Ashamed to be Irish

RepublicanEagle

Has anyone else noticed on a Saturday night (unfortunately not just Saturady nights,people have pointed out to me) once the bars and clubs start to close and let people out,this ENTIRE country (Ireland) turns into a f**king zoo.

I'm a college student in Cork,and can't stop wondering what do people coming to Ireland to visit and study,think about all this? It is shameful. They see people vomiting,pissing themselves,starting fights,breaking windows,screaming abuse at nurses and doctors in A & E wards in hospitals,pushing and shoving(punching,screaming)at each other in the queues for a crap HillBilly's/McDonald's/Abrakebabra's stuffed chicken burger with extra ****e etc,but also for taxis.I recently had a glass bottle thrown and thankfuly only smashed off my leg,instead of my head/face,I was very lucky.

Plus the Gardaí can do f\/ck all about it,they are not even allowed carry batons on duty to stop fights etc,and if they do try without any useful means to enforce the law,will get seriously injured.

But it is not just in Cork.I have seen it on my travels in Dublin,Galway,Limrick,Tralee,Youghal,Rosslare,Dingle,Athlone etc,the list goes on.

Been almost a month since I have gone out,I will go out on a Monday night for some drinks with my buddies,as there are much less idiots around,but I will go clubbing if there is a birthday,or some other occasion.

Solutions?-Prohibition,Early closing times? Doubt they will work


Anyway,let me finish with a note,that this student cannot wait to emmigrate.

RepublicanEagle

Bump

Owen

I see it all the time. I play with a wedding band, and if I don't see aggro or childish behaviour at weddings, I see it on the drive home. Last week a guy decided he was coming up on stage to sing with the band, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He forced his way up, and was dragged by security screaming through the hall.

Do you think this would happen in Europe? No. Because they teach their children how to drink responsibly in their late teens at home, and how to behave around drink. Here, you hit 18, and you try to get as drunk as possible, as often as possible, and forget your manners in the process.

RepublicanEagle

PaintDoctor wrote: »

I see it all the time. I play with a wedding band, and if I don't see aggro or childish behaviour at weddings, I see it on the drive home. Last week a guy decided he was coming up on stage to sing with the band, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He forced his way up, and was dragged by security screaming through the hall.

Do you think this would happen in Europe? No. Because they teach their children how to drink responsibly in their late teens at home, and how to behave around drink. Here, you hit 18, and you try to get as drunk as possible, as often as possible, and forget your manners in the process.

So true,at least there are some of us who are aware of the fact,and don't live up to the stereotype..Judging by the amount of views on this thread and lack of replies,people want to deny that fact.Typical

Irish people do live up to the international sterotype of being drunken and drooling morons,although Irish people can claim otherwise,we all know deep down it is true,there is an obsession in this country with alochol,and it is pathetic and backward.

Pace2008

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

So true,at least there are some of us who are aware of the fact,and don't live up to the stereotype..Judging by the amount of views on this thread and lack of replies,people want to deny that fact.Typical

It's been 45 minutes since your original post, which you decided to bump after a quarter of an hour. Humanities is a slow board - at least relative to the likes of AH - and you haven't given all that much scope for discussion in your OP, which is essentially a sterile rant with no suggestions as to how we could ameliorate the situation.

colsku

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

So true,at least there are some of us who are aware of the fact,and don't live up to the stereotype..Judging by the amount of views on this thread and lack of replies,people want to deny that fact.Typical

Irish people do live up to the international sterotype of being drunken and drooling morons,although Irish people can claim otherwise,we all know deep down it is true,there is an obsession in this country with alochol,and it is pathetic and backward.

Absolutely spot on bud... Take for example facebook on a sunday morning - I am 26 and sick to death of people (friends too!) constantly going on about how many pints they had on saturday night and how they are suffering with a hangover blah blah blah. Why boast about having loads of over-priced pints of sh1te in a nightclub full of sweaty, obese fVckwits! Drinking takes absolutely no skill at all, so don't boast about it...

