What aspects of other cultures would you like in irish life?

vangoz · 13-05-2010 03:12PM

95% of Japan's

Einhard · 13-05-2010 03:12PM

xzanti wrote: »

Probably been said already but I'd like to see Ireland adopt a similar policing/justice system to that of the USA.. We're way to soft on scum in this country..

America has an absolutely terrible justice system. They have the highest civilian prison population per capita of any country in the world, the majority of whom are sent down for the most trivial of offences. In the most powerful and populous state, three small time crimes can get you sentenced to life imprisonment. We may have problems with our own system, but the American one is the last I'd be seeking to emulate.

dasdog · 13-05-2010 03:16PM

vangoz wrote: »

95% of Japan's

Is the 5% the pressure or dishonour leading to suicide thing? Actually Japan is a place that facinates me. I will go there some day.

Paddy Samurai · 13-05-2010 03:19PM

Canadian healthcare...........with cuban nurses.

Eh..............and German breweries.

me_right_one · 13-05-2010 03:20PM

Einhard wrote: »

The kind where you can't voice a dissenting opinion without being labelled a traitor? Where a band can't openly criticise the policies of the government without their albums being boycotted and their lives threatened? Where those who fail to march lock step with the prevailing national consensus is marked out as "unAmerican"? I'm sorry, but Ireland has had enough trouble with "patriots" over the years, without resorting to the American brand.

I knew that'd ruffle a few feathers. I didnt say communist russia style patriotism, I mean the kind where you dont just bulldoze national monuments from the iron-age associated with Cucullen, or buildings with bullet holes from 1916, or try to discontinue Irish being taught in schools. Even orangeman, much as I detest them, have the guts to be patriotic to what they see as their patriotic rights.

Einhard · 13-05-2010 03:32PM

me_right_one wrote: »

I knew that'd ruffle a few feathers. I didnt say communist russia style patriotism, I mean the kind where you dont just bulldoze national monuments from the iron-age associated with Cucullen, or buildings with bullet holes from 1916, or try to discontinue Irish being taught in schools. Even orangeman, much as I detest them, have the guts to be patriotic to what they see as their patriotic rights.

Nobody's bulldozing Tara. The last I heard, they were building a motorway that might be seen from the top of the hill. I was up there myself last year and I honestly couldn't see what all the fuss was about. But that's for another thread...

And who's trying to stop Irish being taught in schools? Have I missed its abolition? I had assumed it was still being rammed down students' throats.

Anyway, America has a pretty shabby record of preserving its built heritage. Ever hear of Penn station?

"Any city gets what it admires, will pay for, and, ultimately, deserves. Even when we had Penn Station, we couldn’t afford to keep it clean. We want and deserve tin-can architecture in a tinhorn culture. And we will probably be judged not by the monuments we build but by those we have destroyed."

-"Farewell to Penn Station," New York Times editorial, October 30, 1963

me_right_one · 13-05-2010 03:40PM

Einhard wrote: »

Nobody's bulldozing Tara. The last I heard, they were building a motorway that might be seen from the top of the hill. I was up there myself last year and I honestly couldn't see what all the fuss was about. But that's for another thread...

And who's trying to stop Irish being taught in schools? Have I missed its abolition? I had assumed it was still being rammed down students' throats.

Anyway, America has a pretty shabby record of preserving its built heritage. Ever hear of Penn station?

"Any city gets what it admires, will pay for, and, ultimately, deserves. Even when we had Penn Station, we couldn’t afford to keep it clean. We want and deserve tin-can architecture in a tinhorn culture. And we will probably be judged not by the monuments we build but by those we have destroyed."

-"Farewell to Penn Station," New York Times editorial, October 30, 1963

Who mentioned Tara? Its well known, archaelogically significant sites all over the country are disrespected and neglected. Its shameful. Whenever a new one is discovered, its concreted over as quick as possible. Historical buildings get "accidentally" hit with the backhoe of a JCB so ghost estates can progress a little further before the banks start chasing the developer. I think you're talking about Lismullen, near Tara, which did have some of its outlying structures razed to the ground.

