My Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Message
Dear fellow Irishmen,
We get it, you’re Irish. Stop trying to out-Irish each other. Nobody actually cares how Irish you are and chances are you’re doing your math wrong anyway.
Don’t celebrate by wearing stupid stickers.
Don’t layer on green like you’re Lucky the leprechaun. There’s no good way to do this and having done it in the past, I can tell you that you only end up looking like an ass.
Don’t feel obligated to get shit faced. The abusive relationship some Irish families have with alcohol has created generations of pain and doesn’t need to be downplayed or perpetuated.
If you’re Catholic, go to church and celebrate that British man captured into slavery in Ireland would later return to the Emerald Isle and convert your heathen ancestors. And yes, I’m talking about St. Patrick, who isn’t Irish.
If you’re not religious, take time to appreciate your roots in other ways. Call your family. Read Irish literature, my suggestion being “The Deportees: and Other Stories” by Roddy Doyle. Watch “In the Name of the Father” and get pissed off at history.
There are a ton of people in this country from Irish lineage. As such, nobody really cares just how Irish you are. Legitimate celebrations of culture are one thing, so post away with Irish music and whatnot, but READ CAREFULLY: If you post any Hallmark bullshit or brag about being Irish, I will stop following your blog because you’re a moron.
Much love,
Kathleen O’Connell
