Below
are the responses to the open-ended question:
'Is
there anything else you would like to say about community relations in Northern
Ireland?'
Note: Responses
were only edited for grammatical reasons, if necessary. Square brackets indicate
where editing occurred.
1. A lot of people have been hurt over
the years due to the other side of the community. We can never forget what damage
has been caused and I don't think we should. It is important to honour our family
members and friends who have died but I do not believe trying to re-spark violence
is the way to do so. We will always have some tension and divide in our community
but that's just the way it is and we should try to get along. I myself have Nationalist/Republican
views but I disagree with violence and these views are 100% separate from my religious
views. I have no problem with people from the other side of the community but
simply think its best that we are kept apart to a certain extent.
2. A
lot of the prejudices between communities is due to upbringing, and is particularly
prominent in poorer areas who quite often do not receive a neutral perspective
on things until they are into their teenage years.
3. A shared community
is the best community.
4. A strong foundation of Jesus for all the areas
would greatly improve relations in Northern Ireland
5. About time the parents
wised up, stop drilling religion and racism into their kids heads as were all
the same, its pathetic.
6. After all that has went on it is hard for me
to trust Catholics because of their reputation and with the constant comments
made towards protestants.
7. All religions need to understand each other
more and also positively interact with each other before Northern Ireland can
move on.
8. Although there are no fights in my area between Catholics and
Protestants, we don't mix so don't get on particularly, e.g. we have separate
buses to school, but we are civilised to each other.
9. As I attend an
integrated secondary school I believe I have a strong understanding of many different
religions and cultures but people who attend their own religion schools have only
been accompanied by their own community so they have no idea about commu
10.
At the minute no…
11. Better than they were, but far from ideal.
12.
Both sides are at fault for sectarian trouble. It is a minority of people who
cause trouble, it is usually youths doing the physical damage and those that are
involved in rioting etc. the distaste for other religions come from parents, youths
- who have nothing better to do than cause the trouble.
13. Catholics and
protestants could get along fine nationalists and unionists will not really get
on. The media seems to drag up the past and inquires like the bloody Sunday inquiry,
are not helpful as they bring up the hate and past ### which always keep dividing
this country.
14. Catholics and protestants have been fighting for years
but I don't think it will ever end but it is starting to get better and starting
to stop a bit.
15. Changes effect they way people think. There are different
opinions from both sides of the community.
16. Community relation to me
is are both government enforced and government sponsored, which to me shows how
divided and hopeless the N.I community.
17. Community relations are getting
better but they've got a long way to go still.
18. Community relations
are only in a mess due to politics and government leaders, It is time that the
government stood up and stopped trying to please sectarian groups and concentrated
on running the country as a united country.
19. Community relations at
the minute aren't great due to rioting/protesting over the flag being taken down
at City Hall. I am very offended by some messages being said and I have to avoid
certain areas to avoid being caught out by protesters/rioters.
20. Community
relations have improved however there is still a divide. Personally I would attend
cross-community groups etc. with different people, religion and nationalities.
21. Community relations in Northern Ireland are bad and I don't think they
will change because people are brought up in a particular way by their parents
and are encouraged to stick with people of the same religion.
22. Conflict
between Protestant and Catholic communities is a deep part of Northern Ireland's
history, but I believe that the problem is not religious conflict, it is the near
tribalism of the communities. It is no longer about simply religion, and in fact,
m
23. Cross community projects would be better if organised by schools
rather than out of the school.
24. Cross community youth projects are few
and far between and must be actively sought out by young people. It seems to be
few young people are involved, or giving the chance to be. People who have already
taking part in cross community group can be prioritised for another one when they
aren't in need of it as much.
25. Cross-community programmes and projects
help build relationships of different from different communities. Helps everyone
understand different beliefs and cultures.
26. Estates tend to be more
religion based eg. Catholic estates and protestants estates which no other religion
would feel comfortable living in unless you were that religion.
