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This was a remarkable, stimulating, enriching discussion on race in Ireland, which I've been waiting for! Thanks to excellent panellists and organisers. Here's a v personal summary of my takeaways:
1. Race + racism in Ireland are specific and unique. https://twitter.com/joanneellen_/status/1387739717219782659
1. Race + racism in Ireland are specific and unique. https://twitter.com/joanneellen_/status/1387739717219782659
2. BLM invited us to discuss these things, but we need an Irish discussion
3. NB: Racism in Ireland is entrenched in the discrimination experienced by mincéirí. @Minceirbeoir, speaking as a white ally, described the racism she's experienced for 41 years + will know until she dies
3. NB: Racism in Ireland is entrenched in the discrimination experienced by mincéirí. @Minceirbeoir, speaking as a white ally, described the racism she's experienced for 41 years + will know until she dies
4. Ireland's post/colonial history functions as a get-out-of-jail card (no blacks no dogs no Irish).
Paula described how this is a blockage for discussing Ireland's privileged role in the world, + @saharisright says, Ireland's role in contemporary geopolitics.
Paula described how this is a blockage for discussing Ireland's privileged role in the world, + @saharisright says, Ireland's role in contemporary geopolitics.
5. In the comments, an awareness that there's a lot of unpacking to do around Ireland's missionary history. This is relevant to @Dochasnetwork who are starting to scratch the surface of these issues.
6. @saharisright: Irish identity is forcefully positive: we're craic, we're welcoming. Hard to make space for the reality of racism.
Media keeps asking: Does racism really exist?
But where are you really from?
Media keeps asking: Does racism really exist?
But where are you really from?
7. America pervades our understanding of race + racism; @Mamobo96 reminds us: American culture is pop culture.
But America is a state built on the genocide of indigenous people on the back of Black slave labour.
Ireland is something different. Use US energy but tell Irish story
But America is a state built on the genocide of indigenous people on the back of Black slave labour.
Ireland is something different. Use US energy but tell Irish story
8. @NdahiroSandrine who convened the event, closes by reflecting that afro-futurism is not just a literary style, it's a movement. Afro-Irish voices are beginning to find their place.
There was loads more, and I've missed some of the speakers, but these are some of the points that spoke to me as a white Irish person making sense of my own identity. Thanks so much to all the excellent panellists and to @WomenInResIE for organising!
