An anti-racist thread decides to show its biggotry against the Dubs, eh? If we Irish can't even live together without petty chips on our shoulders, how do you think we're going to fare with foreign nationals? I'm reading this thread and finding all the old stuff I heard when immigration was mushrooming in Dublin. And I can see where this is going. For those of you who think Cork people are some genetically superior breed to the rest of the country, who won't have the same problems, think again. When immigration there reaches the levels it has reached in Dublin (which isn't that high really, by international standards) THEN see how open minded you prove yourself to be. There are whole areas in Dublin that are now unrecognizable from how I remember them. And it's starting to get more than the old reaction of people talking and degrading to physical assaults. But on the whole I must say, that compared to most places I've been (abroad), Dublin is not a racist city for the greatest part. There is a small minority of scangers and thugs who like to blame their problems on everyone else, and I guess immigrants are an easy target. But I genuinely fear that it is growing.
Before we ever had real immigration in this country, I already saw the levels of biggotry inherent in our society, outside of Dublin in other counties, where I was frequently insulted or threatened for no other reason than I was from Dublin. I was accused of "taking our jobs" in Limerick where I worked as an engineer. I wonder if the thugs who were hurtling this at me were qualified to take over had I left? Maybe they were, but decided to go to Dublin where one third of our population live guys.
I've seen much much stronger anti-"jackeen" behaviour from Cork people. I wonder if they'll rejoice in formation of China towns or ethnic areas in their beloved little city.
And for those of you who think Ireland is an easy target, think again. My girlfriend is an immigrant and since loosing her job is finding it nigh-on impossible to get a work permit. To the guy who thinks the immigrants get into Britain and use NI as a passage to the republic... wow, we really pride ourselves on our nation don't we. I'm sure all these people are just dying to get into Eire so much that they choose it over London or other big cities in the UK.
For me, immigration has brought diversity and variety to our great country. I can shop at different shops, eat at different restaurants, join different types of clubs, go to different social events. I have made lots of interesting friends from different backgrounds. Of course there is a hooligan element withing each of the ethnic groups, but no more than the hooligan element in Ireland. The worst problems I've ever had in my life have been with Irish people, a minority of us who are otherwise a great and well loved people. I am very proud to be Irish and it makes me sick to the point of shame when I hear how racist we are becoming.
Maybe I should keep my opinion to myself, but as it was put - "unfortunately" I have the right to free speech.
(All that said, our immigration laws ARE there for a reason, and should be obeyed.)
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