Irish American culture is formulated by immigrants from Ireland and their descendants. Irish immigrants heavily influenced the formulation of American culture, contributing heavily to literary culture, politics, sports, religious leadership, workers' rights, and entertainment.http://memory.loc.gov/learn//features/immig/irish8.html Today's Irish American culture exists primarily due to immigrants in the 19th century. Both Catholics and Protestants emigrated from Ireland in the past. Irish women frequently made the journey on their own and represented about half of the incoming Irish population (particularly unusual for the 19th century). Newly-established Irish immigrants founded their own communities and parochial schools, some of which still function today.http://www.udel.edu/soe/deal/IrishImmigrationFacts.html Stereotypes exist in both the past and present in Irish-American culture. While some stereotypes function as a source of Irish American pride, other stereotypes (such as 'all Irish Americans are Catholic' and 'all Irish Americans are pugilists) incite anger over prejudice in many Irish Americans. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/150293/persistent_stereotypes_in_contemporary.html?cat=9http://xroads.virginia.edu/~ug03/omara-alwala/IrishKennedys.html Over time, Irish American culture has become diverse, but the influence of Irish culture in America is undeniable.
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In 2007, over 34 million Americans claimed Irish heritage. Nearly one quarter of these respondents lived in the state of Massachusetts. In 1995, Congress designated March as Irish American heritage month.http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/009465.html Heritage is only one aspect of Irish American culture. It includes ethnic food (such as bangers and mash, colcannon, and boxty), traditional Irish music frequently incorporating the fiddle, voice, and bodhran, and for some families, religious tradition and pub culture. In the Irish pub, the Irish American community gathers to discuss sports, politics, and community issues. Various online networks and publications exist to explore, promote, and present Irish American culture such as the Irish Voice and its Irish Central online community. http://www.irishcentral.com/IrishVoice/
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Fast Facts
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Irish Americans traditionally serve corn beef and cabbage in celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 17.
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Noted Irish American authors include Frank McCourt, Thomas Flanagan, Anne Rice, and Flannery O'Connor.
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At least 17 U.S. presidents are or were of Irish descent.
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Famous Irish American entertainers include Tim McGraw, Michael Moore, Ron Howard, Gregory Peck, Grace Kelly, and Mel Gibson.
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Native to County Wexford, Ireland, Commodore John Barry is called the "Father of the Irish Navy." A statue of him is located behind Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
