literature

The Irish Condition

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Literature Text

Social critique of Irish society written at request of a good friend.
The Republic of Ireland is not yet one hundred years old, but the Irish nation stretches much further back in time. Ireland presents an enigma of being both young and old, steeped in tradition, but still growing into its new statehood. A conflux of age old conflicts and modern innovation define the Irish psyche. Eight hundred years of British occupation dogged Irish development, as failed revolution added to failed revolution, and industrialisation passed us by as often as Home Rule. It was not until the twentieth century that both independence and innovation inspired the Irish into a new age. As a young person, I have been witness only to a modern Ireland, to a tiger economy that is still roaring, to a European nation that excels in education, technology and enterprise and to a people that exudes new found confidence and wealth.

This Ireland sees an increasing divergence between city and country. Dublin expands to include a cluster of satellite towns and villages, as commuters venture from further and further afar for meaningful employment in our nation’s capital. A new found sense of professionalism and a dedication to the cutting edge has resulted in the sacrifice of our own cultural awareness. Irish culture has become submerged under constant waves of European and particularly American influences, in media, music and literature. The Irish language is seen by many as a loathsome chore forced upon students in primary education, and forgotten soon after.

Irish culture exists now as a minority pursuit, enjoyed by traditionalists and tourists in search of a lost heritage. Centuries of struggle are forgotten as Ireland basks in its new found prosperity. The advancement of statehood is slowed by a comfortable and complacent electorate, as the differences that had divided the primary political parties are now deemed irrelevant. A host of social problems remain ignored as the cup overflows for the first time in Irish history.

Yet the prosperity enjoyed has not destroyed Irish culture entirely. Throughout time, the Irish have travelled extensively, though often in times of economic difficulty and most notably in famine. The Irish abroad condense Irish culture and demonstrate how it can stand alongside the cultures of the world on a global stage. The infamous Irish charm exudes itself from famous Irish, whether U2, Colin Farrell, Sir Bob Geldof or others, and in equal measure from the everyman.

Ireland is a nation with the potential for greatness, now a slumbering giant of the literary world but with a rich history of writers, poets and playwrights, a rising power in film and music - the world’s poet. A nation of increasing cultures now is the time for Ireland to remember their famed hospitality, wit and magic and become an Ireland fit for a new century, in synergy with its rich past.
© 2006 - 2024 jmgallen
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CailinnahEireann's avatar
Hmmm. Very well written. I understand and agree with your points.
I am one of the few students in my class who actually enjoys learning Irish. It's a pity, really. But hopefully more young people will warm to it in thte future.