Regarding the Irish being pulled from schools, you musn't be reading too many threads on here.

Einhard wrote: »

And who's trying to stop Irish being taught in schools? Have I missed its abolition? I had assumed it was still being rammed down students' throats.

See what I mean?

vangoz · 13-05-2010 03:40PM

dasdog wrote: »

Is the 5% the pressure or dishonour leading to suicide thing? Actually Japan is a place that facinates me. I will go there some day.

Nah dont think its as bad as that in reality, but nowheres perfect..... (Id take the other 5% from the dutch.... the good 5%

)

Wibbs · 13-05-2010 03:51PM

HalloweenJack wrote: »

The Spanish siesta. I'd love having a nap during the day and then sleeping less at night.

Great in theory and fine in some small village, but in todays world its a pain. Go to work at 9 split for lunch at 12, hang around for three hours or go home if you live close by, then back to work until 7 or 8? Eh no thankee. For me anyway.

It's a much better attitude for me. Also, I love how Spaniards are more nocturnal than other Europeans.

The portugese even moreso. I would agree though.

A fully-integrated transport system, like in Madrid, and preferably an extensive train network like in Germany.

+1

More social outlets. More amenities. We are so bad in that respect in this country, especially cheap or free ones.

biko · 13-05-2010 03:57PM

Spanish cooking
Canadian humour
Japanese politeness
Norwegian outdoorsiness
Italian dress code

Hannibal Smith · 13-05-2010 03:59PM

me_right_one wrote: »

Who mentioned Tara? Its well known, archaelogically significant sites all over the country are disrespected and neglected. Its shameful. Whenever a new one is discovered, its concreted over as quick as possible. Historical buildings get "accidentally" hit with the backhoe of a JCB so ghost estates can progress a little further before the banks start chasing the developer. I think you're talking about Lismullen, near Tara, which did have some of its outlying structures razed to the ground.

Regarding the Irish being pulled from schools, you musn't be reading too many threads on here.

See what I mean?

I'm in the legal field and have acted in quite a number of purchases and sales across the country in the last few years. Any structure or piece of land of national importance or interest is clearly mapped and protected. Aside from putting 24 hour guards at each one I'm not sure what else can be done.

Just watching the Restoration Man on C4 recently and the UK are so steadfast in what you can or can't do with a protected structure to the point of just obstructing for the sake of it. Protection of these things can be taken too far and I think a review should be done every number of years to clarify whether the building/structure really is of national importance after all.

On that note while they're reviewing it they might stick the Poolbeg Towers on their list

I've forgotten what this thread is about

Einhard · 13-05-2010 04:23PM

me_right_one wrote: »

Who mentioned Tara? Its well known, archaelogically significant sites all over the country are disrespected and neglected. Its shameful. Whenever a new one is discovered, its concreted over as quick as possible. Historical buildings get "accidentally" hit with the backhoe of a JCB so ghost estates can progress a little further before the banks start chasing the developer. I think you're talking about Lismullen, near Tara, which did have some of its outlying structures razed to the ground.

If you throw a spade in any piece of land in Ireland, you're likely to hit something of archaeological interest. There's a difference though, between what's of interest and what's important. Admittedly, we've been too lax in protecting the latter, but recently, the pendulum seems to have swung in the opposite direction, where everything found below a certain level is "significant", whether they are in reality, and modern development is held up and obstructed to protect sites of spurious historical importance. You just have to look at Carrickmines Castle. The way campaigners went on about it, you'd swear it was Pompeii the Sequel. One couldn't even question its value without being branded a philistine. Then Tony Robinson comes over, has a look on behalf of the campaigners, and decides, contrary to their expectations, that it's not exactly something to write home about, and he's practically sent to Coventry! I just think we need to get a little realistic when discussing historical sites, and also to rid ourselves of this notion that all modern development is the work of some heritage hating Satan.

