At 3:13 pm on Saturday 19th of March 2005, Gerrysan said
Holy cow us$7 for a pint, thats about ar$20 pesos for that I could buy 8 litres of beer or one good 8 year old wine or 10 LITRES of plonk which would still be better than most €5 bottles bought in Dublin.
Next Paddies day come down here for the weekend.
Gerrysan
At 9:34 pm on Saturday 19th of March 2005, Gerrysan opined
On identity and identifying why do we want to be club members and why is the Irish club so special.!!!!!Greener grass syndrome….???????? I don’t know. The more I look at nationalism the less it moves me. On being a member of a club it is almost impossible not to be one way or another. I’m in the Tango club now before in an Aikido club, Zen club, Sound Club probably still there….....Well it’s a feeling that we are at home isn’t it? I just wonder where the idea, we weren’t at home in the first place came from.
Cheers Gerrysan
At 4:01 am on Sunday 20th of March 2005, Frank blurted
Great piece Anthony. Here at home, on the dublin/Wicklow border, I did my best to avoid the city and the celebrations. I don’t really know why, but it seems that Paddy’s day is a lot less important when you are at home (and you are Irish and home is Ireland). I like your remark, “Frankly, we owe the diaspora more than they owe us”. I hadn’t realised there was a debt involved, but it may be true.
At 5:43 pm on Sunday 20th of March 2005, Nigel was compelled to share
The words “in my defense” at the start of your excuse for taking a touristy looking photo seem to suggest you’re well on the way to becoming an (Irish) American yourself.
I was lucky enough to get Friday off at the last minute. Just as well. I’d have been useless anyway!
At 4:29 pm on Monday 21st of March 2005, Anthony wrote
Ireland’s current prosperity and place in the world is due in part to the many who left. I’m not saying we owe them cash, Gerry – it’s just something to think about.
At 12:43 pm on Thursday 24th of March 2005, Tom was inspired to add
That was a great piece. It reminded me of an argument I heard at my favorite pub in Minnesota. The two owners were Irish immigrants who spent hours at the “office”.
I remember seeing them at a table with a guy who apparently was visiting fro Ireland. This guy’s voice kept getting louder and louder as he talked about the “Yanks” who thought..x and the “Yanks” who thought y..and how they just need realize that they’re not Irish..
At this point, the younger of the two owners picked this guy up by the arm and tossed him out the door. I can still remember him standing there, shouting out the open door.
“These yanks pay my fookin’ bills!”
Later I found out it was the guy’s cousin that got evicted.
At 10:28 am on Friday 25th of March 2005, Anthony posted
Should I be worried because Bob Saget goes there or because Gawker does? Who is Bob Saget? Off to Google for me…
And Tom, I feel for everybody in that story. It really is aggravating to hear Americans talk about being Irish. What do they know about it? If they’re Irish, what do they think we are? Because we’re certainly different. Irish Americans tend to be pretty conservative, whereas actual Irish people are, well, European.
It’s an interesting relationship.
At 12:26 pm on Friday 25th of March 2005, Babs started typing, with this result
Bob Saget is evil. Trust me.
I always joke about being a ‘plastic paddy’ and all that, but for as much as we were raised ‘plastic’ the Old Man made sure we knew we were American. Which really confused me this one time I’d gone out with a dude from Offaly who insisted on calling me Irish-American even though I know I’m bloody well not. And he wouldn’t listen to me when I said I wasn’t.
At 6:47 pm on Tuesday 29th of March 2005, Proud Irish American testified
My grandparents & parents, aunts, uncles, etc, (Donegal, Mayo – Bellina, Castlebar) would’ve smacked me upside the head if I EVER hesitated or even slightly denied my being Irish. Americans that deny their heritage would be laughed at, by other Americans.
If you have children in this country, teach them to be proud of their heritage or you will be doing them a grave injustice, (my opinion). I for one would look down on someone who denied their families’ legacy.
...oh yeah, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
At 7:26 pm on Tuesday 29th of March 2005, Anthony imparted
You consider yourself Irish American, according to the way you signed yourself. Do you think there’s a difference between being Irish and Irish American? I think that’s what can be a little irritating. I don’t believe anybody thinks being aware of your heritage is a bad thing, but surely it’s good to acknowledge that it is heritage, and doesn’t have a lot to do with modern Ireland.
I’m really back and forth on this issue. Does it show?
