Whatever the Irish language is to you, whether you are a native speaker or are interested in learning it (or not), it is not nor has it ever really been of primary concern to Sinn Fein. Sinn Fein have used the Irish language primarily as a political weapon; where they have failed to advance their cause through the IRA, Sinn Fein has always sought to gain politically through a game of cultural one-upmanship, this has only helped add to the idea of an exclusiveness in "Irish" identity which keeps the Gaelic language firmly within the Catholic Nationalist community.
Last week Gerry Adam's stated that the "language itself isn't a republican language, it isn't a Sinn Fein language. It is actually the heritage and the property of everybody who lives on this island." Of course Irish isn't a republican language, but the problem is that republicans and nationalists have exacerbated that theme of exclusivity, meaning that Gaelic is identified within the Unionist and Protestant community as a part of nationalist identity.
Gerry Adams is correct in his above comments, however his proposal for protecting the language is not the way to best go about either protecting it or promoting it, it is merely another way of "greening the north"; once again Sinn Fein's actions speak louder than their sugar coated words.
If Sinn Fein and republicans really cared about the Irish language the proposed language act wouldn't be top of their agenda, allowing people to write to government exclusively in Gaelic would be a waste of energy and money, so too would be exclusively protecting a community of native speakers which makes up less than 2% of the population. Money and resources would be better spent and directed towards providing schools for teaching and learning the language, preferably voluntary, and free from the influence of any one political party or community.
Culture in Northern Ireland is a political sport were one sidedness reigns supreme, and the quango bodies set up to promote each sides culture seem self-serving and over financed. It is always about getting "one up" over the opposition; if one side gets financial funding, the other side wants the same, which isn't about promoting ones cultural heritage or identity exclusively for the benefit of said cultural heritage, rather it is about the cultural one-upmanship represented by both the DUP and Sinn Fein.
The last thing we need in Northern Ireland is yet another over financed quango, with another overpaid chairman, which promotes a politicised culture, and pays merely lip service to cross-community bipartisanship. What we should have is one central and independent body for the promotion of culture in Northern Ireland - The Ulster Ministry of Culture - with a bipartisan non-political charter and staffed by cultural enthusiasts.
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Friday, 20 July 2007
Movie Review: Pathfinder (2007)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446013/
Directed by Marcus Nispel, who I’m unfamiliar with, Pathfinder is a fictional account of the Viking "conquest" of North America, starring Karl Urban, who played Eomer in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings, Russell Means (Last of the Mohicans) and Moon Bloodgood (8 Below).
I thought Pathfinder was a good film, not to long and a good story line; it had the potential of being another boring edition to the swords & sandals genre (or should that be swords & moccasins). However it is quite violent, some parts of it are more horror-film than action, it’s not a kids movie that’s for sure.
If you're Scandinavian you mightn't appreciate the portrayal of the Viking characters as almost sub-human monsters. Indeed in the beginning the Vikings are more like Orc type creatures, or pre-SS bloodthirsty war criminals; I was a little uncomfortable myself for a fleeting second with seeing the white characters portrayed as sadistic barbarians, however I don't suppose the Viking's were cuddly teddy bears? Indeed if you were to ask a 10th century Irish Monk about the Norsemen, he'd most likely not give them a glowing endorsement. Anyway if you take it for what it is then it shouldn't cause too much discomfort.
It is clear to see the influence of other films in Pathfinder, Last of the Mohicans, Lord of the Rings, Beowulf & Grendel; or maybe that’s just my opinion? However it manages to remain original.
It starts off with the discovery of a Viking long ship or "dragon boat" by a Native woman, filled with the remains of its unwilling passengers, however amongst the wreckage is a young Viking boy. His “adopted” family, who they name “Ghost”, I suppose because of his pale appearance and is seemingly turning up from “nowhere”, raises him.
15 years later he is grown and seemingly a full part of "the tribe", however he is prevented by the Pathfinder, played by Russell Means, in becoming a warrior because he doesn't know his true identity.
