I'm wearing orange today! Who's with me?

[Seeking Serenity]

Today is St. Patrick's Day, in honor of the patron saint of Ireland, the man credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

It is customary for people of Irish descent to wear green on March 17. But, what many people don't know, is that it also proper for people to wear orange today if they are Protestant. I am not Roman Catholic, I am Protestant. So I am wearing orange today.

The tri-colour flag of the Irish Republic has three colours: Green (symbolising Irish Catholics), Orange (symbolising Irish Protestants), and white (symbolising the idea of peace between the two).

[BeachBaby]

1. This oughtta be good.

:popcorn:

[SoxFan]

5. Wear a Confederate flag shirt on MLK's Birthday and see how cute it is

[BeachBaby]

7. Huh?

Where did I say anything about it being "cute"?

I "get" the representation of wearing orange on 3/17 - that's why I have the popcorn guy there. I knew this thread would be something to watch.

[3.14158675309]

38. I think what she means is that this is a train wreck thread in the making

[BeachBaby]

56. That's EXACTLY what I meant.

I know that this is an extremely sensitive issue among the Irish. And like you, pictured the trainwreck.

Thanks, babe.

[LostinVA]

45. You got it -- the same damned thing

[TZ]

97. wow that was nasty...

Why don't you just call her a bigot and be done with it..:eyes:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

100. It's the EXACT same thing

BeachBaby isn't a bigot, but SoxFan's post was correct.

[TZ]

103. She said nothing about it though.

That was uncalled for and nasty. I would have totally flamed anybody who did that to me for merely posting a popcorn smilie. Obviously the OP didn't know that either. Its not right to attack anyone for that little reason. God even when I get ignorance in my face IRL (like someone using the phrase "to jew them down" I would not compare them to the nazis) do I not get nasty like that. I POLITELY correct them.
SoxFan overreacted to HER and thats whats unfair. And to be honest, thats not the first time I've seen him do that. He should not take his frustrations out on people who aren't attacking him.

[cboy4]

106. I see the DU post nanny is on patrol this morning.

SoxFan was right on the money.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

107. I look at it as there's been a lot of anti-Irish Catholic bigotry on here lately

He over reacted, but things have been really nasty.

As for the OP, they know exactly what wearing orange stands for.

[LostinVA]

101. It is exactly the same

If Orange needs to be worn, it needs to be worn on "Orange Day." Wearing orange today is actually a very, very nasty thing to do.

[TZ]

104. Yes but she didn't know that.

Should I compare someone who uses what I think is a nasty term "to jew someone down" to a nazi because they don't understand the origins? Nope. I polite inform them of why that could be construed as nasty. Its good to correct someone's ignorance. Its not good to attack them for not knowing anybetter. I bet there is a lot of people wearing orange today without knowing anybetter..Would you want some stranger coming up to you and comparing you to the KKK because of it?

[Deep13]

114. Are you equating Protestants with slavery?

A person may be Irish and still reject Catholicism. In fact a person may be Irish and be an atheist or a Muslim or a Buddist.

[redqueen]

115. No, similar use of a symbol to be intentionally divisive.

Also, the Orange Order was used to quell dissent among those who opposed unfair treatment by Britain - both Protestant and Catholic alike.

So this is NOT about religion.

[SPKrazy]

270. wha?

:shrug:

no comprendo

[SoxFan]

2. Epic Fail

For your next trick, you can wear a Confederate flag t-shirt on MLK's birthday.

The "Orange" and their English allies spent the better part of 600 years denying the "Green" their basic civil rights. My own grandfather was tossed into a jail in Cork harbor for standing up for the notion that Ireland should be a free and independent nation. Wearing orange on St. Patrick's Day is tantamount to spitting in the face of those of us of Irish Catholic descent.

[TK421]

11. I'm glad I didn't wear my British flag t-shirt to work today n/t

[BeachBaby]

13. Did you see the Fox Philly news this morning?

Finnegan's Wake is already completely packed out with drunks! :rofl: :hi:

I'm very glad not to have to be in Philly today. ;)

[TK421]

14. I missed the news, but I'm sure some friends of mine are among that crowd

and hell no, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near that place! :hi:

[Avalux]

3. Sacrilege!

Curses be upon you and may the ghost of Anthony Heffernan haunt you the rest of your days!!

[Lil Missy]

4. I'm just wearing my jammies and staying home.

[seaker]

6. I often have.

Especially to Presbyterian services growing up. But not today, explanations of that nature take away from the myth of the day.:toast:

[SoxFan]

10. Well, that and the fact that it is ignorant and insulting

Save the orange for the ian Paisley Chowder and Marching Society Annual Conclave

[BeachBaby]

12. I think it's important to note that we do not live in Ireland.

We live in the USA.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

16. It doesn't matter

It's the same as wearing white supremacist gear on MLK Day.

[BeachBaby]

22. Hey, girl.....let me clarify....

This green/orange thing is representation of a religious war of sorts, yes? And it is a religious war from another country.

The KKK/MLK thing is racial and American. Does that make more sense?

In other words, I could see this being a HUGE issue in Ireland, but not here. The Catholics and Protestants aren't bombing each other in America.

[SoxFan]

36. No, it isn't an abstraction

Some of us had family members who felt this in a very personal way.

My paternal grandfather was imprisoned by the British for political activities.

My maternal grandmother had her house raided by Black & Tans.

Others are savvy enough to appreciate their heritage. Blowing it off as "not an American problem" is the sort of nonsense that lets the paleocon right ignore the slaughter in Darfur.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

39. It's not even a religious war as much as apartheid against the Irish

The British subjugated the Irish for hundreds of years. My ancestors starved because of the British (Ireland had plenty of food during the famine, they just had it all exported by the Brits). Orange is a color of oppression, so whether it's in the US or not, wearing Orange on St. Patrick's day is a horrible thing to do.

And, the Irish faced plenty of oppression once they got to the United States. One thing I learned on DU, though, is that there are plenty of DUers who still really don't like Irish Catholics.

[BeachBaby]

47. Okay. I completely understand what you're saying, fwiw.

I like to learn. I always have; but I gotta be honest with you here, and I hope you know that I say this in all sincerity....

Since you and I discussed this last week, I Googled this whole "wearing orange" thing. It seems that it can represent two things: a rebellion, or simply being Protestant. This has been referenced in several websites.

I also read up on the Irish flag and what it stands for. It has orange in it, to represent the Protestant minority of Ireland.

That's why I said what I said, upthread. I could understand the anger of someone wearing orange in Ireland, because there is still a religious war/apartheid in existence; but here in America, could it not be that Irish Americans are simply wearing orange to represent that they are Irish American Protestants, but Irish all the same?

I dunno. *sigh*

I hope you're not offended by any of what I say, Jersey girl. I am always asking questions, and try to understand both sides. That's all. :)

[Critters2]

186. And some who hate Scots Presbyterians.

I fail to see the difference.


Critters
Irish but not Catholic
Scots but not Presbyterian
German but not Lutheran

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

194. Well, in all honesty, I think the Scots should seek Independence

I don't have a problem with the Scots.

