Ireland, a very under-estimated country...?

Question

I have lived in ireland all my life, so clearly i'm proud of my heritage and all that crapology, but whenever i watch any American programs (family guy, friends, simpsons, etc...) they always seem to underestimate the irish and make a joke out of them. Also we are labelled for 'drinking too much' which is soo not true, well not anymore anyway. So whats the deal??Because anyone thats ever been over here never wants to leave and has a dam good reason. Ireland 4 ever :)

Answer 1

We have the GOBÀN SAOR

                       PÙCA

                       BEAN`SÌ

                       BADBH

                       LEPRACHÀN

and no colonial skelettons in the cupboard.

Answer 2

There are stereotypes about all nationalities. My gf is from ireland so I know that all Irish people aren't like that. It is just one of those things that you have to look past.

Answer 3

yep its depressing how they think the irish really are, none of them have a clue, and why do they think we drink so much, i can quit drinking any time i want (drink feck **** lol)

Answer 4

from my perspective, Ireland went from that image you can still have on US TV as you mention to some kind of a complacency being the best in the wolrd at everything and how the celtic tiger is the best thing ever.

The Celtic Tiger is a huge achievement, and the progress made cannot be understood by anyone who didn't experience the 80's here.

But to be brutally honest at the moment we are loosing our edge, being the most expensive place to live in in europe, 1/3 world infrastructure, people spending like there's no tomorow.

Sometimes I think a small part of the population, helped by the media, got caught in the hype. They are so nouveau riche...

I should move out of Dublin, it would certainly cure me  ;)

BTW I'm French, been living here for well over 8 years now, seen lots of positive changes, a few not so great but overall, woah !!!, some much change in so little time... inspiring.

Answer 5

every country has been stereotyped by the US media e.g. china, france, germany, england, australia and in particular canada and mexico.  We take the pi*s constantly out of the US for being stupid and fat so whats the difference??

Answer 6

stereotypes, innit?!

Ireland = potatoes and booze.

but definitely Ireland is a gem. The republic, anyway.

just lovely and welcomming.

and for all those who really think it's full of drunkerds,

I never met such polite drunkerds before.

Answer 7

I agree, you're right to be proud to be irish..

I never go in Ireland, but this country makes me dream since few years... I don't know why, but something else and unbelievable pushes me through Ireland. And one day, I'll visit Ireland. I should go this summer but cannot (and I was so disappointed).

It gives a lot of stereotypes and prejudices about all nationalities.

Here in France :

Ireland = alcohol (a lot of), always green and the clover...

It gives prejudices everywhere, and it's bad... I found it very stupid, that people only make itself an idea about what they listen in the tv or think straight...

You live in a nice country...

Bye...

Answer 8

Hon, I agree with you that stereotypes are pervasive and nasty.   (I'm Native American, and they say the same things about us and our "firewater".)

But please don't ever believe that Americans underestimate the Irish; they are held in extremely high esteem here.   No one dislikes the Irish!    (except for perhaps the odd Brit or two, and who cares what they think...)

I know that Ireland is considered the "new America", and that immigrants are practically busting down your doors to get in.    I don't blame them.   I've been to Ireland twice, and it was magical.    And as you stated...it just about KILLED me to leave  :((

Lucky for me, I have another trip planned next spring :x

Answer 9

it is underestimated, and steroytpyed, which isn't right for such a  beautiful country!!

Answer 10

i'm irish and watch family guy and the simpsons and most comedies. the thing is comedy is an art, and an art has no rules, if its in the name of comedy or music or whatever, it should be accepted, tell me you never laughed at a racist joke and i could nearly bet you'd be lying. just because they make jokes about it doesn't mean its what they believe,  its art, entertainment but not at our expense if thats what you're thinking because we've lost nothing. take a joke and get on with life. if that bothers you so much i'd hate to ask what you think of our government

Answer 11

I agree 100%. I visited Ireland in '04 and have wanted to go back since. I live in Southern California and Ireland is SOOOOOOO peaceful compared to here! It's beautiful, friendly, GREEN instead of all our brown and has LOADS of history - not to mention my family tree. Thanks for sheding light on a great place. Erin go Bra!

And yes, I meant to spell it that way. :o)

Answer 12

I am of Irish heritage although I've spent my whole life in the USA. I've heard people underestimate the Irish but I've never given it another thought because I believe that the Irish are made of better stock than most people so we don't have such thin skin that we get upset about silly put-downs and can laugh at them. ;-)

Erin go Braugh

Answer 13

you are so right on ireland is a great place i love it long live ireland plus simpsons affend alot of people so 4get about.

Answer 14

I totally agree.  But I always secretly hope that the Simpsons will have an episode where they come to Ireland.  I think it would be hilarious