In empathy with Liam Neeson

My Mental Health issues allowed me to soak up all the negative s**t that TV and my society offered. Several times, I saw black people and had the urge to shout ‘The N-Word’ – or other derogatory terms for them – as that was the first thing that entered my head. I wasn’t racist. It was just the sign of a confused child not knowing how things are in the big wide world.

At University and my work placement in Dublin, I went out of my way to be friendly with coloured people. While, deep down inside, I was hearing, “Go back to your own country!” Then, I allow myself punishment for those thoughts.

In Ireland, racist obseneties are everywhere. However, we got away with most of it because we played the ‘Thick Mick’ stereotype well. But now, our conutry has the same issues with identity and immigration as others. The reality of economic development.

Now, I wish that Mental Health isn’t portrayed as whiter-than-white. Rather, it should be portrayed as human. With human failings. Also, why bring up the issue with racism in Football now whenever these issues had been ongoing for over forty years? It has been raised at a delicate moment whenever issues of identity are first-and-foremost.

Tunes:

 

 

Awkward moment for me at a bar yesterday

Yesterday I was in Dublin and was watching the FA Cup (Soccer) game between Arsenal and Preston North End at a bar in Dun Laoghaire and got to speak to a guy from Portsmouth who supports Tottenham Hotspur – our arch rivals – and we had good banter, and even some tidbits about graphic design opportunities – his girlfriend is a graphic designer – but it was a double-edged sword as he wanted me to approach these two German women in the bar for a drink. Of course, I made a pig’s ear of it. Being placed on a pedestal is difficult for those with Asperger’s.

 

I always feel that being socially awkward inhibits me when I want to go out. Naturally, I’m more confident in my own wee cocoon. But I managed well. In spite of the mishap.

Blessing the Sturridge Dance (Sonnet)

The Old Cross of Ardboe

constitutionally claimed by Moortown!

Mum’s parents are buried there

paying my due respects at the graveyard mass there

networking with my relatives!

Watching the kids by the graves

seeing one little boy from Ballinderry doing the Sturridge Dance

while the Priests talked about the Martyrs!

Childer never had any respect,

but now it’s taken to hyperbole!

Had to hold back my wondering about our society

leading to a situation where anything goes!

Now we have to bless the Sturridge Dance

the green and pleasant land still holds sway!