Sectarianism in Northern Ireland?

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Icarus

Yes, generally things are changing. However, we need to move away from the 19th century notion of a "sectarian" conflict, its just not relevant anymore. No one is saying, "you're catholic, you believe Mary was a virgin, how wrong. Here, take a brick to the head". There really aren't huge differences between the main churches.

Lets call a spade a spade, one half are British and want to remain in the UK, the other half feel closer to the Republic than to the rest of the UK. Over 20% of Northerners have Irish passports, and the figure is rising fast (BBC, 2008).

As a nationalist from a border region, now living and working in Belfast, I have seen a lot of changes. I can now speak freely to my Unionist colleagues about my Irish passport and GAA club/county without being labelled a 'provo lover'. This wasn't always the case.

As things are changing at the governmental level, they are starting to filter down through the classes. Although, by the very nature of the problem (the political status of Northern Ireland), its never going to go away. If we remain in the UK, republicans aren't happy. If we reunify Ireland, the loyalists are likely to start a civil war. If we become independent, well, lets face it, it would be anarchy!

The problem will always be there, teetering beneath the surface of everyday life. This fragile pretence of normality can be instantly shattered at anytime.

You only need to look at the rigmarole of the NI assembly for proof of this. Even bread and butter issues are decided along 'tribal' lines. There is a deep mistrust; the DUP don't want to give too much away to Sinn Fein for fear that it will result in a reunited Ireland, and the Shinners don't want to give too much to the Dupps in case it commits us eternally to the Union with Great Britain.

Our only hope of ever sorting this mess is a united Europe, where the border and political status of NI becomes irrelevant. I'm not saying I'm in favour of a united states of Europe (a USE), but it will be the only permanent resolution to our petty conflict. In the meantime, most people are happy with our uneasy peace. It makes a nice change from the bombs 'n bullets of the previous few decades.

Soul Jacker

Sectarianism, Racism's first cousin is alive and well in Northern Ireland.

As long as parties like Sinn Fein and the DUP exist so will the bigoted views they spout.

I've lived in Belfast for one year and yes things have got better in some areas but if you take any street in Belfast or the whole of NI it will be prominently Catholic or Protestant. If you go into any school in NI it will be prominently Protestant or Catholic, if you go to a sports event in NI it will be predominately Catholic or Protestant.

People across the religious and political divide still do not mix to any great extent until we do, children will learn as I was taught to fear and even hate the other side and sectarianism will remain. On the 12th loyalist children will still burn Tri-colour, just as surely as Republican children will burn the Union Jack. Until we get real politics every bloody issue Stormont debates will be rooted in the religous divide.

As someone form a catholic background I can count the number of protestants I know well on one hand.

Parties like the DUP and SF live off these sentiments and have absolutely no desire to bring unity to the province. We need real change now if we are ever to move forward in a significant way.

_________

Edit:
I do not mean to belittle all the good that is and has been done in NI I only want to highlight as someone who lives here the very real divisions which still exist in NI. If I was made first minister the first thing I would do is educate Nationalists and Unionists together because if they don't meet in schools where exactly will they meet?

To those who say you don't believe in the 'other side' I say your dreaming. Go take a child from the Shankhill and one from the Falls road and tell them they have the same identity. then you'll see how real the 'other' is.

It's right to work towards unity but it will never be achieved if we do not accept that there are two distinct traditions in the North and accept that this is ok.

I'm from a Catholic background but I would never be so arrogant to tell someone from the Unionist tradition that they should be happy to be called Irish just like I would equally take offence if someone told me I was British.

?ouise 2 ?

I agree with above, i dont agree with any 'other side'.
There is always going to be stupid people that will always be involved in sectarianism. Dont think it will ever come to an end to be honest.

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Flying mop dog

I don't consider there to be any 'other side'. However there are still stupid twats out there and there probably always will be.

Midnight Sun

yes i do believe it is coming to an end as i think people have just realised that it dosent achieve anyting so honestly what is the point.

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