Parochialism.

kneemos

We have the GAA and our political system in this country which seem to create a parochial mindset,I wa s just wondering is it as common in other countries or do they think more as a nation?

billybudd

kneemos wrote: »

We have the GAA and our political system in this country which seem to create a parochial mindset,I wa s just wondering is it as common in other countries or do they think more as a nation?

Yes, we invented it. you wouldnt see it on Greece or Italy.:rolleyes:

Where To

Parochialism is the lowest form of nationalism.

Morag

And it's a way of excluding those who are not part of the parish religion.

Zebra3

The main problem is how little power local government has here compared to a lot of other countries.

Central government needs to devolve more power (a lot more power) locally so TDs aren't trying to "fix the road" to get re-elected and that they'll actually start doing their jobs, i.e. fix the country!!!!

I'm sure FG will sort it all out though and that their slogan of "change" at the last GE wasn't some bs line to get into power and onto the gravy train. :rolleyes:

kneemos

What kind of extra powers would you give local government?

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

It's more of a rural thing than an urban thing. It happens in other countries but not as much as ireland (in the ones i've lived in, anyway).

It's really a byproduct of the begrudger mentality.

Gee Bag

Zebra3 wrote: »

The main problem is how little power local government has here compared to a lot of other countries.

Central government needs to devolve more power (a lot more power) locally so TDs aren't trying to "fix the road" to get re-elected and that they'll actually start doing their jobs, i.e. fix the country!!!!

I'm sure FG will sort it all out though and that their slogan of "chnage" at the last GE wasn't some bs line to get into power and onto the gravy train. :rolleyes:

More power for Local Government?

If you think our TDs are a bunch of fcukwits you wouldn't want to meet the gormless baboons we have for county councillors.

later12

kneemos wrote: »

We have the GAA and our political system in this country which seem to create a parochial mindset,I wa s just wondering is it as common in other countries or do they think more as a nation?

I'm not particularly opposed to it; it has shaped our society and made us a more cohesive people than many of our continental European neighbours. The GAA in particular has had a role to play in that regard.

Where To wrote: »

Parochialism is the lowest form of nationalism.

At least pride in your parish can make more sense, since one can contribute to one's local parish in a tangible way, in co-operation with friends and neighbours.

Being proud of a community you helped to shape is fair enough. Some people would call that parochialism.

But being proud of any territory you were randomly born into, just because you were born into it, is something far more curious.

Shryke

I'm not into GAA but I think it's a good thing for the community and not something that exemplifies parochialism. Inter-county rivalry is a healthy thing as far as it goes.
The church and lack of any enlightenment in the country in years passed have definitely bred an insular and parochial mindset, more so than you would find in small towns and villages elsewhere. It's all a bit claustrophobic and depressing in small town Ireland sometimes. The main cities of the country are like a different world really. A lot more freedom to be yourself and lead an active life away from curtain twitchers and judgmental types and know it alls.
It has its charm too but you will always end up running into the parochial attitude. Bad minded malformed ideas that some people have. Not suffering them is the key which isn't always easy when you might often find yourself in a minority that would disagree with casual xenophobic talk and the like.

Where To

Where To wrote: »

Parochialism is the lowest form of nationalism.

later12 wrote: »

I'm not particularly opposed to it; it has shaped our society and made us a more cohesive people than many of our continental European neighbours. The GAA in particular has had a role to play in that regard.

At least pride in your parish can make more sense, since one can contribute to one's local parish in a tangible way, in co-operation with friends and neighbours.

Being proud of a community you helped to shape is fair enough. Some people would call that parochialism.

But being proud of any territory you were randomly born into, just because you were born into it, is something far more curious.

Whoosh!

later12

oops:o

BornToKill

Zebra3 wrote: »

I'm sure FG will sort it all out though and that their slogan of "chnage" at the last GE wasn't some bs line to get into power and onto the gravy train. :rolleyes:

Are you sure that was the election slogan? It's not very catchy.

The Hill Billy

kneemos wrote: »

What kind of extra powers would you give local government?

X-ray vision! :cool:

Zebra3

Gee Bag wrote: »

More power for Local Government?

If you think our TDs are a bunch of fcukwits you wouldn't want to meet the gormless baboons we have for county councillors.

Well, first off all there'd have to be a complete overhaul of the councils and abolitions/mergers galore.

Dublin has four seperate councils. What a joke. Look at the size of the Greater Manchester area covered by one council.

There is no integrated planning.

If you're not impressed with the standard of people elected to local government, blame the mongos who elect them. :rolleyes: