Today Plus3 Ireland took a historical tour in the heart of Dublin, and I realized how little I’ve learned and  know about Irish history. Despite our tour guide Sylvie’s extensive knowledge and lecture she conventiently glossed over an interesting and seemingly scandalous public notice. The notice (see the cover photo) hinted at a cover up of child abuse by certain Irish instituitions that lasted for several decades. After some research, I understand why she decided to omit that shameful part of their history and have come to notice that the people of Ireland tend to avoid talking about uncomfortable topics; but before I could judge, I found her actions oddly relatable.

I immediatley started to reflect on all the disgraceful and humiliating parts of American history like slavery, Jim Crow laws, school shootings and the rejection of Vietnam War veterans after their return home. These moments were often over looked or light heartedly discussed in classrooms (and textbooks!) and everyday conversations. It’s only now in the age of social media and Google (which has given us the ability to dig deeper with ease) that hot topics are openly and througly discussed more regularly. Although we have some work to do, we’ve become comfortable talking about, debating, and examining the aforementioned topics more and more as we uncover and learn about them.

I mentioned in my last blog post how Dubliners, by culture, are extraordinarly kind and value relationships in their everyday lives and in business dealings. It makes me wonder if their poise and courtesy could be problematic to their society as I think directness and candor is conducive to progresiveness and moving foward from issues from a shameful past.