[Lost in CT]

118. Since the Orange are Irish how is that comparable?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

119. Do you just run searches on these threads daily?

[Lost in CT]

123. It' s at the top of the lounge...

and BTW I also think wearing Orange in America on St Patrick's day is assholery...

There were protestant members of the IRA leadership before independence is all I am saying.

[Critters2]

There were indeed. You wouldn't know it to hear Irish Americans talk, though.

Patrick wasn't even a ROMAN Catholic. He was Christian before the Great Schism. But you won't hear that, either.

[redqueen]

173. This is not about religion.

Religion was cynically used to foment dissention among those who rejected British oppression.

The Orange Order quashed dissent among Catholics and Protestants alike.

[redqueen]

125. Learn some of the history of Ireland.

Then it will all become clear.

[Lost in CT]

126. I know a smidgen...

[redqueen]

127. And yet you don't get the analogy? (nt)

[Lost in CT]

134. On a being a dick level they are the same....

historically they are not comparable. Thats all I was saying.

And I am wearing a football jersey (soccer for you yanks) that has green and a shamrock and says Ireland on it. (It's a fake of course)

BTW if you want to piss of an actual Irish American as opposed to a regular drunk American wear red and white not Orange... I find the Derry football club uniform fits the bill (even though the team is in the southern Irish league and is owned by the people of Derry) The uniform is quite provocative to the uninformed.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_City_F.C.

[SoxFan]

128. In that case, you realize

that many of the Orange are actually Scots-Irish, i.e., descended from Scottish farmers who were given land in Ulster as a way of screwing with the Catholic population.

[Lost in CT]

137. Some certainly are... but you can make the same argument to remove

the Aztecs from Mexico and the Zulus from South Africa not to mention the English and Irish from America. In fact considering the years (almost a thousand in some cases) and level of intermarriage the populations are indistinguishable.

[Critters2]

163. Or forced to seek a better life due to famine in their homeland

(gee, who else had that experience?), or forced off their land during the clearances. Both sides are victims of British oppression, but it sure works nicely to keep the victims fighting each other, so the oppressor's crimes are ignored.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

183. The Irish didn't really have a famine

They had plenty of food. The British just exported it all.

[Critters2]

187. Yep. The Scots really did have a famine, but

after being driven off the best land by the Brits.

Oppression is oppression.

[Critters2]

151. Protestants in Northern Ireland are also victims of British oppression.

Most are the descendants of Scots moved there during the Highland clearances. They didn't choose to live in Ireland, but were forced there by the British. But after 400 years, they think of it as home...as you probably think of the US as home. And they feel safer governed by the people who moved them there than the people who threaten (and sometimes more than threaten) violence against them.

A little compassion all around could end this whole dispute.

[redqueen]

154. Yes, that's all anyone asks is compassion.

Any compassionate person would see how divisive and ugly and insulting it is to wear orange today.

[Critters2]

158. Everyone's heritage should be treated respectfully.

I say this as a person with Irish, Scots-Irish, and Scottish ancestry. Fighting among the oppressed ignores the role of the oppressor. All oppressed people, Scots and Irish, need to honor one another's painful history.

Every day.

[redqueen]

162. There are no oppressed people fighting among themselves

on this thread.

On this thread, there is only one group whose heritage is being mocked.

[Critters2]

164. No. There are two. nt

[redqueen]

172. Believe that if you want to.

I would choose to learn, myself.

[Critters2]

179. I have learned...from my Irish and Scots-Irish families. nt

[wickerwoman]

275. NI protestants were denying Catholics housing in the 60s and 70s

because the vote was tied to home ownership. Make sure Catholics don't have homes and you can take away their vote at the same time. A twofer!

Sorry but that pisses me off a lot more than British oppression of the Scots 700 years ago. We're not talking about ancient bloody history. And I'm allowed to be pissed off about it no matter where I live and what my ethnic heritage is.

And yes, Virginia, wearing Orange on St. Patrick's Day makes you an asshole.

[Critters2]

191. So, you're compassionate toward Protestants?

I guess I missed those posts.

[redqueen]

193. People wearing orange TODAY are not declaring their Protestant pride.

People wearing orange TODAY are antagonizing those who are celebrating TODAY.

That's like saying people wearing confederate flag hats at MLK rallies are just showing their pride.

It is ignorant or disgustingly nasty... take your pick.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

165. Yes, a little compassion, which does not include wearing orange

Honestly, I think anyone who purposely wears orange today, deserves to get the shit beat out of them. They can wear it on their little Orangeman day in the summer.

[Critters2]

168. I don't think anyone ever deserves to get the shit kicked out of 'em. nt

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

171. If you wear Orange on St. Patrick's Day to an Irish pub, you're trying to start a fight

[Critters2]

177. I'm wearing green. But after reading this thread, I'm

more proud of my 1/4 German side than either my Irish or Scots/Scots-Irish sides.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

180. Good for you

[SoxFan]

231. I am resisting the temptation to make a really offensive comment

[Critters2]

233. Feel free.

I'm not offended by something you might say about things I really don't think matter.

[Seeking Serenity]

192. Here in Arkansas, we don't have any Irish pubs.

Oh, we have a few "Irish-themed" bars here, but . . . .

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

196. Well, in any case, wearing orange today is no different than wearing a sheet on MLK Day

[Runcible Spoon]

214. Not true. My rubgy team managed to find a few in Fayetteville.

Wanna find an Irish pub, just follow the ruggers.

[Seeking Serenity]

216. Fayetteville. College town.

This is Little Rock. Which either means white-collar, after-work snobberies or blue-collar pool halls.

Unless you want franchised places. Which I don't.

[Runcible Spoon]

218. hey sport, you said Arkansas in general!

I'm just defending my old turf :evilgrin:

[Seeking Serenity]

243. OK, OK. You got me.

Besides, Fayetteville is a whole other country.

:hi:

[Critters2]

199. Or that's what was clean this morning.

Not everyone goes around with a chip on their shoulder.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

202. I don't know why you're defending a group of oppressors

[Critters2]

204. I'm not defendint the British.

Both sides in the Irish troubles are victims of British oppression.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

Yet, you seem to think expressing "heritage" through orange is okay

[Critters2]

207. Where did I say that?

I think fighting hundreds years old battles in a country where you don't live is just silly.

[WildEyedLiberal]

208. It's not hundreds of years old

Bloody Sunday was 37 years ago. This stuff is more recent than the worst of the American civil rights battles.

You seem to be confusing Orangemen with "all Scots-Irish or Irish Protestants," when no one else is making that conflation. If you really don't get the difference between those who participate in marching season and people who attend a Presbyterian Church, then I can't help you :shrug:

[Critters2]

210. Well, I didn't ask for your help, so it's all good. nt

[WildEyedLiberal]

212. No, you'd just rather keep on misunderstanding and railing against your straw men

For someone who claims to want peace, you're being very purposefully obtuse and making zero effort to listen or understand.

[Critters2]

213. What do I not understand?

The reasons for continuing an age old conflict?