Young Irish people in general do not have respect for themselves, others or the environment they live in, and that is made worse when they drink.

I want to see people boasting about actual tangible achievements, like climbing a mountain, cooking a nice meal or learning to ice skate.

... by the way just like the OP, I like a couple of pints and a chat with my mates, but remain respectful and dignified!

colsku

Pace2008 wrote: »

It's been 45 minutes since your original post, which you decided to bump after a quarter of an hour. Humanities is a slow board - at least relative to the likes of AH - and you haven't given all that much scope for discussion in your OP, which is essentially a sterile rant with no suggestions as to how we could ameliorate the situation.

Yes he did - emigration! Perfect solution for me too....

Mr. Incognito

I didn't realise the OP wanted an reply? I think the provacative "ashamed to be Irish" is supposed to encourage debate and we're all supposed to jump in and defend drunken louts?.

I love being Irish. I've emigrated and come back and you see these scenes all over the world when pubs close except for the Middle East where they have no pubs.

Look dude, Cities are the same the world over- don't believe me- go check one out on your travels. It's not solely an Irish thing. It's a drunk thing.

RepublicanEagle

Pace2008 wrote: »

It's been 45 minutes since your original post, which you decided to bump after a quarter of an hour. Humanities is a slow board - at least relative to the likes of AH - and you haven't given all that much scope for discussion in your OP, which is essentially a sterile rant with no suggestions as to how we could ameliorate the situation.

It is not a rant,the majority of Irish people are oblivious to the fact,wether you like it or not.I am curious if people agree with the whole messy situation in this country regarding our social culture,if you don't like the thread and have nothing to contribute,tough, don't bother posting,simple as that.

RepublicanEagle

Mr. Incognito wrote: »

Look dude, Cities are the same the world over- don't believe me- go check one out on your travels. It's not solely an Irish thing. It's a drunk thing.

I completely disagree with you I have been all over the world,from Mexico City to Sydney,and all over Europe,and I have never seen a drinking culture as bad as ours.
Regarding the title of the thread,it attracts more people to view the thread,which is not a bad thing,it would be provocative if I was a non-Irish individual who posted this.But that is not the case.

Fallen Buckshot

Sounds like you are spending too much time in the pub scene .. of all that ireland has to offer most (tourists and locals) flock to the pub scene cause thats what Ireland is notorious/famous for. You think the quays/ temple bar/ insert random drinking area is bad .. try a biker bar .. you likely to get shot for looking at someone cross

What i wouldnt give to emigrate to Eire.

RepublicanEagle

Fallen Buckshot wrote: »

Sounds like you are spending too much time in the pub scene ..

Trust me,I spend my pub time to a minimum.I do have responsibilites

Fallen Buckshot wrote: »

What i wouldnt give to emigrate to Eire.

Live and work here for a few years,you would not be long changing your mind.There are far better places.

Fallen Buckshot

work ? who said anything about that ..I aspire to be a professional dole jockey :pac:

RepublicanEagle

Fallen Buckshot wrote: »

work ? who said anything about that ..I aspire to be a professional dole jockey :pac:

On another topic,regarding the incompetence of our government and regulation,that is a realistic option!:rolleyes:

Micky Dolenz

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

I completely disagree with you I have been all over the world,from Mexico City to Sydney,and all over Europe,and I have never seen a drinking culture as bad as ours.
Regarding the title of the thread,it attracts more people to view the thread,which is not a bad thing,it would be provocative if I was a non-Irish individual who posted this.But that is not the case.

You don't think the drinking culture in Austrailia was excessive? have you been to Britain? I too have been lucky enough to travel and there are a whole lot of drunks out there, it is not only an Irish problem.

And why would you be ashamed to be Irish? Those types of comments perplex me.

