Green's come a long way, O'baby

"Irish" has come a long way in America. Today Irish heritage is wildly popular, almost a badge of pride that nearly everyone seems to claim, with or without hard proof. How ironic, considering that the welcome mat was pulled out from under their Celtic feet when they first arrived. Then Irish immigrants (like many others) were considered inferior by American Anglos. "Irish need not apply" was a common sight under "help wanted" signs.

The Civil War helped, but only a little. Irish immigrants, including my great-great grandfather, were eager contributors to the war effort; 39 Union regiments were majority Irish (another 40,000 Irishmen fought on the Confederate side). That earned the Irish a little overdue respect and seemed to turn the tide of prejudicial sentiment for some. Still, it was much longer before the Irish were well accepted.

Perhaps this was in part by necessity as their Catholic proscriptions resulted in large families. Over time American cities were built increasingly by Irish backs. Undoubtedly music played a role; the upbeat tunes of Irish fiddles heavily influenced the development of American country music, and still influence current music trends. Pubs - half bar and half family restaurant - proliferated and remain well-attended in American cities.

"Irish" is synonymous with poetry and literature. The Irish have a love affair with words and can express them with beauty and raw emotion. Irish-American writers include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jack London, Flannery O'Connor, William Faulkner, Eugene O'Neill, and Henry James. More than 200 Irish-American poets have penned successfully, and American schoolchildren still study Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and William Butler Yeats.

Here's a trivia question for the literati: What's Oscar Wilde's full name? Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde. Try saying that five times at full speed.

Perhaps the greatest Irish appeal is the ability to laugh at themselves. That's naturally endearing, and instructive - a survival tool. A historically oppressed people who endure what they consider a continuing occupation by the British in Northern Ireland, they've borne it all with a persistently passionate love of life.

"Health and a long life to you.

Land without rent to you.

A child every year to you.

And if you can't go to heaven, may you at least die in Ireland." - Irish blessing

A very happy Patricks' Day to you and yours. (Yes, we appropriate the "St." Can't resist.)

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network whose house is decorated gold and emerald green during Irish Heritage Month. Contact her at [email protected].