Branding National Identity

Despite the onset of globalization, nationalism remains one of the central ideas in European history. It seems, however, that the identity of those within the nation-state increasingly has less to political and economic boundaries and more with cultural boundaries. This story illustrates some of the unique ways that various peoples are trying to maintain their national identity. Scotland is attempting to place restrictions on what can be considered a Scottish kilt. Some of the motivations behind the proposal are surely economic, and this is probably an example of a non-tariff barrier of sorts. Nevertheless, the underlying problem is the way that faux kilts reflect on the real thing and the amount of pride vested in this cultural practice. As the story says, kilts as we now think of them came into being in the 18th century, and in fact, is an "invented tradition" in its own right. Hugh Trevor-Roper contributed a chapter on the invention of the modern kilt in Hobsbawm and Ranger's edited collection "The Invention of Tradition," a book that has been influential in the way people think about constructed nationalism.

"Once" in a lifetime moment

I've been meaning to make a quick comment on the Irish at the Oscars, but only had the time now. I, for one, was pleased to see a number of Irish nominees in various categories. The highlight for me was the performance and win for best original song from the film "Once." For those not in the know, Glen Hansard also had a role in the film "The Commitments." In "Once" Hansard's songwriting takes center stage. Granted I may be biased toward all things both Irish and musical, especially when they merge, but I really believe the best song won on Sunday. The three songs from "Enchanted" lacked substance, and the tune from August Rush was also over produced and slick. When Hansard encouraged people to "make art" in his acceptance speech he was speaking as one who already had. When compared to the other songs in the category, "Falling Slowly" was the most artistic of them all. It's a great song, from really good film, written by superb musicians. Kudos to Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova on a job well done and an award well earned.

End of the Line or Start of Something New?

Part of my daily internet regimen includes checking a number of Irish newspaper's online outlets and the BBC. I came across this story about Ian Paisley Jr resigning his position as Junior Minister in the Northern Irish Assembly. For those unaware, Ian Paisley, Sr. is the most outspoken Protestant leader in Northern Ireland and was very slow in coming around to the current peace and power sharing agreement in the North. The resignation of the younger Paisley makes me wonder about the future of Northern Irish politics. From the sounds of it, Paisley, Jr. is not done with politics, but in the very least the rumblings about his lobbying will be a setback in any future political campaigns. If we can assume for a moment that the junior Paisley is out of the picture, at least in terms of party leadership in Northern Ireland, does that suggest that the near future might see even more progress? It seems that once Paisley Sr is through with politics, and if Paisley Jr is not in a leadership position, the road would be open for better sectarian relations in the north. It's not that I'm pro Sinn Fein and anti-DUP/Paisleyism, it's just very clear that Sinn Fein and the IRA have made greater strides toward peace in the North, at least in the last 4-5 years. Remember, the IRA disarmed already (the Protestant paramilitaries might have, and I forget for certain, but either was it was significantly later than the IRA). I don't think that any of this will result in the North being absorbed into the Republic. That it too great of a economic hit for the twenty-six counties. But, if Northern Ireland is going to persist as a political entity, it will have to do so through peaceful means and understanding. Perhaps with the Paisleys out of the limelight, the quality of life in Northern Ireland will increase even more.

Full of Blarney?

Tim Lacy passed this link along to me about the legitimacy of the Blarney Stone. Apparently, a recent study questions the authenticity of the Blarney Stone, the famous pebble at Blarney Castle in County Cork. After reading the posting, the first thing I thought was: does it matter if the current Blarney stone is the original? The posting implies that the current stone isn't the original because the current means for accessing it are not the same as the original ones. The implication, therefore, is that the "Blarney Stone" was designated in a different, safer location at the Castle. In terms of historical accuracy this could be a particularly sticky issue. Perhaps an archaeological historian and a public historian in Ireland could team up to solve this question. However, for the current state of Irish tourism, it seems to me that anything to generate more interest in the Blarney Stone is a good thing. Tourism has been an important economic endeavor in Ireland since the early 20th century at least. Various Irish and Irish-American companies advertised vacations and trips to Ireland in the (Irish-)American press in the 1910s and 1920s. My research has been predominantly limited to The Chicago Citizen, the AOH's newspaper in Chicago. The Blarney Stone is as crucial to Irish tourism as the Guinness Brewery, Croag Patrick, the Giant's Causeway, and the Cliffs of Mohr. If the controversy brings more people to Ireland to check out the Blarney Stone, even if they're skeptics, I don't see how that's a bad thing as this has the potential to increase interest in Ireland writ large. And that, can only be a good thing for those interested in all things Irish and Irish history.

Grateful Impatience

Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for my dissertation committee. Everyone on it helped me out of a major bind at my school. Nevertheless, it is amazing how difficult it has been to schedule a two hour meeting with all four committee members. I understand the need to fulfill familial obligations, but I'm talking about a one-time, two hour meeting. Needless to say, I'm currently a bit frustrated. So be forewarned, that the most difficult aspect of writing your dissertation proposal can be getting a proposal defense date scheduled!