RepublicanEagle

Fallen Buckshot wrote: »

try a biker bar .. you likely to get shot for looking at someone cross

Couldn't help but noticing.:DWhat would a non-Biker be doing in a Biker's Bar in the first place,it would be like a Glasgow Celtic fan waltzing into a Glasgow Rangers Bar.:cool:

RepublicanEagle

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

You don't think the drinking culture in Austrailia was excessive? have you been to Britain? I too have been lucky enough to travel and there are a whole lot of drunks out there, it is not only an Irish problem.

And why would you be ashamed to be Irish? Those types of comments perplex me.

I still thought the Irish culture was far worse.And the behaviour I see on the streets at night does make me ashamed of being Irish.Have you ever seen nurses being punched in the face in A & E by drunks,some of them were college students/professionals etc,not just hoodlums,and this happens to emergency services ALL THE TIME,or a Garda being pushed into a river?All drink related.Didn't see any of that abroad did you?And that is just the tip of the iceberg

Wibbs

Britain is very similar to here. I gather down under the same. It's defo more apparent in these islands. Especially the aggressive stuff. The swedes drink like fish, but the aggro is a lot less. The latins not nearly so much as here. I've been on the razz in a few cities and Ireland(and the UK) is defo more aggressive and hardcore in its drunkenness.

Valmont

Wibbs wrote: »

I've been on the razz in a few cities and Ireland(and the UK) is defo more aggressive and hardcore in its drunkenness.

A couple of years ago I paid 120 euro to live in a drunken refugee camp for a weekend (oxegen). I witnessed countless fights and brawls and had to talk down three lads myself who said my friend looked at them the wrong way. Another friend had their tent slashed by a passer-by.

The very next year I went to a Belgian music festival and the difference in the crowd was astonishing. The atmosphere was just so friendly and congenial compared to the violent hostility I saw all around oxegen. That comparison helped me realise the drinking problem in Ireland.

colsku

Valmont wrote: »

A couple of years ago I paid 120 euro to live in a drunken refugee camp for a weekend (oxegen). I witnessed countless fights and brawls and had to talk down three lads myself who said my friend looked at them the wrong way. Another friend had their tent slashed by a passer-by.

The very next year I went to a Belgian music festival and the difference in the crowd was astonishing. The atmosphere was just so friendly and congenial compared to the violent hostility I saw all around oxegen. That comparison helped me realise the drinking problem in Ireland.

Agree 100% - Oxegen is a filth-fest!

Bottle_of_Smoke

Valmont wrote: »

A couple of years ago I paid 120 euro to live in a drunken refugee camp for a weekend (oxegen). I witnessed countless fights and brawls and had to talk down three lads myself who said my friend looked at them the wrong way. Another friend had their tent slashed by a passer-by.

The very next year I went to a Belgian music festival and the difference in the crowd was astonishing. The atmosphere was just so friendly and congenial compared to the violent hostility I saw all around oxegen. That comparison helped me realise the drinking problem in Ireland.

That's more the type of people it attracts, and I think your particular experience is a minority. I was there 2008, 2006 and 2003. Nvver saw anything like what you described. 2006 seemed a bit tense but didn't actually see any fights myself, just a lot of scumbags.

Go to electric picnic - just as much drinking but extremely friendly atmosphere. NEver gets a bad report.

Bigdeadlydave

Dont blame drink, blame scumbags.


I go out as much as any other 18yo and drink the same amount too Im sure. When Im fairly hammered I don't suddenly get the urge to smash stuff up. In my experience the guys who cause trouble(those I know anyway) are those who when sober do the same type of thing but to a much lesser degree. Alcohol amplifies the situation I agree but its not the cause.

trapsagenius

Bigdeadlydave wrote: »

Dont blame drink, blame scumbags.


I go out as much as any other 18yo and drink the same amount too Im sure. When Im fairly hammered I don't suddenly get the urge to smash stuff up. In my experience the guys who cause trouble(those I know anyway) are those who when sober do the same type of thing but to a much lesser degree. Alcohol amplifies the situation I agree but its not the cause.

