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Date Posted: 09:36:14 07/09/09 Thu
Author: Elaine
Subject: In America, I can tell you how they were regarded at first. >>>
In reply to: Tracy 's message, "Carla, reading your answer made me think about those who did leave Ireland. How were they regarded - as cowards for running away to America or not thought of that way at all?" on 09:11:40 07/09/09 Thu

This is according to my grandfather, who was a true egalitarian. Most immigrants formed their own communities, but some minorities were fitting into society with fewer difficulties than others, in particular, the Germans and the Dutch (at least this is true in my region). Others had a harder time, but eventually made strides, such as the Italians, the Poles and others from Eastern European countries.

Now remember how race relations were decades ago. Things were tough, and as you know, African Americans were largely left out of mainstream society. Well, for a very long time, the Irish were looked upon as being on a lower rung than the African Americans. While the Irish did not have separate drinking fountains and weren't forced to the back of the bus, they were usually not considered for employment. Signs reading 'No (n-word) or Irish Allowed' were common. It breaks my heart.

Sometimes U.S. history is just so sad and pathetic. Thankfully, times have changed.

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Replies:

  • Economic times were so tough in Ireland at the point at which my story takes place, that I think it was simply part of life that the young emigrated in enormous numbers. I don't think anyone would have considered them cowards, because they knew there weren't alot of options or hope for young people. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:57:45 07/09/09 Thu
  • I thought that because I wouldn't blame someone for leaving but wasn't sure what happened in reality. (NT) -- Tracy, 11:08:49 07/09/09 Thu
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