In praise of the things Ireland gives its emigrants

The Irish emigrant community (and those left behind) are inevitably brought into sharper focus at Christmas and there has been much talk lately of homesickness, loss and depression; a sense that emigrants are the unwelcome guests being pushed out the door, having had their pockets picked as they go.

There is a general sense that Ireland has failed its emigrants, that we are the cast-off victims of a corrupt and uncaring government. There is little room in this narrative for what you might call the reluctantly reluctant emigrant; those who have made happy lives in other places can feel slightly more guilty and shamefaced at this time of the year.

But there are in truth many things that Ireland gives its emigrants that we should treasure and appreciate, besides the ubiquitous and oft-mentioned Barry’s tea and Tayto’s:

For so many of us, a fine education that leads to fulfilling work; a sustaining sense of humor that keeps our feet firmly on the ground no matter where that ground may be; a friendliness and compassion that is legendary; a history that makes us welcome in so many parts of the globe; the sense of values and loyalty that so many Irish have was fostered in our homes, among our families and friends and is a tribute to the ones left behind; and our ability to navigate a multicultural world with ease despite coming from a small island perched on the edge of the Atlantic.

While the happiness of one emigrant doesn’t mitigate the sadness of another, joy is a verse of the emigrant song too often left unsung.

No matter if you go or stay there will be something lost and something gained. There is no such thing as an ideal world; there never has been nor likely ever will. It would be wonderful if anyone who wanted to could stay at home and find work but we live in an increasingly fractured world, where economic migration is becoming the norm.

And Ireland, for all its faults, isn’t pushing us out with war and weapons; we are not shivering and dying beneath refugee plastic while the world tries to decide what to do with us. Mass homelessness and poverty is not an abiding characteristic of the Irish emigrant community today as it is for so many others.

We are, for the most part, loved and missed and endlessly discussed and debated. If we are conscious only of what we are owed, we run the risk of forgetting all that we have gained growing up in Ireland; that elusive thread of “Irishness” that ties us all together.

Ireland and the Irish made me, and tens of thousands like me. This Christmas, the season of giving, let’s give a little credit where it’s due.

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