Insofar that Americans do seem to prejudge the Irish as heavy drinking, rather dim witted individuals, ( in my case they're probably correct ) yes the theme of the St, Patrick's day celebrations does lean towards a form of prejudiced racism. I've had light heart-ed, Irishism' remarks directed towards me in many American states, but for some reason, particularly in southern California, the Double Tree Hotel in San Diego, to be precise. When challenged in an 'eyeball to eyeball face off' the comedians always withdraw their not so, funny comments and apologise for the racial slur. It must be said that a lot of Irish men and woman contribute towards the acceptance of their,( perhaps not wholly undeserved ) stereotype image by permitting the taunting Irish gibes to go unchallenged. That's my opinion at any rate. ''Hic'', s'use me, ''hic''.

well i don't know but the english did use to refer to the irish as white nrs, there was the whole problem of englishmen owning land in ireland and forcing the irish to work it, living in shacks and squalor, and they pretty much starved the irish. a modest proposal was a pretty good satirical book on this issue

The Irish can only be described as a race in a social context, as essentially there are only five recognised separate races, and whilst they may seem like it sometimes, the Irish cannot be described as a race apart. During the days of the European Empires the British, in common with their continental neighbours, undoubtedly did treat the people of their occupied countries unfairly, nor did they promote the advancement of the national culture of the conquered nations. However, they did introduce the basis for executive administration, a judicial system of justice and an infrastructure system which was light years ahead of what had existed before their presence. The British established form of administration and judicial procedures still form the basis of government in Ireland today. Most buildings of note and examples of fine architectural design were erected by the British. I'm convinced that in 1000 years time the Irish will still be chattering on about the awful British. The Jews have come to terms with the Holocaust, the Yanks have gotten over the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl harbour and the 70 million deaths caused by the Germans and their allies in WW2. Not so the Irish. They enjoy wallowing in their self pity and try very hard to maintain their irrational and psychopathic hatred for the British. In my opinion such is the psyche' of the small minded, backward looking Irish. Oh by the way, I'm Irish and have been describing my countrymen and women.