When the Vikings return, his entire village is wiped out, yet he escapes and an ensuing running battle turns into a short guerilla war. Largely fought on his own, but with the help of his adopted people.
My main criticisms of course are its portrayal of the Viking or White characters as monster-like creatures, but also it shows the Native inhabitants as innocent and helpless indigenous folk, whose savior turns out to be the one good White man. They're minor criticisms for what is otherwise a good movie, not a fantastic movie, but one I'd recommend none the less.
I'd give it a 4/5 rating.
Directed by Marcus Nispel, who I’m unfamiliar with, Pathfinder is a fictional account of the Viking "conquest" of North America, starring Karl Urban, who played Eomer in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings, Russell Means (Last of the Mohicans) and Moon Bloodgood (8 Below).
I thought Pathfinder was a good film, not to long and a good story line; it had the potential of being another boring edition to the swords & sandals genre (or should that be swords & moccasins). However it is quite violent, some parts of it are more horror-film than action, it’s not a kids movie that’s for sure.
If you're Scandinavian you mightn't appreciate the portrayal of the Viking characters as almost sub-human monsters. Indeed in the beginning the Vikings are more like Orc type creatures, or pre-SS bloodthirsty war criminals; I was a little uncomfortable myself for a fleeting second with seeing the white characters portrayed as sadistic barbarians, however I don't suppose the Viking's were cuddly teddy bears? Indeed if you were to ask a 10th century Irish Monk about the Norsemen, he'd most likely not give them a glowing endorsement. Anyway if you take it for what it is then it shouldn't cause too much discomfort.
It is clear to see the influence of other films in Pathfinder, Last of the Mohicans, Lord of the Rings, Beowulf & Grendel; or maybe that’s just my opinion? However it manages to remain original.
It starts off with the discovery of a Viking long ship or "dragon boat" by a Native woman, filled with the remains of its unwilling passengers, however amongst the wreckage is a young Viking boy. His “adopted” family, who they name “Ghost”, I suppose because of his pale appearance and is seemingly turning up from “nowhere”, raises him.
15 years later he is grown and seemingly a full part of "the tribe", however he is prevented by the Pathfinder, played by Russell Means, in becoming a warrior because he doesn't know his true identity.
When the Vikings return, his entire village is wiped out, yet he escapes and an ensuing running battle turns into a short guerilla war. Largely fought on his own, but with the help of his adopted people.
My main criticisms of course are its portrayal of the Viking or White characters as monster-like creatures, but also it shows the Native inhabitants as innocent and helpless indigenous folk, whose savior turns out to be the one good White man. They're minor criticisms for what is otherwise a good movie, not a fantastic movie, but one I'd recommend none the less.
I'd give it a 4/5 rating.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
'Stand up for the Ulstermen': Northern Ireland Badges
Glenwood Publications have just got hold of some new badges. The first one has been produced by the 1st Scotland Northern Ireland Supporters Club.
It’s a small green shield with a Celtic Cross style of logo in the middle.At first glance it looks like the IFA logo. However, instead of saying 'Irish Football Association' in the white circular part of the cross it says 'Stand up for the Ulstermen'. 'Northern Ireland' is written across the (blue) cross bar of the logo.
The shield has a Union Flag one side and a Scottish St. Andrew's Flag on the other. On top of the shield is a Red Hand of Ulster. At the bottom is a red scroll with the words: 1st Scotland NISC.
It costs £2.50 (inc p&p). Please make any cheques/POs to Glenwood Publications and send to:
Glenwood Publications
First Floor
316 Shankill Road
Belfast
BT13 3AB.
If you are sending cash, make sure it is very well concealed.
If possible, please include an e-mail address with your own name and address.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Our Lost Ancient Cultures (pt1)
There was a recent Channel 4 series called "Empire's Children" in which celebrities examined how the history of the British Empire affected them, and our modern nation of Britain. I was struck by the thought of how much we, in particular the English & Ulster people, define our history and identity by the history and legacy of the empire.