I never understand why people continue to fight wars for reasons of nationalism or religion. And I never will.

[WildEyedLiberal]

215. I guess you didn't "understand" the civil rights crusade either?

Do you really not understand why an oppressed people could possibly want equal treatment, justice, and sovereignty over their own land?

[Critters2]

217. Why yes, I do understand that.

I don't understand behaving as if you're still those oppressed people when your ancestors successfully left that oppression.

[WildEyedLiberal]

219. Do I, personally, have to be oppressed to care about the oppression?

Are you black? Did the civil rights of black people directly affect you? I'm not black or gay, but I still care about civil rights. Funny, I thought giving a crap about oppression that doesn't directly affect me was part of what being a progressive is about.

[Critters2]

220. Continuing to hate is not what being progressive is about either.

Saying people deserve to have their asses kicked because of the color of their clothing doesn't strike me as progressive. But that's me.


If keeping fights going makes you feel good, knock yourself out.

[WildEyedLiberal]

221. Understanding why oppressed people are angry at the symbols of their oppressors might help

Or do you think a redneck wearing a Confederate flag t-shirt would be welcomed with open arms in a club in Compton? Should they just forget all about that nasty "slavery" business, open their arms, and sing kumbayah? After all, they weren't slaves, and they shouldn't hold grudges over oppression suffered by their ancestors hundreds of years ago, right?

[Critters2]

223. I dunno. Let's ask President Obama if we should just keep hating.

He seems to have thought about these things.

[WildEyedLiberal]

227. That's what I thought - you have run out of justifications

Because you know good and well that deliberately provoking people by dredging up a reminder of oppression - whether it's orange on St. Patrick's Day or a Rebel flag in a black neighborhood - is indefensible.

[Critters2]

228. Wow. That logical jump made me dizzy.

I know continuing to fight battles for no reason at all is indefensible. No matter who is doing it.

[WildEyedLiberal]

229. Your abrupt segue to Obama rather made me dizzy, as well

Because you couldn't honestly answer whether or not black people should just welcome with open arms rednecks who wear Confederate regalia. And when someone does deliberately provoke a historically opppressed people by flaunting a well-known symbol of their oppression in their face, shouldn't you question exactly who is continuing to fight the battle? It wasn't an Irish nationalist who started this thread.

[Critters2]

232. I think the person who started the thread didn't know any better,

and later even apologized. It was Irish nationalists who couldn't let go.

As I'm doing now.

Good-bye.

[WildEyedLiberal]

240. Because of people like you who insist that wearing orange is NO BIG DEAL

And who then refuse, upon being informed of the history, to admit that, yes, it actually is a big deal, and very insensitive.

Goodbye to you.

[Critters2]

242. Goodbye to you, too

:hi:

[redqueen]

222. Funny, I thought so too.

What an eye-opening day this has been.

[Lost in CT]

236. And how many people died on bloody sunday??? 14???

A little perspective is a good thing.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

238. Fourteen innocent people were murdered by the Paras and it's no big deal

[Lost in CT]

246. Out of the thousands of men woman and children that were slaughtered by both sides....

no... It has a song...

Nov. 21, 1974 Two bombs devastate pubs in Birmingham, England, killing 21 and wounding 160 - the IRA's worst toll of bloodshed in a single attack.

I wonder how many of those pub crawlers were innocent... I'm guessing every single one of them.

[LostinVA]

250. Are you including the Great Starvation in that number?

Or do genocides count for as little as what happened on Bloody Sunday?

[Lost in CT]

253. Fuckin A ... you know it is a sad day when a Derry boy finds himself defending the limeys

Can we included all the blacks lyched by the Irish during the New York City Draft Riots of 1863. Seems as relevant... They killed 233 when they burned down the orphange... think about that for a minute all those african american babies burning alive at Irish hands...

Yeah two can play this game until everyone in the world hates everyone else or we can look to the future and stop living in the past.

I drank with Gerry Adams at Four Green fields one sunday after they closed. The photo still hangs on their wall....

Look to the future stop refighting the past.

[LostinVA]

257. You didn't answer my question -- and, this is a "game" YOU started

Although I don't consider intellectual pandering over the oppressed and the dead a "game."

[Lost in CT]

259. I don't think one should wear orange on St patricks day that would be someone else... nt

[SoxFan]

279. Maybe one Catholic is 3/5 of a Protestant

[WildEyedLiberal]

239. How callous can you get?

Jesus Christ.

Is 1,500 enough of a bloody body count for you? That's how many people died in the Troubles, the vast, vast majority of them Irish Catholics murdered by the unionist/loyalist forces.

Since 14 innocent unarmed civilians isn't enough bloodshed for you.

[redqueen]

244. Yeah...

I think that's all I need to read from that poster.

[Lost in CT]

245. I think your numbers are a bit short the IRA killed 1715 people

TOLL Killed 1,775 people from 1970 to 2005, maimed several thousand more in shootings and explosions.

TARGETS The IRA killed 638 members of British security forces, chiefly the army; 640 civilians, most of them Protestants; 273 police officers in Northern Ireland, six in the Irish Republic and five in England; 149 of its own members, either accidentally in explosions or deliberately as suspected traitors; 28 members of outlawed Protestant paramilitary groups; 23 prison officers; 12 members of rival anti-British paramilitary groups and one Irish soldier

Some Lowlights

Feb. 6, 1971 IRA kills first British soldier in a sniper attack in north Belfast.

July 21, 1972 "Bloody Friday," when 20 bombs detonate in Belfast within an hour, killing nine people and wounding 130.

Nov. 21, 1974 Two bombs devastate pubs in Birmingham, England, killing 21 and wounding 160 - the IRA's worst toll of bloodshed in a single attack.

Jan. 5, 1976 the Kingsmills massacre, when the IRA shoots to death 10 Protestant civilians at a roadside after stopping their bus.

Feb. 17, 1978 IRA firebomb burns to death 12 Protestants in a suburban Belfast hotel.

Aug. 27, 1979 IRA bombs Lord Louis Mountbatten, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and three others on his private boat in the Irish Republic. On the same day, the IRA kills 19 members of the British army's elite Parachute Regiment with two remote-controlled roadside bombs.

Oct. 12, 1984 IRA bombs hotel on south English coast hosting the annual party of Britain's ruling Conservative Party, narrowly missing Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher but killing five others, including a lawmaker.

Nov. 11, 1987 IRA kills 11 Protestants in a bombing in Enniskillen during a memorial service for World War I and II dead.

Jan. 17, 1992 IRA kills eight Protestant construction workers with a remote-controlled roadside bomb at Teebane crossroads.

Oct. 23, 1993 IRA kills nine Protestant civilians, including two children, and one of its own members in a botched bombing on Shankill Road, a hard-line Protestant district of Belfast.

June 16, 1997 IRA kills two Protestant police officers, shooting them in the back of the head at close range in the town of Lurgan. IRA calls a cease-fire 34 days later.

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/sections/nation_world/nation_world/article_614859.php

So yeah 14 people are a drop in a very bloody bucket.