See what I mean?

To be honest, no. You said that Irish was being abolished in our schools. I believe that it shouldn't be forced on an unwilling student. Not the same thing at all.

Zombienosh · 13-05-2010 04:40PM

a 24 hour city, 24 hr cafes transport, etc..

liah · 13-05-2010 04:51PM

biko wrote: »

Spanish cooking
Canadian humour
Japanese politeness
Norwegian outdoorsiness
Italian dress code

Out of curiosity, what is Canadian humour (from the perspective of someone who isn't, anyway)?

Do you just mean from what you've seen out of stuff like Trailer Park Boys or do you mean the actual non-TV population?

biko · 13-05-2010 05:10PM

Every single Canadian I've met have been the funniest people ever.
Also I love their TV shows, mostly Kids in the Hall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IloIoGj5Mj0

liah · 13-05-2010 05:14PM

biko wrote: »

Every single Canadian I've met have been the funniest people ever.
Also I love their TV shows, mostly Kids in the Hall.

Kids in the Hall was absolutely deadly! I loved that show.

I just asked because while I hear about how "nice" Canadians are whenever I'm abroad, I've never heard anyone mention our collective sense of humour (and yes, I'm aware I'm no example!) unless it's to do with Trailer Park Boys.

Though I suppose in retrospect it's a sort of strange mix between British-style humour and American-style humour. Which reminds me, I haven't watched any Canadian TV for about two years. I should probably fix that. :eek:

mojesius · 13-05-2010 05:26PM

buybacks when you're out for a few drinks. I don't know if everywhere in the US does it, but when I lived in NY, I loved it when you'd buy 2/3 and the next one was on the house:D

Wheelsonthebus · 13-05-2010 05:30PM

Basically every other country in the world's demand for value for money.

unlike the "take my money- I dont need it" attitude here.

Rented Mule · 13-05-2010 05:35PM

Mexican Food
Tex-Mex Food
REAL BBQ
A decent Pizza

24 hour transportation system (and an easy way to take public transport to the airport)
24 hour restaurants
The ability to get a drink before I have to put my kids in bed.

A road system that can get you across Dublin without having to drive into town. (Grid System)

Truley · 13-05-2010 05:47PM

Einhard wrote: »

America has an absolutely terrible justice system. They have the highest civilian prison population per capita of any country in the world, the majority of whom are sent down for the most trivial of offences. In the most powerful and populous state, three small time crimes can get you sentenced to life imprisonment. We may have problems with our own system, but the American one is the last I'd be seeking to emulate.

Ah yes America where it's cheaper to send someone to prison than to pay social welfare, no thank you. I would be happy to stay as far away from America's culture as possible. Though unfortunately our country is going down that route, we really are emulating their neurotic mindset

I love New Zealand's no bullshit attitude; where school yards have huuge climbing frames and children are taken hillwalking and stuff. Oooh little Johnny sprained an ankle? tough titty accidents happen. They don't have the same claim culture, or fear of claims culture we seem to have here.

poppyvalley · 13-05-2010 06:09PM

Hackysack wrote: »

The NY public transport system.

naw the Paris metro's much easier even if you dont parlez-vous

Rented Mule · 13-05-2010 06:14PM

liah wrote: »

Which reminds me, I haven't watched any Canadian TV for about two years. I should probably fix that. :eek:

Not even Hockey Night in Canada ?? :eek:

me_right_one · 13-05-2010 06:16PM

Einhard wrote: »

If you throw a spade in any piece of land in Ireland, you're likely to hit something of archaeological interest. There's a difference though, between what's of interest and what's important. Admittedly, we've been too lax in protecting the latter, but recently, the pendulum seems to have swung in the opposite direction, where everything found below a certain level is "significant", whether they are in reality, and modern development is held up and obstructed to protect sites of spurious historical importance. You just have to look at Carrickmines Castle. The way campaigners went on about it, you'd swear it was Pompeii the Sequel. One couldn't even question its value without being branded a philistine. Then Tony Robinson comes over, has a look on behalf of the campaigners, and decides, contrary to their expectations, that it's not exactly something to write home about, and he's practically sent to Coventry! I just think we need to get a little realistic when discussing historical sites, and also to rid ourselves of this notion that all modern development is the work of some heritage hating Satan.

