Irish Nationalism

So we've discussed St. Patrick's Day and how the 'real meaning' has seemed to faded, especially in other cultures (outside Ireland). In that post, I also talked about how that meaning seems unimportant even in the land of the green. Upon pondering this a bit more, a few more questions arise. Is that nonchalant attitude representative of Ireland as a whole? If so, why do the Irish seems more relaxed about their seemingly 'global nationalism'?

Based upon the fact that the United Kingdom can only claim Northern Ireland as territory provides the obvious answer to that question: the concept isn't representative of Ireland as a whole (due to British possession of the north), but it does affect a big part of it. I've heard a lot about tensions between Ireland and Britain, and actually researched this issue. Follow along and hopefully you'll find it just as interesting as I did.

When you think of nationalism, you think of a social or political ideology that comprises a culture. Toss Ireland into the mix, and you get a strong sense of adoration out of it (at least from the Irish). Historically, this socio-political ideology stemmed from a desire to become (and remain) independent from Britain (which, as you can see, has prompted other very strong movements, as America resulted from one).

The 1916 Easter Rising all sparked this 'war of Independence'. I won't go into too much detail about why or how it began, for you can infer based upon reasons behind similar wars of Independence. Ireland not only had a great number of people who didn't agree with British rule, but who wanted their own culture to flourish in the way they believed it should. Thus, after this 'rising', 26 counties in Ireland became the Irish Free State in 1922, while 6 counties remained loyal to the British crown.

Tensions have pretty much ceased to exist since the end of the civil war, and there really isn't a question of whether or not Ireland's sovereignty is threatened. This is mainly because upon Ireland entering the European Union, they are less dependent on Britain politically and economically, since the EU operates with seperate currency and governance. Thus, there is no reason for petty 'quarrel' with Britain, since they are even less dependant on the superpower than before.

This is why one may detect more of a nonchalant attitude from Ireland as a whole: it stems from not having anything to fear. They've essentially won...their culture is now their own, and they are proud of it. Being secure allows for a more celebratory occasion, hence why Irish natinalism has spread to various other cultures (including parts of Britain) with little reaction from the home country itself.

I can't say that I blame them, either. Since when was a universal or global celebration over nationalism and independence ever discouraged? Ireland, like other nations, celebrates it all the time: just view how they live life.