[WildEyedLiberal]

247. Hmmm, no links on the victims of the UDF?

Curious. Maybe because it'd shoot your "OMG the IRA were the only terrorists" theory all to shit.

I have no idea why you're such a vociferous enabler of bloody imperialism, but it's pretty fucking sick.

[Lost in CT]

251. Actually because I looked up IRA... I don't think the IRA were the only terrorists.

In fact if the British Army hadn't of interfered I doubt any catholics could have stayed in the North.

I was just pointing out that the troubles were quite a bit more bloody than your numbers indicated,

[LostinVA]

249. Shameful post, especially for this site

[Lost in CT]

255. Less than one percent of the total dead in a war some here seem to want to restart.

No the bloodiest day by a long shot just the most famous.

[LostinVA]

258. No one wants to restart any war, except a few of you

[Lost in CT]

260. Look to the future and the present where the orange and green are united

in marriage not to the past is all I say.

[Name removed]

280. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lost in CT]

292. Nobody is defending it at all... I pointing out considering the thousands of men woman and children

that were needlessly killed it is a small event popularized by song.

I think maybe American Irish should stop living in the past and deal with a future Ireland where everyone is getting along...

And for those on here that seem to want to restart the troubles.... they need to look into their dark soul and find some light and goodness.

[redqueen]

209. 1) It has only been a few years since the British stopped sending troops

to Northern Ireland to protect those participating in "orange day" parades.

2) Do you not "fight" any other country's battles here in America, by dispelling similar ignorance?

[SoxFan]

20. Doesn't matter. It's still ignorant and bigoted.

Waving orange in someone's face on the one day out of 365 that is associated with Irish national pride is ignorant, offensive, and bigoted.

[BeachBaby]

30. No offense....

but you have orange in your flag, and you wave that flag proudly, yes?

Honestly, I REALLY don't understand that part. And you jumped on me upthread. You're overreacting to me, when all I'm doing is joining in the discussion.

[SoxFan]

40. Quick history lesson

The Irish tricolor flag is a relatively modern creation. it is meant to signify the peaceful unity of Catholics (green) and Scots-Irish Presbyterians (orange). Somehow, the Church of Ireland types in Dublin didn't get a color, but that's a different issue.

Unfortunately, this worked better in theory than in practice. The peace treaty between Ireland and Britain created the artificial entity we know as Northern Ireland, so there has never been a truly united Ireland. Over the last three decades, it has actually been Orange paramillitaries and their allies in the security forces that have spilled the most blood. The IRA has abided by the Good Friday Agreement cease fire, the British government has followed through on the reform of the police force, but the Orange hardliners continue to stonewall.

[eyepaddle]

80. I'm not much into college sports (and it'd be Big 10 if anything) but does the Syracuse

nickname mean what I think it means? St paul is a pretty damned Irish town but I never really hear anybody get worked up over the Syracuse Orangemen.

Or maybe I should just google this sort of thing.

For the record, I am a second generation "Irish no longer catholic" my dad gave up on Catholicism before he married my mother. I am actually more Norewgian and Swedidsh than anything else, but it is the Irish part tha proivdes my family name.

I'm wearing green too.

[Seeking Serenity]

41. You do know that there are Irish Protestants, yes?

Not British Protestants in Ulster, but Protestants in the Irish Republic.

That's what the orange in the Irish tri-colour signifies.

This is not an exclusively Irish Catholic holiday.

[SoxFan]

52. And they show more sense and sensitivity than you

Most Protestants in the Republic are Church of Ireland (ie, Anglican), and they do not identify with the whole orange schtick.

[redqueen]

55. I've never heard of this

"I'm wearing orange cause I'm Protestant" thing.

Especially not on St. Patrick's Day. I wonder when it started.

[redqueen]

54. Is there a color that Catholics wear on this day to antagonize Protestants?

Proudly declaring *today* that they are wearing orange... there is no question what that is intended to do. It is intended to antagonize, insult, offend, etc.

[Seeking Serenity]

64. It's not, y'know.

It's a celebration of MY Irish heritage.

[redqueen]

66. Yeah, just like the confederate flag. (nt)

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

68. That's what people say to excuse wearing white supremacy gear

They're just celebrating their white heritage.

[LostinVA]

69. Liek how some white people celebrate THEIR white "heritage"?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

70. EST

[SoxFan]

74. Celebrate on June 12

Since your concept of Irish heritage seems to involve antagonizing Catholics, I suggest you go and celebrate with Ian Paisley on June 12.

[Critters2]

166. Just for the record, Patrick wasn't a Roman Catholic.

He lived before the Great Schism.

[redqueen]

175. Why do you continue to try to make this about religion?

That's what the British oppressors wanted. Make it about religion, so they'll fight amongst themselves.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

181. Because she doesn't have a full grasp of the issues

[redqueen]

185. It makes me so sad.

:(

[Critters2]

184. I've been making the argument, throughout this thread,

that Patrick is neither Catholic nor Protestant, and both Scots and Irish have been oppressed by the Brits. I've been trying to STOP the fighting between the oppressed groups, which you seem to so enjoy.

I'm Irish and Scots-Irish, and proud of both.

[Chan790]

182. What you've missed...

is that St. Patrick's Day is a Catholic holiday, the feast day of a Catholic saint, not an Irish nationalist holiday. It was barely celebrated in Ireland even, until it became a holiday of the Irish Republican resistance to celebrate their Catholic heritage, protest for independence and rail against the occupation. I get the impression that you are either unaware or uncaring that the only reason that the Orange Order and hard-line Unionist protestants in Ireland wear orange (and initially did in the past) on St. Patrick's Day was to stir crap up and instigate sectarian violence. There is an increasing amount of false apologia created to muddy that fact or to substitute an alternate history and motive, but it doesn't change reality or the true history. (It's not unlike the whitewashing given to our founding fathers, most of whom did not possess the high-minded ideals we ascribe to them now as the result of a cleaned-up history.)

You're entitled to wear orange today if you want, I'm entitled to think you're misguided (if you were unaware of the actual symbolism of that act) or an instigator of a flame-war. (if were aware of that actual symbolism and did it anyways) Please note that most Irish Protestants are also opposed to the wearing of orange on St. Patrick's Day as they think it's offensive and opposed to the goal of a peaceful and home-ruled Northern Ireland. It's only the hard-liners (i.e. The Orange Order) who are opposed to a home-rule solution and wish to remain subjects of the crown and British Parliament who would do such a thing.

[redqueen]

189. Thank you! (nt)

[LostinVA]

61. Then wear it on July 12, not March 17

You cannot honestly be this ignorant of the significance of wearing Orange today.

[SacredCow]

8. I'm wearing yellow....

what does that mean?

[BeachBaby]

9. It means you're awesome.

And if you were wearing black, or blue, or red, or any other color....you'd still be awesome. :hug:

How are you, sweetie? :hi:

[SacredCow]

19. Awesome, like, perhaps.....

A Narwhal????? That'd be Hella-Cool!!111!!