To be honest, no. You said that Irish was being abolished in our schools. I believe that it shouldn't be forced on an unwilling student. Not the same thing at all.

Take it easy there lad, I was only using the national monument thing as ONE example of how unpatriotic Ireland has become. And I never said Irish was abolished in our schools, I said people were trying to abolish it, which they are. Just look at the attitude some people out there have towards it...

Einhard wrote: »

I had assumed it was still being rammed down students' throats.

You mentioned the Carrickmines thing - This is exactly what I'm talking about. It basically IS pompeii the Sequel. That should have been preserved, and the road built around it. Who cares what that cokcsucker Tony Robinson thinks, its not his history. There shouldn't be a debate about it, if something is nearly 1000 years old, protect it for Gods sake:rolleyes:

I used American patriotism as an example. You made some good points, and some terrible ones, about why that was a bad example - maybe it was. I just think this bitterness, this venomous, west-brit paddywhackery needs to stop. I remember when people were proud of the fact we won the Eurovision so many times, and Riverdance was something that would make the hair stand on the back of your neck! Along comes the Celtic Tiger and suddenly Riverdance is not "cool" anymore. It became a joke. It was lumped in with Jackie Healy-Rae and Fr. Ted. Just shows you how pretentious and fickle some people can be. Betcha there's plenty of naysayers out there now who would only be too glad to be able to play a bit of fiddle-di-dee to earn an extra few yoyo's!

I think Ireland needs to become more patriotic and self confident as a nation, you dont, someone else thinks we should have more Tex-mex food and more Canadian humour. Its only a discussion forum, relax!

Dionysus · 13-05-2010 07:17PM

Einhard wrote: »

And who's trying to stop Irish being taught in schools? Have I missed its abolition? I had assumed it was still being rammed down students' throats.

Unlike compulsory English and Maths, which you clearly have no problem with ramming down students' throats - otherwise you wouldn't just pick on Irish, would you? (unless there's something else going on...?)

Maybe your thoughts on the issue represent the sort of chip-on-the-shoulder anti-Irish language mentality that the poster was alluding to.

And before you contend that Shakespeare, Kavanagh, calculus, trigonometry and the rest were/are necessary to the vast majority of Irish students - they weren't, and they aren't. They were, and are, just "rammed" down our throats (to use your propagandising transitive verb).

ascanbe · 13-05-2010 07:42PM

Dutch courage.
French kissing.
Chinese whispers.
Mexican standoffishness.

Mike 1972 · 13-05-2010 08:01PM

up for anything wrote: »

and their drug laws:

Your posts give lie to your username

BESman · 13-05-2010 09:03PM

As mentioned previously, the American attitude to dating. Does anybody actually date in this country, I mean when you first meet someone? Seems the only way is to get scuttered, shift some young one and take it from there. Wouldn't it be great if you could actually approach a girl in any environment, not just a pub/club, and engage them in a conversation without them thinking you're a nutcase. Irish women are far too reserved and picky for that I think, they have an attitude that they can always do better.

I would also love a change to Ireland's social welfare system. I will never understand why we pay almost the equivalent of the average industrial wage to unemployed people to do absolutely nothing, provide free third level education to the most useless and wealthy generation this country has ever seen and if that wasn't enough we provide top up grants to fund their drinking. INSANITY.

And I would not support a more soft touch on casual drugs like the Netherlands. Whats wrong with getting sh1tfaced? Not a good enough buzz for people? Because smoking the reefer in a dark room is waaaay better craic....

plein de force · 13-05-2010 09:05PM

France's complete secularism

What aspects of other cultures would you like in irish life?

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