Republicans impoverished vision of identity

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6761765.stm

The BBC in Northern Ireland have continued their habit of subjecting those of us in the region to pointless local variations. The latest is a survey of children’s attitudes in the province, which suggests that (brace yourselves) Protestant children are most likely to consider themselves British and Catholic children have a tendency to consider themselves Irish.

There is little or nothing useful, instructive or enlightening about the programme’s findings. What is instructive however, is the welter of criticism from republicans the academic expert on the programme, QUB’s Professor Paul Connelly, received for emphasising the sense of a distinct Northern Irish identity many children from here increasingly feel. Professor Connelly also had the temerity to suggest that perhaps embracing this inclusive identity may be a positive thing, and perhaps a means to moving beyond the old tribal, ethno-religious divisions of the two traditional communities.

I am not instinctively a fan of this type of identity navel gazing. It panders to a nationalist version of politics which seeks to neatly categorise people into national ethnic groups. I do however, find it fascinating to see republicans dismiss patent realities because they don’t correspond with the impoverished view of identity, they need to adopt to feed their warped political analysis.

The fact that people actually do feel distinctly Northern Irish has to be ignored and rubbished. The subtleties and the multi-layered characteristics of people’s identity are ignored in preference to a simplistic British / Irish divide. The fact that people can feel Northern Irish, Irish and British is seen as an anathema. Thank god the reality is different from their jaundiced propaganda.

Comments

O'Neill said…
It panders to a nationalist version of politics which seeks to neatly categorise people into national ethnic groups.

Although to be fair Chekist, that simplistic interpretation has also been exploited by the fundamentalist wing of Unionism which seems completely incapable of catering for the non-prod or civic brand of unionist.

I've given up getting stressed at how nationalists misinterpret my identity a long-time ago, I'm as Irish as they are with the added bonus of also being British...if thye struggle with that concept, that's their problem.

BTW I'll link you up shortly, the link you sent yesterday was wrong and directed me to a religious site- I thought you were a mischevious troll, hence my rather sarky reply...sorry!
JC Skinner said…
As the 'research' was designed in order to highlight such self-definitions, I don't see how you can criticise it for that, while at the same time accepting some of the definitions that were uncovered and denying the validity of others.
Frankly, as long as I have access to an Irish or British passport, as permitted by both Governments, it really doesn't matter which way I perceive myself, so long as others accept that definition as legitimate.
The incorrect usage of 'Ulster' among one community as a deliberate obfuscation to distance the concept of the statelet from the actual geographical island of which it is part, is one simple example of how some people seem to have an ongoing, state-approved horror of their own Irishness.
Owen Polley said…
You seem to have rather ignored the point of the post, which is Republicans attempting to rubbish the validity of an identity which people genuinely do feel. I am comfortable with my Irishness, as are many other unionists. It is the nationalist interpretation which seeks to simplify and negate any concept of multi-layered identity.

I notice with your last comment that you are the one wishing to corral a section of the community into an identity they don't accept.

The civic unionist idea is that all of these identities are legitimate and equally as valid and that they are all welcome in a multi-national UK.
Anonymous said…
Why viewers still use to read news papers when in this technological world the whole thing is accessible
on net?

Stop by my web site - Air Jordan Femme Pas Cher
Anonymous said…
Appreciating the time and effort you put into your blog and in depth information you present.
It's good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same unwanted rehashed information.
Excellent read! I've saved your site and I'm adding
your RSS feeds to my Google account.

Here is my web blog Louis Vuitton Handbags Outlet
Anonymous said…
Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was
wondering which blog platform are you using for this
site? I'm getting sick and tired of Wordpress because I've
had issues with hackers and I'm looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

Check out my web site ... Wholesale Jerseys
Anonymous said…
Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic but
I'd figured I'd ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe
guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My blog covers
a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other.

If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an
email. I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!


Feel free to visit my page; journaldebeauce.com
Anonymous said…
Hi to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this site, and your views are good designed for new people.


My web site; Converse Basse
Anonymous said…
I was suggested this website via my cousin. I'm now not positive whether or not this post is written by way of him as nobody else recognize such distinct about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thank you!

My site: Gucci Ufficiale
Anonymous said…
Hello! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be okay. I'm undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new
posts.

Feel free to surf to my homepage :: Cheap Jerseys
Anonymous said…
If some one needs to be updated with hottest technologies after that
he must be pay a quick visit this web page and be up to date all the time.


Here is my web page Abercrombiebe.Com
Anonymous said…
I every time used to read paragraph in news papers
but now as I am a user of net so from now I am using net for articles or
reviews, thanks to web.

