This article will explore my personal encounter with Dublin, Ireland and attempt to address some of these famous stereotypes through a personal lens.
Stereotypes are those nasty little things that tend to place large groups of people into unsupported generalizations. However, sometimes they bear an ounce of truth. In Ireland, I was able to learn about their strong overlooked cultural history and their prevalent disdain for the English. Upon my return, my friends bombarded me with questions asking if it was true they're all drunk aggressive little men looking for a fight. How does Guinness taste? Are there a lot of homeless people? The questions were endless.
1. MYTH: They’re all drunks.
Yes, it's true the Irish love to drink! There was not a night that went by that I did not find myself in a pub drinking a cold glass of their signature beer, Guinness. The Irish are very smart and sensible people, just like anyone else. They love a cold glass over some good conversation and company. Pubs serve as social spaces for the community and are classified as a part of Irish culture. When you step foot into a pub, you will be greeted by entertainment (spoken word, live music, painting, etc.) and of course a cold glass, but to claim they're all drunks is a false accusation. Like many of us, they are just people looking for a good time. Interesting fact: the Trinity College students are allowed to request a glass of wine during their exams to relieve the stress. Imagine that.
2. MYTH: All they do is fight.
While in Dublin, Ireland I made friends for life. The Irish were extremely nice individuals, willing to give directions, inform me on good spots to eat and even making sure I had company when they saw I was traveling alone. I had a blast and met many down to earth people. I cannot wait to revisit this city. Interesting Fact: this stereotype originated from the English when the Republic of Ireland forcefully declared their independence from Britain.
3. FACT: They are fabulously articulate.
The Irish have the gift of gab, and the guys are unavoidably charming. While there, this Irish guy talked me into signing up for some subscription I don’t even need. He was very funny and witty and once he found out I was an English major he began wooing me with his literary knowledge. Hold onto your wallets in Ireland because the salesmen are excellent, and before you know it you will be broke from persuasive spending. Interesting fact: Oscar Wilde, the great playwright, was Irish and has a house for touring and statue in the heart of Dublin.
4. FACT: They’re genetically half potato.
If you don’t like potatoes do not go to Ireland. They are in everything! Potatoes soup, potato chips, potato bread, potato sausages and the list goes on. On my tour, I learned that under British control many families were poor and could only afford potatoes and beer. As a result, many families lived off of potatoes and beer and it grew to become a part of Irish culture. If you step in any Irish pub or restaurant you will come out one-third potato. Interesting fact: potatoes are eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and can be used for certain desserts.
5. (MOSTLY) FACT: Irish People have big families.
My tour guide had 12 siblings, my table server had 10, and one of my bartenders had 11 brothers. From the people that I met it seemed normal for them to have several siblings, cousins, uncles, and aunts. Big families are a positive factor and only enrich the Irish culture. Interesting fact: Guinness workers with large families would serve their kids glasses of Guinness and potato bread for dinner.
A group of people can never be classified neatly into a common generalization. However, these were my personal findings during my 5 days in Dublin or as they say, Balla Ala Clea!