I'm good. Just finishing my coffee and personal emails and about to get on the stuff that I get paid for! And you? :hi:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

15. It's proper for a Douchebag to wear

[DS1]

17. I'm technically a Protestant, and while my opinions on Ireland are typically more complex

The Orangemen and their parade are total shits.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

24. I knew I liked you for a reason

[PaddyBlueEyes]

18. there is nothing wrong with

you wearing orange....you should wear it on 12 july. If you are going to celebrate 800 years of colonial opression and genocide of the native population, and destruction of the gaelic culture, at least do it on the right day...Slainte.

[SoxFan]

21. Well said.

[LostinVA]

48. Bingo -- teh Twelfth

[no name no slogan]

23. nice

I was confirmed a Protestant, but I was baptised Catholic and had a Catholic wedding. I also have ancestors that were probably Ulster Scots, as well (look up that history if you want).

I'd like to just say that wearing orange deliberately on St Patrick's day is a bad idea. At least we live in a part of the world where you won't get beat up (or worse) for doing something so insensitive.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

26. Unless he went into some of the bars I know

[SoxFan]

31. Try this in South Boston!

Or at a Dropkick Murphys show pretty much anyplace...

[eyepaddle]

62. Off topic, but that picture is just chock full of win.

:rofl:

[mcctatas]

25. I would love to see you wear orange and walk into a proper Irish

pub today, the tri-color flag aside, orange is the color of oppression and colonial rule. There was a time when wearing green in Ireland could get a good Paddy hung and wearing orange today is anything but proper.

[taterguy]

34. I'm sure the reaction would be serene

[hobbit709]

27. I'm not Irish, Protestant or Catholic

I'm wearing red and black today-mainly because those were the top items in the drawer.

[Eyerish]

28. uhhhhh....

good luck with that one...it would probably be wise to steer clear of any parades or pubs today. Orange is the color of oppression for most Irish, so it's actually pretty insulting.

[Critters2]

170. The colors of oppression are the colors of the Union Jack.

Only idiots think the Protestants in Ireland are the oppressors.

[Eyerish]

241. Boy you are really trying pick fights aren't you??

This really hit a nerve with you. Trying to insult me to get me to fight you is a very childish tactic. I stand by my comment. Wearing orange on this day is offensive to the majority of Irish and Irish-Americans including myself. Anyone of Irish decent who thinks it is appropriate is ignorant.

[redqueen]

261. No, she's spreading peace and love... can't you tell? (nt)

[Marrah_G]

29. I just like the Corn Beef and Cabbage.....

St. Patrick I would probably slap upside the head.

[Forkboy]

138. You are a woman after my own heart.

:rofl:

[Marrah_G]

140. I'm making the old fashioned boiled dinner again tonight !

(we've had corn beef & cabbage twice this week already cause it's on sale)

You are welcome to join us !

[Forkboy]

156. Well this is a fine time to have no vehicle, let me tell ya.

That's ok, I'll just mop up the drool and go on with my day. ;)

Thank you for the offer though. It's one of my fave dinners in the whole cosmos. :)

[TheMightyFavog]

32. Where's flippy when you need him?

I suppose you're a fecking Rangers supporter, as well. :grr:

I'd like to see you do this in a Catholic section of Belfast.

[SoxFan]

33. !!!

[redqueen]

58. ...

[SoxFan]

35. Never mind Belfast...

Boston or Chicago would probably suffice.

[redqueen]

130. Can we call them by the correct name please?

Scotland's Shame.

[RebelOne]

37. I'm of Irish descent and an atheist.

But I'm wearing green today to celebrate my Irish heritage.

[rurallib]

85. me too (irish atheist) I was thinking naked may be in order.

But I will go green.

[Rhythm]

88. I'm Scot/Welsh, but wearing green today anyway

In support of my Irish cousins.

[Seeking Serenity]

42. My family is of Irish heritage (the Scots-Irish variety)

Protestants (Presbyterians) who were escaping the British Isles from their own persecution.

I am celebrating my Irish heritage. I am Protestant. I am wearing orange.

It is proper. Just as proper as green.

[SoxFan]

50. Bullshit

Celebrate it in June with Ian Paisley and the gang.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

53. What SoxFan said

[SoxFan]

75. Must be that Irish poeticism shining through...

[redqueen]

57. When did this wearing orange on St. Patrick's Day thing start? (nt)

[Pacifist Patriot]

205. I remember nitwits in school doing it to be cute, and that was a couple of decades ago.

[LostinVA]

63. Then you would proudly wear your Orange on July 12, not today

Educate yourself. You are defending the indefensible.

[Drunken Irishman]

43. I don't know what to say to this.

Honestly, I thought maybe this was sarcasm, but I guess not.

[LostinVA]

44. Do you wear a Klan hood on MLK Day?

Same thing. Bigotry and nothing else.

[Starry Messenger]

46. Carry this too.

Maybe you can pass it off as performance art.

[SoxFan]

51. -

:spray:

[redqueen]

49. Shame on you.

:puke:

[1gobluedem]

59. Everyone here has said it much better than I could

Wearing orange today is insulting to the Irish in Ireland and to those of us in the US who are of Irish heritage and whose ancestors experienced suffering and privation at the hands of British invaders in their native land and who were discriminated against by the WASPs in power in the US. Regardless of whether one is Protestant or not.

[mainegreen]

60. I am, but it's because I'm dutch and it's the royal color.

Aint nothing to do with Ireland.

[redqueen]

67. Any special reason?

Or just coincidence?

[mainegreen]

71. Coincidence, but I do wear orange a lot because of it.

[SoxFan]

77. Don't do it today.

Seriously. It is very insulting.

And there is a connection. the Orangemen, ie, Presbyterian Scots-Irish, derive their name from William of Orange, the Dutch monarch who took over England.

[mainegreen]

86. Good grief. I'm not english, irish or scots. I dont celebrate St Patricks day.

I'll wear whatever color shirt I want to work, on any day I want.
If people want to be insulted by my shirt color, fine.

[MrCoffee]

143. :thumbsup:

[no name no slogan]

98. William of Orange was Dutch

That's where the Orange in the Irish Tricolour comes from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_flag#Symbolism

[geardaddy]

148. Not really coincidence.

William of Orange was Dutch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_III_of_England#Conflict_with_republicans

[redqueen]

157. I meant did he decide to wear it *because* it's St. Patrick's Day. (nt)

[geardaddy]

159. Ahhh...

Gotcha. ;)

[tigereye]

78. here's a little bit - I'll see if I can find some more

Orangemen: Irish Protestants. The name was given about the end of the Seventeenth Century by Roman Catholics to the Protestants of Ireland, on account of their support of the cause of William III. of England, prince of Orange.



and the wiki link if that helps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_Institution

[redqueen]

83. Oh no... I know about the Orangemen...

and William of Orange... I was just wondering about mainegreen's reason for wearing it today, specifically.

[Bunny]

65. It's not proper for people to wear Protestant orange on St. Patrick's Day.

It's a sign of remarkable dickishness, actually. But, do carry on.