The history of the British Isles stretches back for thousands of years, to the pre-Celtic age, post-Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and Norman, yet because of the size and scope of the British Empire we seem unable to remember anything beyond 100-200 years ago. Beyond the history of the empire, colonialism and two World Wars, what do we remember or appreciate from our ancient history? We may go back perhaps to learn about dates in a history book, to the "Black Death", Picts, Greeks and Romans etc etc. But what do we really know of our ancient culture and folkways?
Any one who has ever been interested in studying Aboriginal cultures, will know that we in the modernised west have lost our indigenous culture, we believe that "native peoples" or "tribes" are the reserve of American Indians, Zulus and Aborigine's. It is clear also we're not alone in this respect, American Indians have also lost a lot of their pre-contact cultural ways, as have Australian Aborigine's, and some African people as well. Television presenter and bush craft expert Ray Mear's produced a show not so long ago about Britain’s aboriginal past, examining the pre-Celtic Neolithic culture of the British Isles, something which highlighted the depth of our lost ancient cultures and survival skills.
Many people will scoff at the idea of examining the ancient past for any worth today, to even suggest we have an aboriginal or Neolithic culture of value, is to set one self up to be mocked and ridiculed perhaps. We do not perhaps even have to go back so far to become closer to our not-so-recent ancestors, in Ireland for example the Pre-Gaelic Celts, Cruthin, Gaels and Ulster-Scots all have a way of life we can appreciate and revive. In England, Scotland and Wales, the pre-Roman Celts and Gaels, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans. Each of these cultures provides ways of life, not just to be studied or written about, but also to be examined for merit to guide us in our modern ways of life.
We might benefit also from reconnecting with our land and environment, today we have no knowledge of our surroundings or our survival skills, and we have lost our ability to use the flora and herbalism that our ancient ancestors relied on. If Al Gore's recent Oscar winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" is accurate, then it will take a lot more than a pop concert, celebrity sound bites and government funding for scientists to solve. With the modern talk of "saving the environment", "reduce your carbon foot print", "Stop global warming", is it not difficult to succeed without re-examining our lifestyles? When we have lost our connectedness to our own surroundings, is it any wonder we cannot help the environment?
The history of the British Isles stretches back for thousands of years, to the pre-Celtic age, post-Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and Norman, yet because of the size and scope of the British Empire we seem unable to remember anything beyond 100-200 years ago. Beyond the history of the empire, colonialism and two World Wars, what do we remember or appreciate from our ancient history? We may go back perhaps to learn about dates in a history book, to the "Black Death", Picts, Greeks and Romans etc etc. But what do we really know of our ancient culture and folkways?
Any one who has ever been interested in studying Aboriginal cultures, will know that we in the modernised west have lost our indigenous culture, we believe that "native peoples" or "tribes" are the reserve of American Indians, Zulus and Aborigine's. It is clear also we're not alone in this respect, American Indians have also lost a lot of their pre-contact cultural ways, as have Australian Aborigine's, and some African people as well. Television presenter and bush craft expert Ray Mear's produced a show not so long ago about Britain’s aboriginal past, examining the pre-Celtic Neolithic culture of the British Isles, something which highlighted the depth of our lost ancient cultures and survival skills.
Many people will scoff at the idea of examining the ancient past for any worth today, to even suggest we have an aboriginal or Neolithic culture of value, is to set one self up to be mocked and ridiculed perhaps. We do not perhaps even have to go back so far to become closer to our not-so-recent ancestors, in Ireland for example the Pre-Gaelic Celts, Cruthin, Gaels and Ulster-Scots all have a way of life we can appreciate and revive. In England, Scotland and Wales, the pre-Roman Celts and Gaels, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans. Each of these cultures provides ways of life, not just to be studied or written about, but also to be examined for merit to guide us in our modern ways of life.
