‘oh, you’re Irish, you love to have a drink, yes?’

[barryqwalsh]

A teacher denied a job because of the “alcoholism nature" of Irish people has revealed candidates are often questioned about their drinking habits.


South Korean employers always quick to mention our drinking - Irish teacher reveals - Independent.ie

 

[barryqwalsh]

It is over the top to call this "anti-Irish ". Yes, it is an uncomfortable stereotype, but stereotypes don't just come out of nowhere. Instead of playing the victim card, maybe we should address the issue.


Many alcoholics refuse to admit that they have a problem, Irish society refuses to admit we DO have a problem with alcohol.

The image of Irish people that many have, and not just in South Korea, , is of excessive alcohol consumption.

Instead of railing against criticism can we use this opportunity to have a grownup debate on the real issue - alcohol consumption in Irish society, at home and abroad, not "anti-Irish" racism.


Irish teacher denied job in Korea due to alcoholism of your kind - Independent.ie

 

[barryqwalsh]

Katie Mulrennan had been teaching English in South Korea for two years before she was refused a position with a private Seoul.

The 26-year-old, from Co Kerry, said schools often chose North Americans to teach English because of their accent as they don’t see Irish people as having a very clear accent.

“South Korean employers are always quick to mention about the Irish people and our drinking,” she told Independent.ie.


South Korean employers always quick to mention our drinking - Irish teacher reveals - Independent.ie

 

[Delta4Embassy]

A teacher denied a job because of the “alcoholism nature" of Irish people has revealed candidates are often questioned about their drinking habits.


South Korean employers always quick to mention our drinking - Irish teacher reveals - Independent.ie

Unfair though many stereotypes often are, stereotypes don't start and then endure unless grounded in reality:

"Ireland ranks high among European countries for consumption of alcohol. In 2003 it had the second highest per capita liter consumption in the world. The Irish are now drinking more than they ever did; twice as much as they were consuming back in the 1960s. This has led to an increase in alcoholism and alcohol related deaths.

Alcoholism Statistics for Ireland

The Rutland Centre estimates that one in ten people in Ireland are dealing with alcoholism. Alcohol has become the third most common reason for why people are admitted to psychiatric wards. It is estimated that every seven hours somebody in Ireland dies because of alcohol abuse. Every day there are 2,000 hospital beds taken up by people who are there because of alcohol. The statistics for alcohol abuse are particularly worrying that on average five other people will be impacted when one individual develops alcoholism."

Alcoholism in Ireland Alcohol Rehab