Suchergebnisse

An exploration of the lessening of conflicts related to Orange Order parades in Northern Ireland focuses on different responses to restrictions placed on the Drumcree Church Parade in 1996 & 2003. Data were drawn from field research carried out between 1995 & 2003 that included discussions with persons involved in the disputes, as well as personal participation as a parade monitor & advisor to relevant government & nongovernmental groups. Shifting contexts surrounding the disputes & changes in the personnel responsible for managing them are explored. The importance of parades in North Irish pop culture & the role of symbolic displays in clarifying competing identities like Protestant, Catholic, unionist, nationalist, & Irish are pointed out. Other issues discussed are how parades exacerbate ethnic tensions; the fragile & transitory nature of socially constructed collective national/ethnic identities; & the sense of permanence given to ethnic identity by local history/tradition. It is contended that threats to a ritual tradition are often viewed as threats to the survival of the collective identity itself. Implications of parade disputes for the peace process are discussed. 43 References. J. Lindroth

Whenever political change in the north threatens their centuries-old hegemony, the protestant marching season takes on a special significance. This year's Orange parades marched to confrontation to the fading tune of a dying order