We might benefit also from reconnecting with our land and environment, today we have no knowledge of our surroundings or our survival skills, and we have lost our ability to use the flora and herbalism that our ancient ancestors relied on. If Al Gore's recent Oscar winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" is accurate, then it will take a lot more than a pop concert, celebrity sound bites and government funding for scientists to solve. With the modern talk of "saving the environment", "reduce your carbon foot print", "Stop global warming", is it not difficult to succeed without re-examining our lifestyles? When we have lost our connectedness to our own surroundings, is it any wonder we cannot help the environment?
Alternative Ulster
"An Alternative Ulster
Grab it and change it it's yours
Get an Alternative Ulster
Ignore the bores and their laws
Get an Alternative Ulster
Be an anti-security force
Alter your native Ulster
Alter your native land"
Stiff Little Fingers - Alternative Ulster (1979)
When that song was written Ulster was in the grip of "The Troubles" back in the late 70's. Now of course the situation has calmed 'militarily', however the political position of Northern Ireland is just as confused, perhaps even more so today than it was back in 1979.
Today, watching the first meeting of the British-Irish Council since 1998, it is clear to see that Ulster's political position is not as secure as perhaps Ian Paisley would have us believe. With the appointment of a 'new' supposedly 'unionist' Prime Minister in Gordon Brown offset by the minor election victories of Scottish and Welsh nationalists, it is clear that the unity of Britain is shifting towards reform, not necessarily full independence but some alternative arrangement perhaps.
For Unionists in Ulster the time has come once again to re-examine, or at least re-evaluate, the position of Northern Ireland politically within the UK. It is clearly the case that since the fall of the British Empire, while Scotland, England, Wales and the Irish Republic have developed themselves around this fact more completely - Northern Ireland for obvious and not so obvious reasons has been prevented or unable to develop towards a similar acceptance. Nostalgic unionism in Ulster is out of step with the modern reality of the UK, whose people have become steadily more disconnected and therefore disunited; what is shown by this fact is that an increasing number of citizens of Scotland, Wales & England do not retain the same affection or pride for Britain that Unionists in Northern Ireland do.
To forge ahead in Northern Ireland and secure Ulster's future self-development, Unionists will have to envisage a few "Alternative Ulster's" themselves. Irish Republicans have been doing so since Northern Ireland's formation - of course their only alternative is a 9 county Ulster swallowed whole within a 32 county Irish Socialist Republic.
Without at least examining alternative paths for Ulster's future, as some radical thinking unionists and loyalists have over the years, it is impossible to face the uncertainties of the future head on. We must constantly re-evaluate Ulster's position within a changing world for the benefit of her people, so that we are ahead of the pack and not behind as has often been the case. An Alternative Ulster shouldn't be looked upon as a frightening future development, more of an opportunity to plot a new course and direction for our native land.
Grab it and change it it's yours
Get an Alternative Ulster
Ignore the bores and their laws
Get an Alternative Ulster
Be an anti-security force
Alter your native Ulster
Alter your native land"
Stiff Little Fingers - Alternative Ulster (1979)
When that song was written Ulster was in the grip of "The Troubles" back in the late 70's. Now of course the situation has calmed 'militarily', however the political position of Northern Ireland is just as confused, perhaps even more so today than it was back in 1979.
Today, watching the first meeting of the British-Irish Council since 1998, it is clear to see that Ulster's political position is not as secure as perhaps Ian Paisley would have us believe. With the appointment of a 'new' supposedly 'unionist' Prime Minister in Gordon Brown offset by the minor election victories of Scottish and Welsh nationalists, it is clear that the unity of Britain is shifting towards reform, not necessarily full independence but some alternative arrangement perhaps.
