A Difficult Difference: Race, Religion and the New Northern Ireland

Description

In today’s world multiculturalism is no longer a theory it is a reality, and calls into question the rules that govern societies. But what happens when a society divided along sectarian lines starts to become multicultural? Does diversity inflame old tensions or can it offer a blueprint for a bright new future? Northern Ireland has changed. For most the war is over. Peace has brought prosperity, and a measure of political stability. It has also brought record numbers of migrants. But not all newcomers have been met with respect and tolerance. Malicious racist attacks have garnered international headlines, while the north’s commitment to the full diversity of its citizens has often been called into question.

This is the story of how multicultural agendas have emerged in Northern Ireland, and how sectarianism continues to frustrate new visions for a post-conflict society. Drawing on everything from analysis of anti-racist murals and posters to interviews with politicians, policy makers and minority ethnic representatives, this book shows how, and where, Northern Ireland is moving forward, and where patterns of behaviour and social organisation rooted in tribal division are holding it back. While politicians across the globe are grappling with issues of race and religion, understanding Northern Ireland in all its complexity has never been more important. This highly readable account paints a vivid picture of where Northern Irish society is now, and what needs to change if a socially cohesive future for all its peoples is ever to be realised.

Table of Contents

1. The Song Remains the Same: Sectarianism and Diversity in the New North
2. Managing Diversity in a Divided Society: Race, Religion and Public Policy
3. ‘They’re Not Interested in Our Issues’: Policing Racism
4. ‘This Cultural Diversity Stuff’: Celebrating Northern Ireland’s Difference
5. ‘Showing Your True Colours’: Anti-Racist Visual Culture in West Belfast

About the Author

Peter Geoghegan is a writer and journalist from Longford. His work has appeared in numerous publications including The Irish Times, The Scotsman, The Irish Examiner and The Sunday Business Post.  He holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. How will sectarian divisions affect a multicultural Northern Ireland?   Analysis of everything from posters to murals and interviews with politicians, policy makers and ethnic representatives   The important, powerful and accessible study of the issues, such as the recent hounding of the Belfast Roma Community