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A naturalized U.S. citizen from Ireland empathizes with the struggles of the Palestinians, sharing personal insights and parallels.
Sympathy for the plight of Palestinians
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In an emotionally charged conversation on Politics Done Right, a progressive radio program, Briege McP, a naturalized American of Irish descent, draws poignant parallels between the historical suffering of the Irish under British rule and the current plight of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. This heartfelt discussion highlights how personal and collective histories of oppression can foster deep empathy and solidarity across different struggles for justice and human rights.
Briege begins by referencing a grim historical moment during the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-19th century. She recounts the callous remarks of the Duke of Cambridge in 1846, who suggested that the Irish could subsist on grass if potatoes failed.
This statement exemplified the British government’s indifference and cruelty towards the Irish people during a period when over a million Irish died of starvation and disease, and another million emigrated in desperation. Despite receiving shiploads of food from countries like Spain and Italy, the British authorities hoarded these supplies, exacerbating the famine and enforcing a de facto genocide.
Briege’s narrative is a powerful indictment of colonial and imperial policies prioritizing control and exploitation over human lives. The British government’s actions during the Irish famine were not merely neglectful but actively harmful, stripping the Irish of their sustenance and dignity. This historical atrocity, often mischaracterized as a simple natural disaster, was, in reality, a deliberate act of oppression and violence. Briege passionately argues that this understanding is essential for comprehending the gravity of what the Irish endured.
Drawing a direct line to contemporary issues, Briege asserts that the situation in Palestine mirrors the historical oppression of the Irish. She describes the ongoing Israeli occupation and policies in Palestine as genocidal, likening them to the British actions during the famine. This comparison is not merely rhetorical; it underscores the shared experiences of dispossession, dehumanization, and resistance against a more powerful oppressor. Briege emphasizes that acknowledging these parallels is crucial for fostering a genuine understanding and solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.
Briege’s reflection on the empathy between the Irish and Palestinians is rooted in a shared history of suffering and resistance. She recounts the historical relationship between the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), illustrating how solidarity between oppressed peoples can transcend geographic and cultural boundaries. Both groups, labeled as terrorists by their oppressors, were primarily engaged in struggles for national liberation and self-determination. This historical connection strengthens Briege’s argument that solidarity with Palestine is not just a political stance but a moral imperative for those who understand the weight of colonial oppression.
The conversation is poignant as Briegs shares personal anecdotes about her family’s history, further humanizing the abstract horrors of famine and occupation. She recounts her grandfather’s experiences working on the Titanic, highlighting the systemic discrimination faced by Irish Catholics, even within the working class. This personal history of hardship and resilience informs her deep empathy for the Palestinian people, reinforcing her conviction that historical narratives of oppression must be acknowledged and remembered.
The host critiqued contemporary geopolitics, condemning the ongoing complicity of powerful nations in perpetuating injustices. He argued that the United States, much like the British Empire, lacks the moral authority to condemn others when it continues to support oppressive regimes and engage in imperialist actions. This critique is particularly relevant in the context of U.S. support for Israel, which many view as an enabler of the occupation and violence against Palestinians.
The discussion also touches on the broader issue of historical memory and the importance of challenging dominant narratives. Briege highlights how the British government has historically whitewashed its colonial atrocities, promoting a sanitized image of the monarchy and its actions. This selective memory erases the suffering of colonized peoples and perpetuates ignorance about the true nature of historical events. By drawing attention to these forgotten or misrepresented histories, Briege calls for a more honest and inclusive recounting of the past, acknowledging the voices and experiences of the oppressed.
Briege McP’s heartfelt testimony offers a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of struggles for justice and the importance of historical memory. Her empathy for the Palestinian plight is deeply rooted in her own heritage of suffering and resistance against colonial oppression. By drawing parallels between the Irish famine and the Palestinian occupation, Briege not only highlights the enduring nature of imperial violence but also calls for a renewed commitment to solidarity and justice. Her story is a testament to the power of personal and collective memory in fostering empathy, understanding, and action against oppression in all its forms.
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