At 10:17 pm on Tuesday 29th of March 2005, Proud Irish-AMERICAN felt the urge to write
When an American says they are “Irish” or any other nationality their is usually an understanding that is means “Irish-American”. It’s part of the culture and meant to be innocuous.
————————
Back track to grade-school (early 70’s)
Me: Hey, man what are you?
Student #2: I’m Italian-American
Me: Ohhhhh!!!! Ohhhh My Goddddddddddd!!!!!
You’re Italian-AMERICAN!!! Wow I never could have figured that out – you fucking stupid weenie. Let me
give you a wedgie for being so stupid.
Student #2: (Duh… )
The only time I say I’m Irish-American is when I hang out with my bona fide Irish brethren, lest I hurt their wee feelings.
At 10:30 pm on Tuesday 29th of March 2005, Anthony decided it was worth pointing out
Aaaaahhhh… See, that’s not always clear when you meet Americans abroad. It’s like they’re claiming to be Irish, but I guess they’re not. They’re just afraid of getting a wedgie.
Well, nobody likes that. And it’s true, our feelings are wee.
At 11:22 am on Tuesday 05th of April 2005, elenamary channelled
This was wonderfully written. Thank you. I often wonder if the Irish laugh so hard they pee or just chuckle when they see Irish-Americans. I had heard (and it might not be at all true—nut still funny) that more Americans claim to be Irish then possible could be. Which too me is odd becuase my Irish grandfather and Irish-American father think that the Irish are still persecuted in the US, what a joke!
At 5:16 pm on Tuesday 05th of April 2005, James opined
This is the first time I ever heard the term “Plastic Paddy”. My last name is Irish, and although my heritage includes many other countries, my most direct family is English, and Irish. I don’t consider myself a “Plastic Paddy”, simply because I know I’m American before anything else. Whenever someone here would ask about being Irish on St. Patrick’s day, I would say: “Yeah, I’m part Irish” (My one Irish great-gradnfather was the Police-Chief in a City south of where I live). Whenever I travel abroad and someone asks where I’m from, or what I am, I say: “I’m American”. Seriously, are there Americans who travel abroad, who when asked what they are, say “Irish”? I mean, my relatives worked so hard on becoming accepted as American’s when they came. Why would any O’Irish be ashamed to say they are American when traveling abroad? I am a fan of the Irish Football Team, and I am truly proud of my Heritage, but I never once for an instant doubted my Americanism (lol, if that’s even a word).
At 6:30 pm on Tuesday 05th of April 2005, Anthony testified
They don’t introduce themselves as Irish necessarily, but when they realise you are they say “me too!”, as if this forms some kind of instant bond. Hell, I don’t even bond with actual Irish people when I’m travelling. I’d be much more interested in meeting an American. I have encountered this a lot. A lot.
Thank you, Elanamary. I must say I haven’t felt particularly discrminated against – the opposite if anything! Maybe that’s just New York.
At 1:51 pm on Thursday 07th of April 2005, elenamary attested
Anthony, I think for the most part the Irish aren’t discriminated against anymore in the US. I can only think of one such place where that isn’t true and is with old-money english protestant families but even that is rare.
Comment ID: 2640
At 3:13 pm on Saturday 19th of March 2005, Gerrysan saidHoly cow us$7 for a pint, thats about ar$20 pesos for that I could buy 8 litres of beer or one good 8 year old wine or 10 LITRES of plonk which would still be better than most €5 bottles bought in Dublin.
Next Paddies day come down here for the weekend.
Gerrysan
Comment ID: 2641
At 9:34 pm on Saturday 19th of March 2005, Gerrysan opinedOn identity and identifying why do we want to be club members and why is the Irish club so special.!!!!!Greener grass syndrome….???????? I don’t know. The more I look at nationalism the less it moves me. On being a member of a club it is almost impossible not to be one way or another. I’m in the Tango club now before in an Aikido club, Zen club, Sound Club probably still there….....Well it’s a feeling that we are at home isn’t it? I just wonder where the idea, we weren’t at home in the first place came from.
Cheers Gerrysan
Comment ID: 2643
At 4:01 am on Sunday 20th of March 2005, Frank blurtedGreat piece Anthony. Here at home, on the dublin/Wicklow border, I did my best to avoid the city and the celebrations. I don’t really know why, but it seems that Paddy’s day is a lot less important when you are at home (and you are Irish and home is Ireland). I like your remark, “Frankly, we owe the diaspora more than they owe us”. I hadn’t realised there was a debt involved, but it may be true.
