my American evolution was incomplete. I could not say I was coming home to America. With hindsight, I can now say it was a blessing I came home to the States, reclaiming my place as part of the Irish diaspora, dispersed to the four corners of the earth.
So how do I feel about this word many years later. I still don’t know if I like it or loathe it. Yet whatever my feelings may be, I have no choice but to accept my reality. I am part of the Great Irish Diaspora.
Slán agus beannacht leat!
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
It is a sad day when Irish are not welcome in every area … it just for a drink an a laugh.
My husband – Dublin born and myself – American/ Irish lived in Dublin years ago. But I would love to work in Ireland again. I never thought we would not be welcomed with open arms – As hard working people .
American or not ( Canadian or Not ) what ever we still have good will and hard work to give to Ireland.
Erin Kathleen Caulfield
Erin – Like you I still dream of living and working in Ireland again. I hope my interview experience years ago, when I felt I was no longer Irish, was unusual and not the norm.
I truly believe Ireland’s diaspora is the key to Ireland’s future. By linking to Irish people worldwide, Ireland will emerge from this economic downturn, but to do so must embrace the knowledge, hard work and experiences her diaspora offers. Sometimes I don’t know if people in Ireland fully understand how much good will, people of Irish descent feel towards them.
Thanks so much for your great comment.
Mairead
Diaspora was coined in the Irish context by Mary Robinson. When she was elected President she lit a candle in one of the windows of the Aras to show a light home for those that were away. This was the very first time that any official recognition that vast numbers were forced off the island through greed idiocy and downright hate. Even today there is no way you as a Citizen of Ireland by birth can vote in any election.
Next year they have this insulting madey-uppy festival called the Gathering, this is simply a method of shaking the ‘diaspora’ for cash.
Vince – I love the symbolism of President Mary Robinson lighting a candle in the window to guide us all home. The path is a little foggy at the moment in light of today’s economic climate.
Ireland has some work to do to recognize her diaspora, and all they have to offer. Allowing us to vote might really change the political picture in Ireland. We would not vote on a local level, but view politicians and their policies through a global lens.
Perhaps instead of “The Gathering”, Ireland should organize “The Brainstorming.” A great meeting of successful Irish immigrants and Irish entrepreneurs could start a ‘think tank” to figure out how to reignite the economy. I plan to visit Ireland next summer, not as part of the Gathering, but simply to visit family. Shaking this “diasporian” won’t produce much cash, I’m afraid!!!!
All the best,
Mairead
been done http://www.globalirishforum.ie/2009Forum.aspx
Thanks for the link, Vince. I hope they came up with some good ideas and didn’t just spend the time waffling. Must check out their updates.
The truth is very little beyond what was otherwise occurring. We have an economic focus and devote vast resources to those that can survive very well anyway. If you have a PhD in CompSc you are grand ta ever so. Who needs the focus is the waiter in a restaurant who on his salary no matter how much he earns will never own a house and probably will never feed a family.
Hear! Hear,Vince! I agree with you.
Hi Mairead, Being separated by more generations from my Irish ancestors than you I can say that that word has no meaning to me. There is an emotion connected to the word that is purely Irish. I’ve found over the years there are some in Ireland who will never let you enter their world, there are plenty enough, after a while ,you are part of the family. You have the unique perspective of belonging to two worlds, some will resent you for it, others will support you. Knowing who you are as a person, what you believe to be right, and staying confident in your abilities will trump all the nasty nancys out there, on both sides of the Atlantic. Most Americans would use the term “Irish” and never consider the Word diaspora. A point that can be touchy in Ireland, and I tell friends when visiting to say they are of Irish descent, if asked.
Sorry for the wordy comment,
enjoy the kids trick or treats,
Brian
Brian – Never apologize for a wordy comment – we all enjoy your insights. I think you give your American friends good advice when you tell them to say they are of Irish descent, rather than saying they are Irish in Ireland. Even I am considered American by some, despite my Irish birth!!!! Sometimes when I hear people refer to themselves as authentic Irish, I get a shiver. I never understand the need to stratify or classify our Irishness. I think I feel another post coming on!!
Take care,
Mairead
I don’t even like the sound of the word, I certainly don’t blame you for not liking it given its negative connotations. I for one feel America is lucky to have you Mairead!
Thanks, Grammy. And I am lucky to have found my home in America.