[Seeking Serenity]

72. All right. Here's the deal. I was brought up to be proud of my Irish heritage

but my grandmother (which is where that heritage comes from) always stressed that we were from Irish Protestant descent, but that made us no less Irish. That's where I learned of the wearing orange on March 17.

It has nothing to do with the BRITISH Protestants in Ulster.

Not that it will change anything, but I really did not expect this virulent a response. It was not snark or finger-in-the-eye intent.

Sorry.

(On edit: Upon closer reflection, my subject line was not worded at all well. I'll see if there's still time to change it.)

[LostinVA]

81. "It has nothing to do with the BRITISH Protestants in Ulster"

Oh yes, it does. It has EVERYTHING to do with this.

I have heard the EXACT same argument used for why the Confederate Battle Flag should be used in State flags.

[redqueen]

84. Yes, the arguments are exactly the same.

It's insensitivity and lack of consideration *at best*.

At worst... well...

[Critters2]

153. Protestants in Northern Ireland are not British.

They are Scots.

[tigereye]

73. c'mon now how much serenity can you be seeking with a post like this?

:rofl: :beer:


I like to tease my "orange" friends about this on St. Pat's, since I'm RC Irish.

[cboy4]

76. I'm not with you.

:puke:

[Seeking Serenity]

79. I've alerted on my own thread, so maybe this can be put to rest.

No offense was intended, but clearly offense was caused.

I apologise.

[DS1]

82. SERENITY NOW!

[3.14158675309]

87. BRING BACK THE SERENITY!!1

[geardaddy]

201. ...

[Richardo]

89. Are you in jail?

:shrug:

[DeepBlueC]

93. only excuse

[charlie and algernon]

90. you're VERY LUCKY you're not in Ireland today

You'd get your ass kicked thoroughly. If you were in Northern Ireland today, half the territory would hold a parade for you, the other half would literally kill you.

[AlCzervik]

91. make sure you posts pics of yourself at the pub.

[SoxFan]

282. Won't do any good

Wear orange in the Irish pub I like to go to and they'd need dental records.

[3.14158675309]

92. IBTL

[KitchenWitch]

94. I am of Irish Catholic descent - I am not wearing green today

Because I am now a pagan.

[AlCzervik]

95. i'm wearing black because it's tuesday.

that also applies to all the other days of the week that end with a y.


:D

[KitchenWitch]

96. LOL

I am a black wearer myself.


:D

[Lyric]

111. Good for you.

That is, after all, Ireland's original native culture. You're just getting in touch with the deepest roots of all.

As for me, I'm German, Welsh, Jewish, and Slovak. I have no colors to be proud of, so I just wear a lot of blue because I like it.

:hug:

[TK421]

99. Wearing orange today will make too many people see red n/t

[SteppingRazor]

102. Well, this thread played out about how I expected it.

That said, it sounds like the OP didn't quite realize what she was saying. No offense meant, none taken. And I say that as a guy who practically bleeds green. :hi:

[Arugula Latte]

105. I should wear black to mourn the spread of Xtianity.

[SoxFan]

133. Well aren't you fucking precious.

:eyes:

You do realize that Christianity took root in Ireland without bloodshed? That the Irish monastic system saved countless works of literature and philosophy from oblivion during the Dark Ages? That the Irish have, more than any other people, taken up the pure Christian message of helping the least fortunate among us?

Of course not. You just enjoy spewing shit and antagonizing Christians.

Bigot.

[Arugula Latte]

139. A pox on ALL religions is my attitude.

But I was being over-the-top smart assy in my post, I'll admit.

Still, I see you're a male defending a belief system that justifies the oppression of women -- no birth control, no abortions, women can't hold high positions in the Church, etc. -- and has for centuries.

It's not just Christianity ... All religions use made-up shit to keep certain classes of people down. Yeah, not all believers do that, but, by and large, the religious systems put in place (largely by males) work to control and oppress people.

[flvegan]

108. I'm naked.

[3.14158675309]

116. Dude, you need to stop eating Cheetos before watching porn

It will offend the Irish Catholics.

[seemunkee]

109. I'm wearing both

Wasn't thinking when I grabbed a rust colored shirt, but I have on green pants.

[bif]

110. I'd rather not get the shit kicked out of me. Thanks.

[Deep13]

112. Did not wear either today.

My business clothes do not include either color. Besides, I'm not Irish and I'm not Catholic. (Protestants typically do not celebrate saint days.) So it is a nonholiday for me.

[Bake]

113. I'm from Tennessee and not Irish. Guess I shouldn't wear my Vols jersey today, huh.

This is a little ridiculous, this whole thread. Personally, I'm not wearing green today, nor will I be drinking any green beer.

This is the Lounge, dammit. I thought we left politics at the door. Maybe this discussion should be taking place over in GD or GDP, the "rational" forums.

Bake

[WildEyedLiberal]

120. Please read some of the replies to understand how offensive this is to those of Irish descent

The OP drug politics in here when he proudly proclaimed that he was going to wear orange on St. Patrick's Day, which I assure you is every bit as nasty as wearing sheets on MLK Day. You can't expect people to see that kind of assholery and not respond.

[Bake]

124. I didn't understand any of this until now.

Now that I do, yeah, I agree the OP was out of line.

But if you happen to see me wearing my Vols jersey, don't be offended. I'd be celebrating UT going to the NC2A, not making a political statement. Of course, I'm more likely to be wearing my red Louisville shirt ...

Bake

[SoxFan]

135. Oh, and by the way...

Vols suck!

:evilgrin:

[Bake]

230. And here I was being all conciliatory and stuff!

Shame on you!

Actually, it's true, they do kinda suck this year, as does the entire SEC. But hey, I was born and raised in Tennessee; moved to Louisville when I got out of college, and went to business and law school at U of L. And NOBODY can say Louisville sucks this year!!

:woohoo:

Bake

[SoxFan]

234. I like Loovuhl this year

I've always liked Pitino, and the fact that he drives UK fans up a wall is a bonus.

UL was on my law school short list until Mrs. SoxFan narrowed the list down to Arkansas, UALR and Memphis. UL and Oklahoma didn't make the cut.

[cboy4]

278. The entire SEC sucks? You might want to look at the rankings

again and look up who finished as National Champions.

Tennessee also just signed the #1 player in the country.

http://louisianastate.scout.com/a.z?s=107&p=2&c=847745

It sounds to me you've lost track of the Vols and are soundly a Louisville supporter.

LOL

[Bake]

295. Yes, the entire SEC sucks this year!

Or more specifically, it's having a "down" year. Three teams in the NCAA? In any other season, they'd have six (like the Big East and the ACC this year ...). There is not one single POWERHOUSE team in the SEC this year.

Oh -- they'd only have TWO teams in the NCAA if Tennessee hadn't choked in the conference tournament against Mississippi State ...

Bake

[WildEyedLiberal]

141. Hey, I'm an Illinois fan

Talk about ORANGE!

You're not likely to piss off anyone with a Vols jersey (well, outside of Louisville or Vandy fans, haha...)

