Irish Things that are Actually British – Throwback Thursday

It’s getting to be mid-March, and all good Buzzkillers’ minds turn towards things Irish. We have done shows before on St. Patrick and on the Irish Slaves Myth, which, of course, were quite serious and brought up important historical issues and themes. But this March we thought we’d be a little more light-hearted, yet probably…

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The Irish Slaves Myth

White supremacy has been rising at an alarming rate in the last few years. The “Irish Slaves” myth has been given new life by these extremists. The famous “Irish: the Forgotten White Slaves” emaill has been unearthed and promoted heavily again during the St. Patrick’s season. It’s an abuse of history, as well as being…

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The Irish Slaves Myth

All of you know the depth of my love/hate relationship with the internet. On the one hand, I love the internet and the crazy history stories that fly around it via email and blog posts. They provide grist for the Buzzkill Institute mill, and, of course, keep us floated financially, as well as emotionally. And…

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Irish Symbols and Hidden Hibernians

Ever wonder how the shamrock, the Celtic Cross, and the Claddagh Ring became symbols of Irish culture? And which Irish people deserve more historical attention and shouldn’t remain “Hidden Hibernians”? Professor Edward O’Donnell explains all in this St. Patrick’s Day episode! —Buzzkill Bookshelf Edward T. O’Donnell, 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish-American History

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Irish Things that are Actually British

It’s getting to be mid-March, and all good Buzzkillers’ minds turn towards things Irish. We have done shows before on St. Patrick and on the Irish Slaves Myth, which, of course, were quite serious and brought up important historical issues and themes. But this March we thought we’d be a little more light-hearted, yet probably…

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St. Patrick’s Day Myths

Is St. Patrick’s Day more of an American tradition? What can possibly be wrong with St. Patrick’s Day? Not much, except that there’s very little historical basis behind stories about St. Patrick. And there’s certainly no historical basis for excess drinking, green beer, and the Chicago River turned green. Or is there? The Professor becomes…

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