+1.You'll always get a few scumbags out looking for trouble, with or without alcohol.I've always believed that while alcohol fuels violence, it doesn't induce it.

johnnyfruitcake

Originally Posted by Bigdeadlydave View Post
Dont blame drink, blame scumbags.


I go out as much as any other 18yo and drink the same amount too Im sure. When Im fairly hammered I don't suddenly get the urge to smash stuff up. In my experience the guys who cause trouble(those I know anyway) are those who when sober do the same type of thing but to a much lesser degree. Alcohol amplifies the situation I agree but its not the cause.

+1 scumbags are scumbags, with drink or without, but more so with

padz

PaintDoctor wrote: »

I see it all the time. I play with a wedding band, and if I don't see aggro or childish behaviour at weddings, I see it on the drive home. Last week a guy decided he was coming up on stage to sing with the band, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He forced his way up, and was dragged by security screaming through the hall.

just wondering weather this was at a wedding or a normal gig? as ive played weddings before and 'its not unusual:) to have drunk folk who are part of the wedding party wanting to sing a tune or 2, its quite fun especially when there tone deaf singing the black velvet band or some other folky standard..the crowd usually love it

on the drinking point, yeah its all mad sure i rekon half our economy is drink related, house building is nil banks are nackerd, id say the pubs are doin alright or at least the pubs/clubs with a late licence.... oh and bands are ****e too if i hear sex on fire again ill take a shot gun out

Diabhal_Glas

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

Has anyone else noticed on a Saturday night (unfortunately not just Saturady nights,people have pointed out to me) once the bars and clubs start to close and let people out,this ENTIRE country (Ireland) turns into a f**king zoo.

I'm a college student in Cork,and can't stop wondering what do people coming to Ireland to visit and study,think about all this? It is shameful. They see people vomiting,pissing themselves,starting fights,breaking windows,screaming abuse at nurses and doctors in A & E wards in hospitals,pushing and shoving(punching,screaming)at each other in the queues for a crap HillBilly's/McDonald's/Abrakebabra's stuffed chicken burger with extra ****e etc,but also for taxis.I recently had a glass bottle thrown and thankfuly only smashed off my leg,instead of my head/face,I was very lucky.

Plus the Gardaí can do f\/ck all about it,they are not even allowed carry batons on duty to stop fights etc,and if they do try without any useful means to enforce the law,will get seriously injured.

But it is not just in Cork.I have seen it on my travels in Dublin,Galway,Limrick,Tralee,Youghal,Rosslare,Dingle,Athlone etc,the list goes on.

Been almost a month since I have gone out,I will go out on a Monday night for some drinks with my buddies,as there are much less idiots around,but I will go clubbing if there is a birthday,or some other occasion.

Solutions?-Prohibition,Early closing times? Doubt they will work


Anyway,let me finish with a note,that this student cannot wait to emmigrate.

I havent read this whole thread but after living in the UK in different parts for three years, Dublin, Limerick, Cork & small Irish towns are honestly no different to over there. Ive seen just as many fights, insanity, people falling under cars.
Ok I understand this doesn't make it any more acceptable but as you may or may not know Its not the only country in the world where this behaviour goes on.
Ive seen a load of it in Melbourne too working late at night over there; stabbings, gang fights and that was in an area regarded nice.

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

Owen

padz wrote: »

just wondering weather this was at a wedding or a normal gig? as ive played weddings before and 'its not unusual:) to have drunk folk who are part of the wedding party wanting to sing a tune or 2, its quite fun especially when there tone deaf singing the black velvet band or some other folky standard..the crowd usually love it

Was at a wedding, and under no circumstances will we allow anyone up on stage to sing, unless the Bridge and Groom request it. It's their day, why should it be ruined by some yob with too much drink thinking all of a sudden the day should be all about him, and not about them.

