Global Connections in Education 2008
Celebrating Irish Culture
Music has played an important role in my culture. Irish stories have always been told through music. For instance, the song The Fields of Athenry has been around forever. It has been done and re-done by bands over the years, each giving it their own touch.
I remember about two years ago driving in the car and having my aunt, who is in her mid-sixties, and having her complain that the "Irish Music" that I was listening to just wasn't the same. I explained to her that no, of course it wasn't the same as the ballads and the jigs that she and my nanny grew up listening to (my nanny would be 91), but it still taught me about my culture and my history. She didn't want to hear it, but I knew I was right. Even though the music is not the same the message is.
I know a lot more about Irish history because of the music that I have chosen to listen to. As a result, I know a lot more about my heritage and I am quite proud of that fact. Most 25 year old Americans of Irish ancestry couldn't tell you what the IRA is, or anything about the Easter Monday Rebellion. They don't know who James Connolly, or Bobby Sands are. Nor do they even know why there is a difference in Northern Ireland and Ireland, yet alone that there is a war going on over there.
Black 47 and Seanachi might not be contemporary Irish music, and might not be for the faint of heart, but if you have an interest in Irish history, or just like to listen to some "rebel hip-hop" give-em a listen.
I remember about two years ago driving in the car and having my aunt, who is in her mid-sixties, and having her complain that the "Irish Music" that I was listening to just wasn't the same. I explained to her that no, of course it wasn't the same as the ballads and the jigs that she and my nanny grew up listening to (my nanny would be 91), but it still taught me about my culture and my history. She didn't want to hear it, but I knew I was right. Even though the music is not the same the message is.
I know a lot more about Irish history because of the music that I have chosen to listen to. As a result, I know a lot more about my heritage and I am quite proud of that fact. Most 25 year old Americans of Irish ancestry couldn't tell you what the IRA is, or anything about the Easter Monday Rebellion. They don't know who James Connolly, or Bobby Sands are. Nor do they even know why there is a difference in Northern Ireland and Ireland, yet alone that there is a war going on over there.
Black 47 and Seanachi might not be contemporary Irish music, and might not be for the faint of heart, but if you have an interest in Irish history, or just like to listen to some "rebel hip-hop" give-em a listen.
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