Also visit my web site; http://www.converseshopfr.com/
Anonymous said…
you are truly a good webmaster. The website loading pace is incredible.
It sort of feels that you're doing any distinctive trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you've performed a great activity on this matter!


My blog airmaxpro.nl
Anonymous said…
I pay a visit every day some web pages and blogs
to read content, but this blog gives feature based content.



Feel free to visit my web-site Air max
Anonymous said…
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet visitors, its really really pleasant
paragraph on building up new webpage.

Feel free to surf to my page :: Air Max
Anonymous said…
Quality posts is the secret to interest the viewers to visit the web site, that's what this website is providing.

Here is my weblog: Air Max 91
Anonymous said…
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and
I am impressed! Extremely helpful info particularly the last part :) I care for such information a lot.
I was seeking this particular info for a very long time.
Thank you and best of luck.

Check out my blog post - Air Jordan Pas Cher
Anonymous said…
Hello There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn.

This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it
and come back to learn extra of your useful info.
Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.


My blog post :: Air Jordan France
Anonymous said…
Hi there very cool web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .
. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?
I'm happy to search out numerous useful info here in the publish, we need develop more techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

Also visit my page: Converse All Star 2013
Anonymous said…
That is very attention-grabbing, You're a very professional blogger. I've joined your feed
and look ahead to in search of extra of your fantastic post.
Additionally, I have shared your site in my social
networks

my web page; Nike Air Max
Anonymous said…
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it
;) I will revisit once again since I bookmarked it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and
continue to guide others.

My weblog: Abercrombie Fitch Belgique
Anonymous said…
What i don't understood is in reality how you're no longer
actually much more smartly-preferred than you might
be right now. You're so intelligent. You know therefore significantly with regards to this matter, made me individually believe it from a lot of various angles. Its like women and men aren't involved except it's one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. All the time deal with it up!

My blog Air Jordan
Anonymous said…
Fantastic site you have here but I was curious about if you knew of
any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about here?

I'd really love to be a part of online community where I can get opinions from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Cheers!

My blog post: Michael Kors
Anonymous said…
These are really enormous ideas in about
blogging. You have touched some pleasant things here. Any way keep up wrinting.



Also visit my website :: Kris Letang Authentic Jersey
Anonymous said…
I read this post fully concerning the difference of newest and earlier technologies, it's awesome article.

My blog; http://wealthwayonline.com/mariolemieuxjersey.html
Anonymous said…
Hey! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be okay. I'm absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to
new updates.

My webpage :: cheap jerseys
Anonymous said…
I have read so many posts regarding the blogger lovers but this paragraph is in fact a good paragraph,
keep it up.

Here is my weblog; wealthwayonline.com
Anonymous said…
An impressive share! I've just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this issue here on your site.

Feel free to visit my weblog Abercrombie
Anonymous said…
Hello this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs
use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

Have a look at my weblog - Authentic Sidney Crosby Jersey
Anonymous said…
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.

I will bookmark your weblog and check again here
frequently. I'm quite certain I'll learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!

Also visit my web site :: continue reading
Anonymous said…
I do not know whether it's just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your website. It appears like some of the text in your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my web browser because I've had this happen previously.

Cheers

My web site; ovenfish84.jigsy.com
Anonymous said…
I've been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It's pretty worth
enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made good
content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.



Look at my web site: cheapjerseys01
Anonymous said…
Hi there to every one, it's truly a fastidious for me to pay a visit this website, it contains priceless Information.

my weblog - Louis Vuitton Bags
Anonymous said…
I hardly create remarks, however after reading through a few of the comments on "Republicans impoverished vision of identity".
I actually do have 2 questions for you if it's okay. Could it be just me or do some of the comments appear like they are coming from brain dead visitors? :-P And, if you are writing at additional online social sites, I'd like to keep up with anything new you have to post.
Could you list of every one of your public pages like your
linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?

My page :: explorethecapabilities.com
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the good writeup. It in reality was a enjoyment account it.
Look complicated to more added agreeable
from you! By the way, how can we keep up a correspondence?



Check out my webpage ... Abercrombie Paris
Anonymous said…
It is the best time to make a few plans for the future and it's time to be happy. I have learn this put up and if I may just I desire to counsel you some fascinating things or advice. Maybe you could write subsequent articles relating to this article. I wish to learn more things about it!

Also visit my web site; Louis Vuitton Handbags
Anonymous said…
I'm gone to tell my little brother, that he should also visit this weblog on regular basis to get updated from most recent news update.

My web site www.homebasedbusinessprogram.com
Anonymous said…
Your mode of explaining all in this paragraph is really nice, all can simply understand it, Thanks a lot.


My web site: Abercrombie France
Anonymous said…
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea concerning from this paragraph.