[SoxFan]

132. You're from Tennessee and live in Mississippi

Two of the least Catholic, least Irish states in the country. You haven't been exposed to the issues and the symbolism.

Go to someplace like Boston or Chicago or New York for some perspective. Irish history is a tragic subject, and the 500 year campaign of abuse is charged with symbolism. As I said earlier, wearing orange on St Patrick's Day is no different than wearing a Confederate flag shirt on MLK day.

[Bake]

235. I live in Mississippi only for the time being ...

Going back to the Bluegrass soon, by golly!! But it's more Baptist than Catholic. Plus, the usual assortment of snake-handlers and holy-rollers. Louisville, at least, has a contingent of Catholics.

Jackson, Miss. has a "big" St. Patrick's Day parade, the highlight of which is the float featuring the Sweet Potato Queens, which generally includes at least one overweight man in drag ...

Bake

[Shell Beau]

298. You need to go!! I am going, although I don't care to see the

Sweet Potato Queens.

[Bake]

300. Hell, the first year I was here I rode in the truck pulling the Queens' float!

It was a total hoot! Much beer was involved ...

:hi:

Bake

[Shell Beau]

301. Of course! I didn't go last year because I was pregnant.

I plan on making up for it!! :) Fun will be had! And the weather is supposed to kick ass!

[Bake]

302. It's beautiful here today!!

Clear, sunny, 75 ... and there's grass to be cut! Supposed to be nice through the weekend, although that's probably too long-range for the weather HERE!

Bake

[Shell Beau]

303. Head over to my house when you finish cutting your yard!

Mine needs a good ole cutting too. Maybe I can talk my husband into it. I love the smell of fresh cut grass.

[EastTennesseeDem]

283. I'm an Irish Catholic who ATTENDS the U. of Tennessee

I'm a walking anomaly on this day.

[WildEyedLiberal]

117. I see SoxFan, Haruka, LostinVA, and redqueen have said everything I was going to say

So I'll just second the :puke:

Seriously, WHY is it okay to be an insensitive, bigoted dickhead to certain ethnicities on DU?

I'm wearing green, but I ought to be wearing black to mourn the continued colonial partition of 6 Irish counties.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

121. I could say why it's okay, but it'd just get deleted

[WildEyedLiberal]

122. Well I'll go ahead and second your unspoken reply, then....

... because it's beyond obvious, and very disgusting.

[SteppingRazor]

129. In reading the OP, it doesn't sound like they were aware..

of just what wearing orange on St. Pat's means. I think they just wanted to celebrate their own heritage, and the diversity of Ireland, not realizing that orange on St. Pat's highlights division, not diversity. In any case, I'm willing to give the OP the benefit of the doubt here.

[eyepaddle]

136. That's what it looked like to me too. I was pretty sure this would not end well.

And to be honest, I bet a large number of Americans probably don't get the significance of Orange in Ireland. Those who do and wear Orange today, yeah that is pretty much an extended middle finger, no question about it. I only started to find out about that when I was around fifteen and saw the stories on the news about the Orangemen and their parades.

Not every action is deliberate--and even those that are, well sometimes they miss the mark. I wonder how many other hot button symbols there are that we blithely ignore? For instance I wonder what the Serbs and Croats would shed blood over that we have no idea about.

[SteppingRazor]

142. Good point.

Who knows but that I could wear, say, red in a particular city and get punched in the mouth for, from my perspective, no reason at all.

Now, that said, I would point out that, before traveling, I'd be aware of any such taboos. Ignorance isn't totally excusable, it's just more excusable than maliciousness. Also, it's a lot easier to counter. I think the OP just needed a well-reasoned explanation for why wearing orange is not a celebration of diversity on St. pat's, but a reminder of oppression.

[no name no slogan]

169. I had a Bosnian friend put it to me very well

He was a refugee from the war. He was from a Muslim background, and his wife was from an Orthodox background (technically a "Serb", although she considered herself Bosnian).

He said that 98% of the population could really give a shit either way about the ethnic feuding, but there's 2% of the population who insist on holding centuries-long grudges, oftentimes about the tiniest of insults.

In the six counties, you see mixed Protestant and Catholic families, and have since the Plantation era. Most people of differing backgrounds get along just fine, and coexist peacefully (see India, for example). But everywhere you go, you still get that 2% that insist on being dicks about it and refuse to live in peace (certain Orangemen who insist on Parades through sensitive areas and 'Real' IRA members, I'm looking at you).

[Lost in CT]

265. Yeah and the really sad part is the Amrericans supporting those 2% assholes on both sides. nt

[enigmatic]

131. I'm 50 percent Irish and am wearing Green today

Because I'm a Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, and I have no other clean clothes..

[rug]

144. At least you're not wearing black and tan.

[Lost in CT]

149. Or red and white,,,, nt

[SoxFan]

226. Actually, red and white works just fine

Corcaigh abu!

[Lost in CT]

248. I love those girls... but Americans are not that educated... nt

[Throd]

145. This thread perfectly illustrates how Irish-Americans can be a tedious pain in the ass

And I say that as one myself.

[LostinVA]

146. And why would that be?

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

147. Explain?

[Throd]

155. My explanation...

The vast majority of Irish-Americans I have encountered have a history very similar to mine. Their ancestors several generations ago left a bad situation for better opportunities in the USA. Due to intermarriage, many don't even have Irish surnames (mine is German).

But a certain stripe of Irish-American loves to use it as an opportunity to claim some sort of long suffering ethnic repression as if the "No Dogs or Irish" signs came down only last week. A few Miller lights laced with green food coloring infuses them with an annoying sense of indignation and victimhood. I'm not really interested in hearing about the horrible injustice suffered by "your side" at the battle of Badhaggis in 1723.

Let's all just get drunk before noon like good Americans on St. Patrick's day and have a great time!

[redqueen]

160. You should be ashamed.

Forgetting your country's past is not something to be proud of. Forigiving, sure... forgetting, no.

And your flippant remark about a battle in 1723 just underscores your ignorance. It was only a few years ago that the British stopped sending troops to Northern Ireland to protect participants in "orange day" parades.

[Throd]

174. No shame here

The United States of America is my country. Not Ireland.

[redqueen]

176. I'm a human being, and I stand in solidarity with oppressed humans.

No matter their country.

[Critters2]

198. Any threat of violence, let alone the use of violence,

is itself a form of oppression.

[redqueen]

200. What threat of violence?

I'm talking about solidarity with those who were so brutally oppressed under English rule.

Both Catholics and Protestants were oppressed by the Orange Order.

Sadly, too many have forgotten their history. Those are the types the British exploited so very successfully. The ones who decided that they should fight about religion instead of fighting for fair treatment.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=8611391&mesg_id=8612374

[3.14158675309]

197. Bingo. Period. EOS EOM

[BlueCollar]

294. "Battle of Badhaggis"...ROFLMAO

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[WildEyedLiberal]

161. Because calling out bigotry makes one a tedious pain in the ass

Don't even get me started about those uppity blacks, or the gays. What a pain in the ass they are.

[no name no slogan]

190. Um, I believe they like to be called "You People" and "Homos"

Please be more respectful of your nomenclature in the future.

