In the letters section of the Dec. 7 issue of the Collegian, a New Mexican resident mentions that some of the members of Chi Omega seem to be “Irish-looking” in the photograph. He then uses the argument that Anglo-Americans historically treated Irish immigrants poorly, therefore, Chi Omega would never “mock a Catholic priest… [or] go around saying they’re trying to find the Blarney Stone to kiss...” Because naturally, they would find that offensive, wouldn’t they?
Yet each year there is a celebration called Saint Patrick’s Day in which droves and droves of Pennsylvanians dress in green, drink until they vomit, perpetuate Irish stereotypes, and make a general mockery of Irish culture.
Most of them have fun doing it. Interestingly enough, the Irish are the second-largest ancestry group in Pennsylvania at 18.2 percent.
This New Mexican resident may find it shocking that, for some unfathomable reason, those Pennsylvanians of Irish descent don’t habitually make this enjoyable holiday into a subject of dispute. Perhaps this is because those of Irish descent can see a parody for what it is and don’t care to blow it up into a scandal as a way of airing their historical grievances. Perhaps some of them even join in on the festivities. I guess some people just can’t laugh at themselves and return the joke.
Ryan Farrell
freshman-wildlife and fisheries sciences
