We Consider Ourselves Our Own Clan

I am 2nd and 3nd generation Irish-American. In essence, I am 100% Irish. I do not like to say that I am Irish, because I was born in New York. My parents were born in New York and two of my grandparents were born in New York. Right. We never left New York. They married other Irish-Americans and here I am.

We consider ourselves our own clan. You may become Irish-American if you stay here long enough. I even know some Irish immigrants who have lost their accent.

My great-grandfather was a politician during the Tammany Hall days, so i am proud of what my people have done in mixing up the pot of America.

I know self-described black folk who are half-Irish. I know many people who are part Irish. We all share a heritage that is unique and special. The Irish who came here did so for a reason which perhaps distinguishes us from Irish-from-Eire people.

Two years ago, the US census took Irish-American off the form. We can no longer write it in. "They" complained that too many people wrote in Irish-American and want us to be white or black. But we are not that bland, are we now? The census is annoying. Most people are a mix. The cynic in me believes they want us to choose between government-defined "races." I don't like the idea of race. The word "Caucasian" makes me sad. It's silly.

I think we are different. We are not your ordinary white or black people. If you're like me, the majority of your friends have a little ethnic tinge: my jewish, Italian, PR, & black friends, in particular.

If you call yourself Irish-American tho, I would hope you are at least 1/4 Irish. If your ancestors came here ten generations ago, you are not really Irish-American. Be proud of being 100% American. But you are not Irish-American. sorry.

I hope you are proud to Irish-American. Only Americans call me Irish. To the Irish, I am American. They are wonderful people over there. Go have a visit.

Sometimes I call myself Irish-New Yorker. We really got a close knit clan in this vast city and suburban zone!

So don't call me Irish. I am Irish-American!