Micky Dolenz

I agree with the OP to a point, but it happens elsewhere too. what I find interesting is why you would feel ashamed to be Irish.

Because someone acts the tool, they don't represent me or my country.

RepublicanEagle

To be honest,it will only get worse,the only way to change our drinking culture is better education in schools,better parenting,a zero tolerance policy towards public drunkeness by the law which would without a doubt seriously "encourage" people to drink and act more responsibly,earlier closure times (I know that would seem unfair to those of us who drink and act responsibly and respectfuly,but it seems like the only viable option)to get eradicate the plague on civilised Irish society,that is mass public drunkeness.

RepublicanEagle

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Because someone acts the tool, they don't represent me or my country.

That "someone" happens to be the majority of Irish people unfortunately.If that is the case and continues, no one,not even you or me,can escape being stereotyped.Irish society needs to transform itself,but that will only occur if the majority of Irish people are willing to do so,and recognise and admit there is a problem.Alcochol is only the tip of the iceberg,we havn't gone onto the spiralling drug problem yet.

Pace2008

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

earlier closure times (I know that would seem unfair to those of us who drink and act responsibly and respectfuly,but it seems like the only viable option)to get eradicate the plague on civilised Irish society,that is mass public drunkeness.

This will only encourage people to start drinking earlier and won't solve the problem at all; we already have the earliest club closing times in Europe. The introduction of 24-hour licenses and extensions on opening hours in British clubs and pubs doesn't appear to have had a negative effect on public drunkenness and antisocial behaviour. As you've pointed out, much of the trouble arises when everyone bails out onto the streets at the same time and arguments ensue over taxis, places in fast-food queues etc., so I think staggered closing times would be a far better idea.

Alcochol is only the tip of the iceberg,we havn't gone onto the spiralling drug problem yet.

What spiralling drug problem? Why do you think the situation is getting worse and, more specifically, what drugs are cause for particular concern? I'd hardly say alcohol is 'only the tip of the iceberg;' there is no drug even nearly so detrimental to Irish society.

RepublicanEagle

Here are links

http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0217/drugsfeature.html

And that was two years ago,when the problem was not as bad as it is now.

2008-MQI CEO Tony Geoghegan said:

“In 2008 we have seen an alarming increase in drug use outside of Dublin. Heroin respects no borders and users are now to be found in all areas from Ballyshannon to Ballydehob. Cities such as Cork and Waterford that might have been considered relatively unscathed five years ago now have significant problems. Heroin use is a national crisis."

RepublicanEagle

Pace2008 wrote: »

The introduction of 24-hour licenses and extensions on opening hours in British clubs and pubs doesn't appear to have had a negative effect on public drunkenness and antisocial behaviour.

Are you joking?There has been a huge surge in public drunkeness,and antisocial behaviour.Knife crime,vandelism etc.It seems,that you don't know what you are saying or else you are living on cloud cuckoo land.I cannot imagine what would happen in this country if they did the same,we have enough problems as it is.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article2284258.ece

RepublicanEagle

Bigdeadlydave wrote: »

Dont blame drink, blame scumbags.

If someone has enough alcohol or narcotics (or both) in them,there is a greater chance they will act like a "scumbag".Their judgment is impaired,and their personality changes be it agressive etc,it is a concrete scientific fact.

If you read the thread more carefuly,you would have noticed I'm not blaming drink,but the people who DRINK IRRESPONSIBLY (majority of us,lets not deny it),a lot of whom contribute to anti-social problems.

MilanPan!c

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

I completely disagree with you I have been all over the world,from Mexico City to Sydney,and all over Europe,and I have never seen a drinking culture as bad as ours.
Regarding the title of the thread,it attracts more people to view the thread,which is not a bad thing,it would be provocative if I was a non-Irish individual who posted this.But that is not the case.

Go to the UK.

London is much worse IMO.

I lived in London for years and Dublin can't touch it.

A mild Wed night in London is like the worst Saturday night in Dublin.

