This is my description of what being a second generation immigrant from Ireland is like in modern day America.

We are not the victims of hate crimes but even so a large amount of negative stigma surrounds the Irish nationality. We are, stereotypically, viewed as a country of drunks and ne'er-do-wells. Contrary to that belief, we Irish have a very high tolerance for alcohol and are taught to drink in moderation. Going along with that, The Irish view of moderation is very different from the American one because Irish people are born with a naturally higher tolerance for alcohol. Even though the most common job in the area of Ireland that I'm from is farming, we have a closer knit community than I've found even in the small farming town I'm from in Iowa.

Another stigma is that of being extremely poor. That stigma originated when the first irish immigrants came over to America during the Irish potato famine in the 1800's and back then all the Irish people that the Americans were exposed to were extremely poor and not very skilled workers.

I bet you are thinking to yourself, "I have never heard any negative things about being an Irish-American." You would most likely be correct. The thing is that I have heard these things mostly from older gentlefolk from the east coast whose families have lived here since the civil war. It is very similar to how Americans today view illegal immigrants and how people my Grandma's age view all non-white minorities.

Even though these stereotypes are dying out many new ones are popping up. When you think of Ireland you most likely think of leprechauns or St, Patrick's day. Irish heritage and culture is so much more than just those things though. It is based on being a hard worker and not wasting anything. Another value they believe strongly in is everything is good in moderation. They teach their kids how to drink responsibly starting around the age where you start primary school.

If you want to know more about Irish heritage just ask me or another Irish- American you know. I want the Irish culture to no longer be limited to being a leprechaun or drinking all the time. We are just as human as any other nationality and we deserve the same respect and reverence.