- signed,
A Kraut/Norski/Bohunk/Yid/Limey Cracker

[Lucian]

150. I'm wearing my usual clothes today.

No orange. I don't wear orange.

I'm not Irish, so I have no need to celebrate an Irish holiday.

[GreenPartyVoter]

152. I sometimes wear both colors, but today I am wearing green only.

[Pacifist Patriot]

167. Pink and khaki. I guess I'm a Unitarian.

[redqueen]

178. This is not about religion.

Coincidentally, I'm wearing the same colors you are.

[Pacifist Patriot]

203. Great taste in clothing.

And yes, I know it isn't entirely about religion. I was a bit shocked by the post, but decided two things. a) The OP really didn't understand the sensitivity of the issue and b) Others had done enough to address it. I didn't want to participate in a dogpile so I thought I'd be pithy instead. Doesn't always work.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

188. They're the worst

:hide:

I'm wearing jeans, a white shirt and a black fleece. I don't have any green or St. Patrick's Day stuff suitable for work. It's pretty casual around the office, but I don't think my "St. Patrick, they're are still snakes in the north" (map of Ireland with Ulster colored with the Union Jack) shirt would go over too well.

[SoxFan]

281. The dreaded Pink and Tans

While the better known Black and Tans terrorized Catholics in the countryside, the lesser known Pink and Tans were the scourge of fashionable clubs in Dublin and Cork...

:evilgrin:

[ceile]

195. I really don't know what to say.

Speechless....:popcorn:

[Individualist]

206. I'm wearing jeans, a lavender T shirt that says

"Celtic Woman, Goddess with a temper" and a shamrock bracelet.

[KitchenWitch]

211. Love it!

:hi:

[KamaAina]

224. We once had a cat named Sean Timothy Michael Murray

he wore orange on St. Patrick's Day, and every other day, owing to the fact that he was an orange tabby.

But it did get a little weird for someone named "Sean Timothy Michael Murray" to be wearing orange on St. Pat's. Mom tried to compensate with green bows and the like, but it just wasn't the same.

[Iggo]

225. My sainted Gran would say...

..."There's no such thing as Irish Protestant. They're English." (I don't believe that, BTW.) She would also spit whenever she'd hear a newstalker say Londonderry instead of Derry. She was hardcore, that woman.

Then again, she married an English soldier (which I guess is why my mom was born in Canada and not County Antrim...lol.)

Anyway, not sure anymore where I was going with this train of thought, so...

HAPPY ST PADDY'S!!! YAY!

[Tommy_Carcetti]

237. And we have officially reached Olive Garden/Cornflake Chicken territory with this thread.

Oh, and by the way, Oingo Boingo sucks.

[supernova]

252. OK, now you've done it!

I've studiously stayed out of this thread because

1) I am Presbyterian

2) My family, as near as I can tell comes from the Scottish border area with England.

3) Did't know a darn thing about "the wearing of the Orange" ; never even heard if it before now.

BUT

Nobody picks on Oingo Boingo!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28Z93KLgf9Y

[no name no slogan]

276. Border Scots, UNITE!

My ancestors are Clan Armstrong, famed for their reiving, and pissing off both Scot and Englishman alike. They were eventually betrayed to the Scottish King, their last leader (Johnny Gilknockie) was killed and their lands dispersed, mostly to the Scott clan (as in Sir Walter Scott, who had a marked disdain for the Armstrongs).

We may not be highlanders, but we had to put up with fair amount of shit to survive-- from both the English AND Scots!

[SoxFan]

286. Sorry, Tommy, have to disagree

Olive Garden, cornflake chicken, and Oingo Boingo are laughing matters.

the Troubles and the half a millenium leading up to them were not.

[DS1]

254. The mods must either be really busy, drunk, or busy getting drunk

Yowsa

[3.14158675309]

263. Not at all; they are hard at work:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x8610495

[geardaddy]

266. And that was in the Lounge?

Sheesh.

[geardaddy]

264. Seriously.

What you said.

[AlCzervik]

256. Impressive! will it go past 300?

is it Sparta?

[WritingIsMyReligion]

262. Fail.

That's really all there is to say...I see others have set you straight on what "orange" means to the Irish.

[flvegan]

267. I'm hungry for some Lucky Charms.

What with it's
PINK hearts
YELLOW moons
ORANGE stars
GREEN clovers
BLUE diamonds
and
PURPLE horseshoes

See, now that's peace in a cereal bowl.

[Starry Messenger]

268. I'm wearing a Pogue's t-shirt from the "Hell's Ditch" tour.

One 16 year old recognized the band, so that made my day. I've got a green shirt underneath.

[soleiri]

297. I spent the evening loudly playing The Pogues

With my 15 and 12 year old sons.
We found the lyrics online and they were singing along.
Best St. Patrick's Day ever.

[RagAss]

269. As an Italian...I'm just peeking in at this one !

[hippywife]

271. Me, too! LOL

Boun giorno! :hi:

[hippywife]

272. 272 posts and no deleted subthreads!

:thumbsup: Carry on!


:rofl:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

284. I'm shocked, honestly

[SoxFan]

285. The Mods Stole My Bushmills

Damn them...

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

289. Bastids

[CrownPrinceBandar]

273. Oh you're fucking kidding me, right?........

Please, learn some history before you get hurt.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

274. I wore a green scarf today

When I was at a bank trying to look respectable to get a loan. Didn't work. :banghead:

I am NOT Irish.

I am English on Dad's side (A great-grandmother from Liverpool, born 1853).

Descended from drunken Scotsmen and Scotswomen on Mom's side. Presbyterians. They have big, pointy, funny looking noses too! :D

I got Mom's hair and Dad's teeth, both of which were good. :D

[paregdem]

277. Was With You Yesterday (orange)

I wore orange yesterday, green today and there were enough white papers all over my desk both days to fill in the middle of a gazillion flags of Ireland. Driving through one of the Pittsburgh suburbs on my way home from work was more entertaining than usual. The sidewalks were filled with people dressed in the 'colors of the day', the pub and restaurant doors were open and music was in the air...the BEST thing I saw was a man walking about with his friends (or family) and he was proudly and comfortably wearing a kilt. It was a beautiful thing.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

:toast:

[OmahaBlueDog]

287. I have one wish with respect to Ireland: That Orange and Green can be worn

...that the stupidity of the violence will be set aside, and that Ireland will know peace and prosperity.

[no name no slogan]

288. Today, I wore pink

because I wanted everybody to think I was a gurly-man.

[Mutley]

290. I just want to say

That this thread is pretty epic.

:popcorn:

[Haole Girl]

291. I did not know this

Excuse me while my head explodes.

:rofl:

[progressoid]

293. I'm wearing blue and beige - the colors of 'I don't give a shit'.

[DS1]

296. If I were going to update the Frivolous Lounge Infigting Meter

Orange would simply read


Orange

[Lost in CT]

299. Post 299 do I win something is there a prize I was told there would be cake.

[NYC_SKP]

304. That is a lovely pic. nt