On a different note, Crack’s back.
Frank
Comment ID: 2644
At 11:17 am on Sunday 20th of March 2005, Andrew Bellware opinedLoved this blog. Don’t really have anything intelligent to say about it. But I thought it very informing.
Comment ID: 2645
At 5:43 pm on Sunday 20th of March 2005, Nigel was compelled to shareThe words “in my defense” at the start of your excuse for taking a touristy looking photo seem to suggest you’re well on the way to becoming an (Irish) American yourself.
I was lucky enough to get Friday off at the last minute. Just as well. I’d have been useless anyway!
Comment ID: 2646
At 8:51 pm on Sunday 20th of March 2005, Anthony wanted everyone to knowI wasn’t excusing myself for taking a touristy photograph. I was excusing myself for taking a crappy photograph!
And I think there is a debt. Wasn’t the Irish economy in the ‘fifties kept afloat on remittances?
Comment ID: 2647
At 10:38 pm on Sunday 20th of March 2005, Gerrysan statedWere we alive then?
Comment ID: 2648
At 4:29 pm on Monday 21st of March 2005, Anthony wroteIreland’s current prosperity and place in the world is due in part to the many who left. I’m not saying we owe them cash, Gerry – it’s just something to think about.
Comment ID: 2650
At 6:19 pm on Tuesday 22nd of March 2005, Julian saidWhere is Hans? You did not even mention Lisa’s friend who was hanging out with us. And I know that there was an excellent picture of him!
Comment ID: 2653
At 12:43 pm on Thursday 24th of March 2005, Tom was inspired to addThat was a great piece. It reminded me of an argument I heard at my favorite pub in Minnesota. The two owners were Irish immigrants who spent hours at the “office”.
I remember seeing them at a table with a guy who apparently was visiting fro Ireland. This guy’s voice kept getting louder and louder as he talked about the “Yanks” who thought..x and the “Yanks” who thought y..and how they just need realize that they’re not Irish..
At this point, the younger of the two owners picked this guy up by the arm and tossed him out the door. I can still remember him standing there, shouting out the open door.
“These yanks pay my fookin’ bills!”
Later I found out it was the guy’s cousin that got evicted.
Comment ID: 2654
At 2:45 pm on Thursday 24th of March 2005, lisa proclaimedHorrible news!!! From Gawker:
I saw Bob Saget at the Scratcher bar on 5th street at 1:00 am on Friday night. He was with two girls in their late 20s.
yikes. maybe you need a new hangout—and tell anita to run for cover!
Comment ID: 2655
At 10:28 am on Friday 25th of March 2005, Anthony postedShould I be worried because Bob Saget goes there or because Gawker does? Who is Bob Saget? Off to Google for me…
And Tom, I feel for everybody in that story. It really is aggravating to hear Americans talk about being Irish. What do they know about it? If they’re Irish, what do they think we are? Because we’re certainly different. Irish Americans tend to be pretty conservative, whereas actual Irish people are, well, European.
It’s an interesting relationship.
Comment ID: 2656
At 12:26 pm on Friday 25th of March 2005, Babs started typing, with this resultBob Saget is evil. Trust me.
I always joke about being a ‘plastic paddy’ and all that, but for as much as we were raised ‘plastic’ the Old Man made sure we knew we were American. Which really confused me this one time I’d gone out with a dude from Offaly who insisted on calling me Irish-American even though I know I’m bloody well not. And he wouldn’t listen to me when I said I wasn’t.
The twit.
Mind you, I love that damned parade.
Comment ID: 2657
At 12:32 pm on Friday 25th of March 2005, Anthony impartedA Biffo? You want to stay clear of Biffos.
Comment ID: 2659
At 4:26 pm on Friday 25th of March 2005, Babs postedI knew about his being a biffo but refrained from saying such as to give the appearance that I’m actually polite cough
VBFITW said the same thing when I told him about the biffo date.
Being polite, I won’t mention that VBF may have called him an ignorant culchie, too lol
Comment ID: 2674
At 6:47 pm on Tuesday 29th of March 2005, Proud Irish American testifiedMy grandparents & parents, aunts, uncles, etc, (Donegal, Mayo – Bellina, Castlebar) would’ve smacked me upside the head if I EVER hesitated or even slightly denied my being Irish. Americans that deny their heritage would be laughed at, by other Americans.
