What it means to be Irish and Ireland’s Identity and Future: Fintan O’Toole on Culture & Religion Amidst a Rapidly Changing World

In this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak with Fintan O’Toole, Irish Times Columnist, Princeton University Professor, and Author of the factual and critically acclaimed historical memoir “We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland”! Fintan talks about the various changes and challenges both on personal as well as cultural and societal levels that have shaped and formed Ireland. One of the most harmful elements has been the dangers and abuses through impunity that stems from a toxic fusion between religion and politics. Furthermore, a limited and often misguided and static view of culture alongside a fear of and paranoia around threatening influences from different religious and political backgrounds has led not only to stagnation but has been the cause of pain and suffering and an overall lack of progress. Brexit and Northern Ireland have brought new challenges, but it helps to have an American president who has Irish roots. Nonetheless, things are hopeful and are changing for the better as there is more economic prosperity, technological advancement as well as access and opportunities for broader education across the region. It also comes with the realization that cultures are fluid and that it is best to accept, embrace, hold, and be comfortable with different identities at the same time while at the same time bridging differences and underscoring the common ground shared by the Irish in their native land as well as abroad hand-in-hand with their unique, culturally relevant and creative contributions to the arts, literature, and, more recently, cinema.

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