Over the past decade or so; Irishness has emerged as an idealized ethnicity; one with which large numbers of people around the world; and particularly in the United States; choose to identify. Seeking to explain the widespread appeal of all things Irish; the contributors to this collection show that for Americans; Irishness is rapidly becoming the white ethnicity of choice; a means of claiming an ethnic identity while maintaining the benefits of whiteness. At the same time; the essayists challenge essentialized representations of Irishness; bringing attention to the complexities of Irish history and culture that are glossed over in Irish-themed weddings and shamrock tattoos.Examining how Irishness is performed and commodified in the contemporary transnational environment; the contributors explore topics including Van Morrisonrsquo;s music; Frank McCourtrsquo;s writing; the explosion of Irish-themed merchandising; the practices of heritage seekers; the movie The Crying Game; and the significance of red hair. Whether considering the implications of Garth Brooksrsquo;s claim of Irishness and his enormous popularity in Ireland; representations of Irish masculinity in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel; or Americansrsquo; recourse to a consoling Irishness amid the racial and nationalist tensions triggered by the events of September 11; the contributors delve into complex questions of ethnicity; consumerism; and globalization. Ultimately; they call for an increased awareness of the exclusionary effects of claims of Irishness and for the cultivation of flexible; inclusive ways of affiliating with Ireland and the Irish.Contributors. Natasha Casey; Maeve Connolly; Catherine M. Eagan; Sean Griffin; Michael Malouf; Mary McGlynn; Gerardine Meaney; Diane Negra; Lauren Onkey; Maria Pramaggiore; Stephanie Rains; Amanda Third
#459356 in eBooks 2007-02-22 2007-02-22File Name: B00EHNSR56
Review
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy BobVery good quality at this price. Good shipping!4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. First-ever Book about World Heritage Sites in JapanBy susumu-5John Dougill previously wrote some great guidebooks about nice places around Kyoto. He now ventured into covering 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. It is the first-ever book on World Heritage sites in Japan and the timing was perfect. It was right after Mount Fuji was approved as World Heritage site. Though the book has only six pages for the newly approved World Cultural Heritage site; he deftly summarizes the appeal of major component sites and briefly mentions why it was approved as World Heritage. Introduction on Himeji Castle; however; is insufficient giving only four pages. When it comes to Historical sites on Kyoto and Nara the author gives full coverage on every component site. And it seems the author is not good at introducing Natural Heritage sites such as Shiretoko; Yakushikma and Shirakami Sanchi possibly because of his field of research. Since this book was published two more sites has been added to World Heritage list such as Tomioka Silk Mill and Modern Industrial Heritage sites. So the following is my technical advice as a Licensed Guide and one of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Guides in Shizuoka.1 Make it Two-Volume book from the next edition2 Add the space for Glossary and Footnotes because some of the terms used in this book may not ring a bell for Japan starters.3 Assign another writer for Mount Fuji and other Natural Heritage sites leaving the Dougill as the senior editor.4 Hire a Japanese editor for fact-check or spell check. If the publisher did that spelling mistake as GOKOYAMA for Gokayama could have been avioided.Verdict: Excellent and First-ever Book on World Heritage sites in JapanRating: 95 out of 100Recommended for: Every tourist interested in visiting Japan8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. I love the way this book is laid outBy Arthur BrighamI live in Kyoto; Japan and often see some of the sites covered in this book. I drive by Kinkakuji temple on my way to work once a week. Yet; I know very little about it; aside from the fact that it is gold in color. The first thing I did when I opened this book was to look up Kinkakuji temple; and now I know so much more about it; enriching my understanding of where I live.I love the way this book is laid out; with each world heritage site easy to find; each highlighted with beautiful photos and then covered with very readable and interesting explanations. Next time I travel to other places in Japan; I will know what to look for!I highly recommend that anyone interested in Japan should definitely buy this book.