"Irish Mike" ameritech.net> wrote in message
news:fPHxk.617$Z64.595@flpi143.ffdc.sbc.com...

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Here's a look from 150
years ago. Some of the arguments sure seem familiar today.
"There was very deep prejudice against Irish-Americans during the 19th
century, especially as more immigrants came into the United States. Many
Americans considered the Irish as dirty, stupid and lazy. Newspaper
cartoonists often contributed to this image by drawing Irishmen as looking
like apes with a jutting jaw and sloping forehead. Newspapers also wrote
about Irish people using the derogatory term of "Paddy."

Americans also blamed the Irish immigrants for causing economic problems.
They felt that the great numbers of Irish workers would put Americans out of
work or lower wages. Americans felt that the increased number of people
would mean taxes would rise due to additional needs for police, fire,
health, sanitation, schools and poorhouses.

Consequently, it became acceptable to discriminate against the Irish. Many
job posters and newspaper ads ended with "No Irish Need Apply." Hotels and
restaurants may have had signs stating "No Irish Permitted in this
Establishment." In 1851-1852, railroad contractors in New York advertised
for workers and promised good pay. When mostly Irish applied, the pay was
lowered to fifty-five cents a day. When the workers protested, the militia
was called in to force the men to accept. (M., p. 322)

The Irish reacted to the conditions they were faced with in different ways.
Many changed their accents, names and even religion to escape
discrimination. Others turned to alcohol and crime. Still others turned to
the Catholic Church. Since many of the priests and nuns were Irish, it
provided a connection to home. It also helped the immigrants feel safe from
prejudice and helped them learn American customs."