Benjamin Christy,
Laguna Niguel, CA.
This is the title of John Lydon’s autobiography, which refers to his upbringing as an Irishman in London. He was reminded of how the Irish were despised and how there used to be signs in apartment buildings and hotels that expressed their displeasure with these three races. I used to have conversations with my grandfather about race, and he confirmed that, yes, the Irish were seen as less-than-human in their early days of assimilation in America. As a young man of Irish descent born and raised in Oakland, CA, I have felt everything from being ostracized, ridiculed, and physically abused, to taking full advantage of the invisible shield that is “white privilege.” I wouldn’t trade it, however, because this made me open my eyes to a world that likes to hide behind its subconscious hate and ignorance. By speaking on what has happened, we can educate others so that we are empowered with more information and intellect.