Do the Irish drink... yep... does it bother me...?

Nah... I just avoid it... easy enough.

RepublicanEagle

MilanPan!c wrote: »

I lived in London for years and Dublin can't touch it.

The late opening hours would make it worse,not to mention the scourge of knife crime.

Pace2008

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

Are you joking?There has been a huge surge in public drunkeness,and antisocial behaviour.Knife crime,vandelism etc.It seems,that you don't know what you are saying or else you are living on cloud cuckoo land.I cannot imagine what would happen in this country if they did the same,we have enough problems as it is.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article2284258.ece

That article doesn't mention any causality between extended pub closing times and knife crime, though it could be inferred taking into account the the introductory date of the new laws and the date the article was posted.

Regardless, if you see a headline suggesting such a drastic increase in crime rates it's usually wise to assume that the publication is presenting misleading statistics in order to create a paper-selling scare story. This excellent piece details the techniques employed by the media to generate a frightening scenario that appears far more dire than reality. It specifically addresses the Times article you've linked and shows how absurd the figures they've put forward are:

By now you can probably guess. The Times ran with the headline "Knife crime doubles in 2 years". This claim was justified in the story as follows:

The Times wrote:

The full extent of Britain’s violent crime epidemic, which yesterday claimed the life of another teenager, is revealed in shocking new figures that show the number of street robberies involving knives has more than doubled in two years. Attacks in which a knife was used in a successful mugging have soared, from 25,500 in 2005 to 64,000 in the year to April 2007. The figures mean that each day last year saw, on average, 175 robberies at knife-point in England and Wales – up from 110 the year before and from 69 in 2004-5.

I have scoured the report but have been unable to find the source of these figures. Perhaps they were found in an early draft or press release, but they certainly do not appear in the final report. Here's what it does say about knife use and mugging:

The Times wrote:

Mugging figures have been ignored in the analysis because of low sample sizes and recent changes in the definition of mugging.

A footnote explains this in more detail: in 2003-4 there were 19 knife-point muggings reported in the BCS, and in 2006-7 there were 45. Remember that the BCS has in excess of 40,000 participants per year, so these frequencies are a tiny proportion of the total sample. To extrapolate from these figures to the whole population is simply ridiculous, yet that seems to be what the Times did. They cherry-picked the worst figures from a generally positive report and spun them to create the scariest possible headline.

In any case, I did not state that 24-hour drinking was a solution to Ireland's alcohol problem. I suggested that staggered closing times for clubs and pubs could possibly reduce street altercations.

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

Here are links

http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0217/drugsfeature.html

And that was two years ago,when the problem was not as bad as it is now.

2008-MQI CEO Tony Geoghegan said:

“In 2008 we have seen an alarming increase in drug use outside of Dublin. Heroin respects no borders and users are now to be found in all areas from Ballyshannon to Ballydehob. Cities such as Cork and Waterford that might have been considered relatively unscathed five years ago now have significant problems. Heroin use is a national crisis."

The article you've linked is an emotive, unobjective piece that contains many inaccuracies and incredible claims, in particular the assertion that a single dose of smack can cause addiction, and the suggesation that many people are smoking heroin recreationally on a typical pub night. Judging by the figures, there seems to have been a gradual increase in the prevelance of heroin use, but to suggest the problem is 'spiralling' out of control seems greatly exaggerated.

Do you have any ideas for improving this situation anyway? Are you familiar with Switzerland's heroin maintenence scheme, and would you like to see a similar program implemented here?

Handsome Bob

Firstly, Scumbags who can't handle their alcohol are not specific to one nationality. The first time I experienced threatening behaviour was not in this country so this is not a problem exclusive to Ireland.

The problem in general is the lack of common sense and moderation among people on a night out. I think if you put your head down and don't put yourself in a dangerous situation then you will be okay. Take me for example, I usually leave Dublin City Centre not only sober(ish) but also about 30 minutes before the pubs and clubs begin to close. I get out of the place before everyone descends onto the streets. I'm not losing out on anything by leaving at 2am instead of 2:30am, I still have a great night.