Also visit my blog post - Michael Kors Handbags
Anonymous said…
Hi, all is going fine here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts, that's really good, keep up writing.

my web site; Louis Vuitton Pas Cher
Anonymous said…
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment but
after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again.
Anyways, just wanted to say superb blog!

My web page Michael Kors
Anonymous said…
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization?
I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm
not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share.
Thank you!

Check out my page :: Chaussure Air Jordan
Anonymous said…
Nice respond in return of this query with real arguments and explaining all
about that.

Here is my homepage :: slc-wireless.com
Anonymous said…
I think what you published was very reasonable.
However, what about this? what if you composed a catchier post title?
I mean, I don't want to tell you how to run your blog, however suppose you added something that makes people desire more? I mean "Republicans impoverished vision of identity" is a little vanilla. You could glance at Yahoo's home page and watch how they create article headlines to get people to
click. You might try adding a video or a picture or two to grab readers
excited about what you've written. In my opinion, it would make your website a little livelier.

My web site - Chaussures De Football
Anonymous said…
Its like you read my mind! You seem to grasp so much approximately this, such as you wrote the e book in it or something.
I think that you just can do with some percent to power the message
house a bit, however other than that, this is fantastic blog.

An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

my site: Louis Vuitton Outlet
Anonymous said…
I visit each day a few web pages and websites to read content, except this blog presents feature based writing.


my blog post NFL Jerseys Cheap
Anonymous said…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about tiebreaker. Regards

Review my web page; Air Max
Anonymous said…
I am not certain where you're getting your info, however good topic. I must spend some time learning more or working out more. Thanks for magnificent info I used to be in search of this info for my mission.

Feel free to surf to my web page - Air Max
Anonymous said…
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your
website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.

But maybe you could a little more in the way of
content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?

Also visit my weblog ... Louis Vuitton Bags
Anonymous said…
I believe everything said made a bunch of sense.
However, consider this, what if you composed a catchier
title? I am not saying your information isn't solid., however what if you added a post title that makes people want more? I mean "Republicans impoverished vision of identity" is kinda boring. You might look at Yahoo's home page and
watch how they create news headlines to get viewers to open the links.
You might add a related video or a picture or two to get readers interested about what you've got to say. In my opinion, it could make your blog a little livelier.

my webpage - www.chlodnictwo.info.pl
Anonymous said…
I simply could not leave your site before suggesting that I
extremely loved the usual info an individual supply on your visitors?
Is gonna be again steadily in order to check out new posts

Also visit my web site: Christian Louboutin UK
Anonymous said…
Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity on your publish is simply nice and
that i could suppose you're knowledgeable in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to clutch your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thank you one million and please keep up the gratifying work.

Here is my webpage; Nike Free 7.0
Anonymous said…
These are truly great ideas in concerning blogging. You have touched some good factors here.
Any way keep up wrinting.

Here is my web blog web site
Anonymous said…
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I'll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I'm quite
certain I will learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!

Here is my blog :: More Help
Anonymous said…
I do not know whether it's just me or if everybody else experiencing problems with your website. It seems like some of the text within your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well? This may be a issue with my browser because I've had this happen previously.
Appreciate it

My blog; Source
Anonymous said…
When someone writes an paragraph he/she keeps the image of a
user in his/her brain that how a user can understand it.
Thus that's why this paragraph is outstdanding. Thanks!

Also visit my blog post Discover More
Anonymous said…
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your weblog
posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your rss feed and I am hoping you write
again very soon!

Take a look at my blog post; Sac Louis Vuitton (beyonddelay.com)
Anonymous said…
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm absolutely enjoying
your blog and look forward to new posts.

Also visit my web-site ... Chaussures Foot (smu-fr.org)
Anonymous said…
Hello to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this website, and your views are fastidious designed
for new viewers.

Check out my site; Air Max Pas Cher *http://smu-fr.org/airmaxpascher.html*
Anonymous said…
Excellent way of explaining, and pleasant post to get facts on the topic of
my presentation focus, which i am going to convey in academy.


Also visit my website Sac Louis Vuitton
Anonymous said…
hello there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up
anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this website, as I
experienced to reload the site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load properly.

I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I'm complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your high-quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I'm adding this RSS to
my e-mail and could look out for much more of your respective interesting content.
Ensure that you update this again very soon.

Visit my web blog; Nike Blazers **
Anonymous said…
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your site, how could i subscribe
for a weblog website? The account helped me a applicable deal.

I had been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent
idea

my blog post - Michael Kors ()
Anonymous said…
This is my first time go to see at here and i am actually happy to read all at one place.


Also visit my web site Wholesale Jerseys

Popular posts from this blog

Football fever in Russia

Shia Revival

Walker loada rubbish