The Pride of Being Irish (Among Other Things)

Why, I ask, is it so special to be Irish? Not that I'm complaining, of course, being part Irish, but I have to wonder what makes it so special (or, perhaps, merely popular among the masses- I have to admit that lots of Americans from various cultures hang on to old customs from their ancestral country). Why don't people get as worked up about being Kenyan, or Scandanavian? Have you ever heard the phrase, "Kiss me, I'm Native American?"

I think the reason must be because of Ireland's diaspora. Apparently, life in Ireland has been hard over the ages, and lots of people left there. A lot of people came here, apparently. According to a 2006 survey, 12% of the American population claim Irish descent. That would explain why being Irish is so darn popular.

But that doesn't seem to explain it all. Something must be appealing about the country and people itself- the charming accents, the pretty red hair, the green pastures, the minstrels and the bonny lasses. I can't say how much of it is true, but I do like Celtic music, such as the Chieftains, Silly Wizard, and Celtic Woman. Not all Irish, I admit, but Celtic music and mythology is really appealing to me.

But you know what's really cool? Being Irish, Welsh, German, and probably a bunch of other things at the same time! With this much in the way of heritage, I can pretty much pick and choose which parts of my history I want to celebrate. That's the way it is for a lot of people in the U.S., and that's fantastic. Also, it brings out a lot of chance for diversity and great genetic combinations. One thing that pretty much all Americans can say with conviction- mutts rule!

Ylerecnis,

N