That's the sensible thing to do. Even if you don't do that though, then being sober IMO can be the difference between whether you get home in one piece or not. Of the times I have stayed out until closing time I have managed to diffuse potentially dangerous situations by being sober. It's when everyone is drunk that we see things spiral out of control.

I don't know what can be done to solve this problem. People don't seem to go out with having a good night in mind, they seem to have in mind how legless can I get tonight instead. People speak with pride about getting "baloobas" and about not being able to remember anything after consuming "Jagermeisters". I mean how can you counter that? How do you turn an actual culture on its head? All one can do is cut your losses in regards to the older generations and make sure that the children of today are taught about being responsible in regards to drinking.

looksee

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

That "someone" happens to be the majority of Irish people unfortunately.If that is the case and continues, no one,not even you or me,can escape being stereotyped.Irish society needs to transform itself,but that will only occur if the majority of Irish people are willing to do so,and recognise and admit there is a problem.Alcochol is only the tip of the iceberg,we havn't gone onto the spiralling drug problem yet.

That is just plainly ridiculous. 'the majority of Irish people' do not go out and get drunk. Possibly unreasonable numbers of young men and women do so, but there is a lot more to Irish society than this group.

Maybe a majority of people do need to accept there is a problem with alcohol, but it is just one of many issues that need to be addressed by Irish society, and individually most people are preoccupied with trying to get a qualification, keeping or trying to get a job, raise their families, pay their mortgages. How much energy can they spare to worry about the fools who have no better idea for living than getting blind drunk. And if the gardai went out and rounded up the troublemakers there would be shouts of 'over reaction' and 'police brutality' from all sides - not least in AH.

The whole 'ashamed to be Irish' business is just pointless, emotive nonsense, and is no help to anyone. Perhaps if people felt 'proud to be Irish' in a positive way, that confidence would start to spread and make people feel better about themselves.

SLUSK

Irish and British people are quite uncivilized compared to people in normal countries. This is apparent in the thug culture you have in Broken Britain and Broken Ireland.

Dudess

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

That "someone" happens to be the majority of Irish people unfortunately.If that is the case and continues, no one,not even you or me,can escape being stereotyped.

I couldn't give two flying fuks if I'm stereotyped by some dumb muppet because a lot of my fellow Irish natives get too messily drunk.

You're being a bit lecturey...

Gallagher5

You just have to look at our national hoilday that is Paddys day next week, this shows our true colours!

RepublicanEagle

looksee wrote: »

Perhaps if people felt 'proud to be Irish' in a positive way, that confidence would start to spread and make people feel better about themselves.

I would agree,but how would you do that?

looksee

Well, stopping making inaccurate, negative generalisations would be a good start. Be positive about Ireland, I know that is difficult at the moment, but too many people think that being patriotic means no more than complaining about the injustices done to Ireland. Even with all the problems, Ireland is still a beautiful country with a better standard of living than most of the world. Concentrate on making the best of it, complaining ineffectively about one group in society is a cop-out.

Diabhal_Glas

looksee wrote: »

. Even with all the problems, Ireland is still a beautiful country with a better standard of living than most of the world. Concentrate on making the best of it, complaining ineffectively about one group in society is a cop-out.

Totally agree, as someone said in a post here on Boards a while ago, every one of us born in Ireland won a lottery when you look at the poverty that people are born into the world over.

SLUSK

Diabhal_Glas wrote: »

Totally agree, as someone said in a post here on Boards a while ago, every one of us born in Ireland won a lottery when you look at the poverty that people are born into the world over.

I would not call it a lottery win to be born in Ireland. It is not the pinnacle of civilization.

kdave

RepublicanEagle wrote: »

Has anyone else noticed on a Saturday night (unfortunately not just Saturady nights,people have pointed out to me) once the bars and clubs start to close and let people out,this ENTIRE country (Ireland) turns into a f**king zoo.