If you have children in this country, teach them to be proud of their heritage or you will be doing them a grave injustice, (my opinion). I for one would look down on someone who denied their families’ legacy.
...oh yeah, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Comment ID: 2675
At 7:26 pm on Tuesday 29th of March 2005, Anthony impartedYou consider yourself Irish American, according to the way you signed yourself. Do you think there’s a difference between being Irish and Irish American? I think that’s what can be a little irritating. I don’t believe anybody thinks being aware of your heritage is a bad thing, but surely it’s good to acknowledge that it is heritage, and doesn’t have a lot to do with modern Ireland.
I’m really back and forth on this issue. Does it show?
Comment ID: 2677
At 10:17 pm on Tuesday 29th of March 2005, Proud Irish-AMERICAN felt the urge to writeWhen an American says they are “Irish” or any other nationality their is usually an understanding that is means “Irish-American”. It’s part of the culture and meant to be innocuous.
————————
Back track to grade-school (early 70’s)
Me: Hey, man what are you?
Student #2: I’m Italian-American
Me: Ohhhhh!!!! Ohhhh My Goddddddddddd!!!!!
You’re Italian-AMERICAN!!! Wow I never could have figured that out – you fucking stupid weenie. Let me
give you a wedgie for being so stupid.
Student #2: (Duh… )
The only time I say I’m Irish-American is when I hang out with my bona fide Irish brethren, lest I hurt their wee feelings.
Comment ID: 2678
At 10:30 pm on Tuesday 29th of March 2005, Anthony decided it was worth pointing outAaaaahhhh… See, that’s not always clear when you meet Americans abroad. It’s like they’re claiming to be Irish, but I guess they’re not. They’re just afraid of getting a wedgie.
Well, nobody likes that. And it’s true, our feelings are wee.
Comment ID: 2707
At 11:22 am on Tuesday 05th of April 2005, elenamary channelledThis was wonderfully written. Thank you. I often wonder if the Irish laugh so hard they pee or just chuckle when they see Irish-Americans. I had heard (and it might not be at all true—nut still funny) that more Americans claim to be Irish then possible could be. Which too me is odd becuase my Irish grandfather and Irish-American father think that the Irish are still persecuted in the US, what a joke!
Comment ID: 2708
At 5:16 pm on Tuesday 05th of April 2005, James opinedThis is the first time I ever heard the term “Plastic Paddy”. My last name is Irish, and although my heritage includes many other countries, my most direct family is English, and Irish. I don’t consider myself a “Plastic Paddy”, simply because I know I’m American before anything else. Whenever someone here would ask about being Irish on St. Patrick’s day, I would say: “Yeah, I’m part Irish” (My one Irish great-gradnfather was the Police-Chief in a City south of where I live). Whenever I travel abroad and someone asks where I’m from, or what I am, I say: “I’m American”. Seriously, are there Americans who travel abroad, who when asked what they are, say “Irish”? I mean, my relatives worked so hard on becoming accepted as American’s when they came. Why would any O’Irish be ashamed to say they are American when traveling abroad? I am a fan of the Irish Football Team, and I am truly proud of my Heritage, but I never once for an instant doubted my Americanism (lol, if that’s even a word).
Comment ID: 2709
At 6:30 pm on Tuesday 05th of April 2005, Anthony testifiedThey don’t introduce themselves as Irish necessarily, but when they realise you are they say “me too!”, as if this forms some kind of instant bond. Hell, I don’t even bond with actual Irish people when I’m travelling. I’d be much more interested in meeting an American. I have encountered this a lot. A lot.
Thank you, Elanamary. I must say I haven’t felt particularly discrminated against – the opposite if anything! Maybe that’s just New York.
Comment ID: 2713
At 1:51 pm on Thursday 07th of April 2005, elenamary attestedAnthony, I think for the most part the Irish aren’t discriminated against anymore in the US. I can only think of one such place where that isn’t true and is with old-money english protestant families but even that is rare.
Comment ID: 2717
At 2:27 pm on Sunday 10th of April 2005, Anthony professedOh, well they’ll discriminate against anybody.
Comment ID: 5699
At 1:08 pm on Saturday 31st of December 2005, The Donegal Express » YIR — March 2005 opined[...] An Irishman’s first St. Patrick’s Day in America. [...]