The Irish were ostracized from American society during the mid 1800s. They were considered to be an inferior race of people by the Protestants who controlled the power of America during that time. The Irish lived in the slums of East Boston and New York City and were afforded very few chances to advance in life.
The Irish were discriminated against for being Catholic. They were distrusted because their large families were too clannish and bred like rabbits. The stigma of the Irish was, lazy, stupid, with a gift for music and dance.
The Irish were also categorized as angry, alcoholic who drank all the time in saloons and had regular bar brawls and parties filled with revelry and debauchery.
What is sad, is that as we celebrate the advancements made by the Irish, the Irish parade committees in Boston and New York have prohibited members of the gay community from marching in their St Patrick’s Day Parades. A small group from a new generation of those Irish emigrants, continue to practice the prejudices that were shown to their own ancestors just a few generations ago.
May your troubles be less,
And your blessing be more.
And nothing but happiness,
Come through your door.