What are your views on Multiculturalism in Ireland? - Threadbanned User List in OP

I still don't understand what the issue is if 3 out of 4 people living here are ethnically Irish? What difference does it make? Sounds like something that is said to scare people.

People bring change with them, and a lot of the change that they bring with them is less than obvious. I get that there's an attitude on boards that people are afraid of change, and that it's wrong to think that way, but for myself, I've seen a lot of change in Ireland/"the West" over the last three decades, with a lot of it being negative. Now, some of that is natural, due to the advancement of technology and the response of society to adapt to the new environment. Or the relaxation of social norms, such as teenagers being able to see nudity in movies. Many little changes over time to culminate in an overall change to the culture of a country. Which is normal.

When a country is homogeneous, or relatively so, that change to society tends to follow a... somewhat unified direction. [At least, it used to before the social sciences gained so much influence, and their divisive ideas became commonplace]. The problem with multiculturalism, or the statistic of 20% of the Irish being foreign born is that it's a massive change to the demographic of the country in a short period of time, but also the beliefs/ideas/desires that comes with them. It's one thing if they were all from other western nations, in which case, the desires for change would follow a fairly similar line, due to a shared history of morality, or belief systems, but when you're talking about large groups from Africa, M.East, etc all with very different backgrounds, morals, etc, the implementation of change will be more fractured, introducing a much wider range of ideas. Beneficial or desired for one group but not desired by another.

I hated growing up in Ireland, and I was incredibly happy to leave. However, after leaving Ireland, I spent time in a wide range of countries, and at the end of it all, I recognised that Ireland was a better country for people to live in overall. It still wasn't a country I wanted to live in but, it was safer, generally more honest, and so on. As more people come in though, that is changing. Quickly.

Not really explaining what I mean very well, but I don't have the time right now to organise/format my thoughts. Hopefully you know what I mean.

Bubblypop, that's my issue with the demographic change. People have needs, and desires... usually heavily influenced by the culture they grew up in. Some break away to be different, but most people carry those needs/desires within themselves, wanting their new home to adopt/provide them. The problem is that with so many different cultures, there is going to be a clash in expectations for what the country provides, and how society alters in order to provide it.

Its all about the Muslims for you, Anne 🙄

I have family in many different countries, some of whom are very Irish in the culture, despite never living here, some of my family in this country are not.

What is your point?

I understand what you are saying, but I generally disagree.

I believe Ireland is a much better place to live them it was, and I don't believe it was more honest, it was safer, but I don't believe that immigrants have changed it. The drug culture that began in the early 80s and the Celtic tiger are what has changed the country the most.

No-one is diluting anything.

80 million people around the world claim Irish ancestry. There are GAA clubs in all corners of the world. People Irish dance everywhere.

In fact, I would think that Irish traditions and culture is getting stronger for the last 100 years. I see no reason to worry.

History tells us multicultural empires always break apart on ethnic lines. Current events show us that our European neighbours are desperately struggling and failing to integrate the new ethnic groups within their borders which are increasingly asserting themselves. Whatever way you cut it, ethnic groups sharing the same territory always leads to conflict.

This is what bothers me. History has shown us what happens to multicultural societies over the long term. It's not a secret. And yet, so many people advocate for multiculturalism in western societies, usually with an emphasis on immigration from regions that are vastly different from us. (Africa, M.East, etc) I have to assume that they believe it will be different this time, but what are we doing that's different from past multicultural societies.

IMHO It seems to me that we're simply following the US while ignoring the unique differences available to the US, such as it's geography/location in the world. Western nations have adopted the inclusive and diversity is our strength crap that came from US administrations, and US social sciences.. but where has that led us? The US is incredibly divided, even if you ignore the racism directed towards African Americans, and Hispanics. There is very little unity left in that nation, and that's what we should be aiming to emulate? Added to which, from an economic standpoint, and what the nation can provide for it's population, there are huge areas across the whole country, which have fallen to 3rd world standards, with many pockets simply disappearing from being supported, or improved... how is that a good thing? Oh, I know the US has their own problems with being a military power, and other economic issues, but they're still one of the most economically powerful nations in the world.

What happens to a country like Ireland where it's wealth and economy is most strong only on paper? An economy heavily focused on services produces little, and is seriously dependent on other markets to remain stable. We already, even during our boom periods, had problems providing an adequate amount to services to the whole country, and in many areas, those services have been encouraged to shrink to just cover the major population centers. Which is another project (the focus on cities) that tends to cause serious problems in the long term in every country,

I really wish people would think. Think about what's gone before us. Even the changes/problems of the last three decades seem to be dismissed and ignored.. in favor of adopting a feel-good belief that everything will be fine.. because of reasons that haven't been thought out and reasoned through. It's just so... idiotic.

This can be debated till the cows come home but the simple fact is the same issues that are happening in America and Western Europe are starting to take hold here now. This will continue into the future, perhaps more so here because we have concrete plans supported by all political parties for increasing immigration massively over the next few decades unlike other countries like France who are now actively looking at severely restricting it.

It is what it is at this stage.

Why does Chu seem to hate the Irish so much? Everything about her seems to be rooted in a sort of contempt for how our country is.

The French have practiced Laicite for a hundred years, it was initially targeted at Christians. Same rules apply.

The French are fairly wise to the idea that modern multiculturalism is driven by the US, and largely reject it.

Well the 2004 referendum was fairly decisive, and another one will also be decisive.