For Unionists in Ulster the time has come once again to re-examine, or at least re-evaluate, the position of Northern Ireland politically within the UK. It is clearly the case that since the fall of the British Empire, while Scotland, England, Wales and the Irish Republic have developed themselves around this fact more completely - Northern Ireland for obvious and not so obvious reasons has been prevented or unable to develop towards a similar acceptance. Nostalgic unionism in Ulster is out of step with the modern reality of the UK, whose people have become steadily more disconnected and therefore disunited; what is shown by this fact is that an increasing number of citizens of Scotland, Wales & England do not retain the same affection or pride for Britain that Unionists in Northern Ireland do.
To forge ahead in Northern Ireland and secure Ulster's future self-development, Unionists will have to envisage a few "Alternative Ulster's" themselves. Irish Republicans have been doing so since Northern Ireland's formation - of course their only alternative is a 9 county Ulster swallowed whole within a 32 county Irish Socialist Republic.
Without at least examining alternative paths for Ulster's future, as some radical thinking unionists and loyalists have over the years, it is impossible to face the uncertainties of the future head on. We must constantly re-evaluate Ulster's position within a changing world for the benefit of her people, so that we are ahead of the pack and not behind as has often been the case. An Alternative Ulster shouldn't be looked upon as a frightening future development, more of an opportunity to plot a new course and direction for our native land.
Sunday, 15 July 2007
Democratic Dictatorship!
Many people in Britain wrongly believe that we live in a democratic nation, based upon liberty and backed up by constitutional guarantees. However the truth is that we currently live in a democratic dictatorship. What else could you call a system were we don't simply elect a representative; we elect or have appointed someone to rule over us arbitrarily.
Having a democratically elected representative as Prime Minister is different than having an elected (or appointed) arbitrary ruler. If we truly lived in a democratic society, the voice of the people would be listened too; our opinions and desires would be the sole basis for decision making on big issues affecting our lives. Instead what we currently have is essentially a system of one man, wrongly referred to as a "Prime Minister", who acts and makes decisions for us based upon his own personal agenda.
In Ulster our own experience of this system of dictatorial democracy was highlighted under the rule of the recently deposed Peter Hain, as well as our own recently elected wannbe "lords of the fief" in Stormont; what we can see of our so-called system of democracy is that it is neither democratic nor fully guaranteed.
What solution then is there to this increasingly unrepresentative, undemocratic, anti-libertarian and autocratic system? Well the answer lies in the name "Demos Kratia" or "Peoples Rule". A truly democratic system of government is one directly 'dictated' by the people, a system of direct democracy. In such a system the citizens make the big decisions affecting the lives of citizens, through referenda. A dictatorship, of, for and by the people.
Only a system of direct democracy can create a truly democratic, just and free society, were the citizens of the country make the big decisions and our elected representative(s) see that it is done. Only when we have a fully democratic system will we be able to preserve our liberty more securely.
Having a democratically elected representative as Prime Minister is different than having an elected (or appointed) arbitrary ruler. If we truly lived in a democratic society, the voice of the people would be listened too; our opinions and desires would be the sole basis for decision making on big issues affecting our lives. Instead what we currently have is essentially a system of one man, wrongly referred to as a "Prime Minister", who acts and makes decisions for us based upon his own personal agenda.
In Ulster our own experience of this system of dictatorial democracy was highlighted under the rule of the recently deposed Peter Hain, as well as our own recently elected wannbe "lords of the fief" in Stormont; what we can see of our so-called system of democracy is that it is neither democratic nor fully guaranteed.
What solution then is there to this increasingly unrepresentative, undemocratic, anti-libertarian and autocratic system? Well the answer lies in the name "Demos Kratia" or "Peoples Rule". A truly democratic system of government is one directly 'dictated' by the people, a system of direct democracy. In such a system the citizens make the big decisions affecting the lives of citizens, through referenda. A dictatorship, of, for and by the people.
Only a system of direct democracy can create a truly democratic, just and free society, were the citizens of the country make the big decisions and our elected representative(s) see that it is done. Only when we have a fully democratic system will we be able to preserve our liberty more securely.
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