I'm a college student in Cork,and can't stop wondering what do people coming to Ireland to visit and study,think about all this? It is shameful. They see people vomiting,pissing themselves,starting fights,breaking windows,screaming abuse at nurses and doctors in A & E wards in hospitals,pushing and shoving(punching,screaming)at each other in the queues for a crap HillBilly's/McDonald's/Abrakebabra's stuffed chicken burger with extra ****e etc,but also for taxis.I recently had a glass bottle thrown and thankfuly only smashed off my leg,instead of my head/face,I was very lucky.

Plus the Gardaí can do f\/ck all about it,they are not even allowed carry batons on duty to stop fights etc,and if they do try without any useful means to enforce the law,will get seriously injured.

But it is not just in Cork.I have seen it on my travels in Dublin,Galway,Limrick,Tralee,Youghal,Rosslare,Dingle,Athlone etc,the list goes on.

Been almost a month since I have gone out,I will go out on a Monday night for some drinks with my buddies,as there are much less idiots around,but I will go clubbing if there is a birthday,or some other occasion.

Solutions?-Prohibition,Early closing times? Doubt they will work


Anyway,let me finish with a note,that this student cannot wait to emmigrate.

This wouldnt be a problem if they didn't clog up the A&E departmens who instead of treating the people who really need it, have to deal with this stupidity

lee_

SLUSK wrote: »

I would not call it a lottery win to be born in Ireland. It is not the pinnacle of civilization.

Well Slusk Its not the depths of impoverished Africa either. Born rich or poor here there is usually going to be food available and people arent generally starving to death or freezing to death. Look at the millions starving around the world and the millions living in poverty, to be born in Canada, Europe, USA, Australia, New Zealand actually is like winning a lottery. Im not talking about the pinnacle of civilization or being born with a golden spoon in your mouth, Im talking about being born into a society where you will most likely be fed clothed, educated and If you work hard will most likely have a good life.
If you dont feel privelliged to have been born Swedish when you consider the world around you then thats a pity.

looksee

Swedish?

The whole massive focus on drinking and causing trouble is common in Ireland, the UK, and Australia. I've lived in all three countries and the amount of drunken behavior is comparable. The only real difference in the three is the lack of vandalism in Australia compared to Ireland and the UK. When I lived in Brisbane first, I was amazed that they would have public barbecue spots, outdoor swimming areas, etc. Very little of which was damaged or painted on. How long would these type of facilities last in Ireland? One weekend?

As for the drinking, the problem is that there is very little alternative in Irish culture when meeting up. There's such a focus on meeting for drinks, and getting drunk. Same in the UK, although in Australia I found it to be less so, depending on who you hung around with. The mixture of great weather and good facilities/infrastructure provided plenty of alternatives to getting hammered.... But then Brisbane has a lock-down at 3 am where everywhere shuts its doors, and nobody can enter any establishments thereafter. If you're in already, you're ok, but if you're outside you;re left with the option of going home. Cuts down on some of the fighting.

TBH though living in China really opened my eyes.. Clubs that can be open all night. More focus on drinking spirits although beer is popular. And surprisingly little drunkenness and damn few fights (that foreigners didn't start). In my whole time there I saw only 3 fights, very few drunk people (by Irish standards) and I went out quite a bit.

In the year I've been home I've seen plenty of fighting in the streets by men and females alike. Group screaming matches howling abuse at each other. People rolling on the street puking their guts out. etc. Just like it was ten years ago when I was a student before.. Nothing has really changed, although i could almost say its gotten rougher.. :rolleyes:

Ashamed? Sometimes.. yes. Mostly when I'm abroad and I see the heavy drinking followed by drunken brawls in the street. And its amazing that so many irish people are proud of having such a reputation. Not my sort of thing.