Tom Hayden first realized he was 'Irish on the inside' when he heard civil rights marchers in Northern Ireland singing 'We Shall Overcome' in 1969. Though his great-grandparents had been forced to emigrate to the US in the 1850s, Hayden's parents erased his Irish heritage in the quest for respectability. In this passionate book he explores the losses wrought by such conformism. Assimilation, he argues, has led to high rates of schizophrenia, depression, alcoholism and domestic violence within the Irish community.Today's Irish-Americans, Hayden contends, need to re-inhabit their history, to recognize that assimilation need not entail submission. By recognizing their links to others now experiencing the prejudice once directed at their ancestors, they can develop a sense of themselves that is both specific and inclusive: 'The survival of a distinct Irish soul is proof enough that Anglo culture will never fully satisfy our needs. We have a unique role in reshaping American society to empathize with the world's poor, for their story is the genuine story of the Irish.'
Les mer
In this candid book Hayden explores the losses wrought by Irish-American conformism, in his own life and beyond. Operating both as an autobiography of a figure of the American new left, and a fascinating history of Irish colonization, this book casts new light on the continuing struggle.
Les mer
Every Irish American (and everyone in Ireland, too) should read Tom Hayden's brilliant and passionate book ... startlingly refreshing.
Tom Hayden explores the losses wrought by Irish American conformism
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781859844779
Publisert
2003-06-17
Utgiver
Vendor
Verso Books
Vekt
388 gr
Høyde
191 mm
Bredde
135 mm
Dybde
25 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
344
Forfatter