This is a brave post Mairead! I too experienced the difficulties you write about when I came home after almost ten years in London. On the one hand I was welcomed with open arms. On the other hand I was being checked out to see if I had ‘gotten too big for my boots.’ Little did I think when I experienced anti-Irish feeling in London, that I would experience the same, in reverse,when I came home. I have to say that eighteen years after returning home, I still feel like a member of the Diaspora. And you are absolutely right there is conflict in Irish peoples hearts and minds about us.
PS I think I might have to write a blog about this myself.
Thanks Martine – I think if we put our heads together we could write a book on the whole subject of Irishness, the diaspora, acceptance, immigration, and the conflict in Irish people’s hearts about Ireland’s prodigal children. I’m already looking forward to your post.
Mairead
This is just one of the stories your writing reminded me of Mairead. Thank you so much for the inspiration you gave me. Mx http://www.martinebrennan.com/4/post/2012/10/between-two-stools-a-tale-of-the-diaspora.html
Martine – Thank you for your wonderful follow-up post. Your story of Irish immigrants in London, feeling they belong nowhere, really touched me. These are stories that need to be told, but I think also we need to delve into our Irishness and the impact our own identity has on our ability to integrate in a foreign land. Sometimes I think our feelings of guilt about abandoning our homeland, make it even more difficult to assimilate in our new homes. Once again, Martine, my mind is spinning with all kinds of ideas for future posts. I think if we keep at it, we will have the bones of a book put together before you know it.
All the best,
Mairead
Interesting read! The other thing that keeps happening these days is the “poor emigrants” thinking. Really many of today’s young international Irish are happy, well adjusted and proud. They travel, work, and enjoy life. Emigrants should not be pitied but admired:~))
Catherine – So true! Many in Ireland may imagine immigrants like me living in a foreign country, just pining away, longing to be back home again. Although we do miss Ireland, the reality is we have moved on with our lives, settled into our new homes and countries, and now we enjoy happy and prosperous lives.
Best wishes,
Mairead
Not all are so in that happy place though. While I lived in London I saw many many Irish who didn’t have the wherewithal to make the adjustment. In the UK there was a very distinct difference that I can put like this. Manual who had little education went there. Carpenters&co trades went to the USA. Doctors&co professions went to Oz NZ and SA along with certain very small extremely wealthy enclaves in the US.
To put it another way. There are two types of movements. Those that have to and those that want to.
Education seems to be a key factor in Irish immigrants’ success abroad. Thanks again Vince, for adding so much to the discussion.
Mairead
Mairead, I’ll bet after that interview you felt caught between the two countries and in many ways not belonging either place? That must have been awful! I know what it is to be rejected over and over again, too. It makes for a deep sadness…not simply that awful word! 🙂 I have to say that more often than not your entries really hit a chord with me – and this one really did! The words meaning for me is more that I am separated here within my homeland (if that’s possible!) where I have always lived but now feel like an alien.
The sad thing here for many of we who are born American (many I know with an Irish history a few generations back) is even with a degree there isn’t always a job. Especially if you followed your dreams and/or your God given skills instead of the degrees that are getting hired these days.
Chris – Thanks again for stopping by. I have been lucky in America. I have always been made to feel welcome, and part of the fabric of American society ever since I came here. One of America’s great strengths is how she welcomes immigrants to her shores, allowing us to become American citizens. I realize my experience is that of an Irish person and not all groups may have the same experiences I did, but I truly hope so.
My family has been lucky so far during this recession and have weathered the storm pretty well. Ever the optimist, I am trusting the economic climate will only get better here over the coming months and years, and that soon the employment situation will improve. I hope your American dreams will be fulfilled very soon.
Have a great weekend,
Mairead
Hi Mairead, I needed to jump in here as some comments are getting down right glum. You have the experiences that are purely your own, very exciting, adventurous, terrifying and wonderful. There are always labelers in this world, laugh at them. There are always nose lookerdowners, laugh harder at them. In the end We all know who we are and where we are loved. Be that diaspora, immigrant, emigrant, rural, urban, suburban or ghetto.
Cheers,
Brian.
Hi Brian – thanks for chiming in again. This little post sure did generate a fair share of comments. And never worry, I have a tough skin. I let that interviewer’s comments off me like water off a duck’s back. My husband and I now know that moving to Ireland at the time would have been the wrong decision, and my little experience was really a blessing in disguise.
All the best and have a great weekend.
Mairead