27. Ethnic
minorities are fine, it is anyone who takes part of the stereotypical view (terrorists,
gangs, drunkards) who aren't.
28. Everybody has to be treated equally no
matter if you are a different religion or colour ethnicity because all the troubles
are over and its time to forget about the past. Remember everybody is somebody.
29. Everybody is entitled to be what they are but we shouldn't have to
worry about who is what.
30. Everyone needs to get along better and stop
fighting as it does no good for anyone.
31. Everyone should be treated
equal no matter what race or religious group they belong too.
32. Everyone
should get on more and have community fun days, so everyone can get out and meet
with other people.
33. Everyone talks about how we don't interact and work
with the other side of the community very much, but how are we supposed to when
never given the chance? Personally, I think that's were a lot of our problems
lie. Some young people have ideas based on never having tried working with the
other side of the community, their ideas are just based on stuff they read in
history books.
34. From personal experience from going to school in Omagh
which has many schools of mixed religion. Catholics tend to keep to themselves
and Protestants are the same. There is always a slight awkwardness when walking
past a group of Protestants when we are in school uniform. I think this segregation
will be extremely difficult to remedy as history has caused deep wounds will always
leaves scars on both sides.
35. From personal experience the first and
last cross community project I went on was a failure. It was Catholic and Protestant
primary school and it ended with a lot of name calling and our school toilets
being flooded.
36. Generally people are open to different ethnicties
37.
Get more YMCA centres up. [name]
38. Have a lot to be improved upon and
will take a lot more time and governmental involvement
39. Hold cross community
events.
40. Hope it gets better
41. Housing estates with just one
religion living there should be eradicated completely to stop the divide in this
country.
42. I am an equally-supporting Catholic, but it disgusts me how
the Orange Order can parade for a full month in advance of 12 July, whereas one
nationalist march for St. Patricks day or Easter is deemed as 'wrong' and 'not
allowed'.
43. I am angered at how some people are so favourable for the
protestant/catholic divide when we are all Christian.
44. I am fine with
the community relations
45. I am not sectarian when it comes to religion,
but I strongly disagree with the attitudes of many Unionist/Loyalists. I feel
it is inconsiderate and wrong for the orange marches etc. to purposefully march
by catholic churches. I also disagree with how communities flay union jacks without
complaint but if the tricolour was flown, there would be huge opposition. An example
of this is the city hall, where the union jack is flown but the tri-colour is
not. This does not represent the two communities. I am against violence from both
sides, from living in London in my childhood, I feel that this division is only
present in Ireland, and not among Catholics and protestants in England.
46.
I attended an integrated school. I mixed socially with people from a different
religion and ethnic background. I still maintain my identity and feel secure in
myself
47. I believe all are equal but I feel more safer, sociable etc
with my 'own kind'. I don't agree with how I feel but that's society for you.
48. I believe parents influence children in their religious attitudes and
their attitudes towards others. More projects should be made for parents to get
along with those from other religions.
49. I believe relations are stronger
than in the past due to multiple schools organizing schemes to promote tolerance,
however due to recent incidents i.e.. Flags relations are slipping and more needs
to be done.
50. I believe relations would be better if the young people
were not so influenced by the other generation.
51. I believe sectarianism
among people my age would be due to their parents passing their bias opinions
down though the generations.
52. I believe that Catholics and Protestants.
Don't know the meaning of their religion, and only use it as an excuse or label
to fight. If we didn't know anyone's religion, no-one would ever fight. People
are being provoked, from peers and family, to not like people with different religions.
53. I believe that it is quite difficult for protestants and Catholics
to get along in my local area.
54. I believe that no matter how hard the
government or groups try to bring people together, it wont happen. People don't
like being told what to do, what to think. It makes them stick to their opinion
even more. So if you want community relations to improve then target my generation
and the ones that follow - encourage us generate our own opinion rather than our
parents, because their opinion will never change.
55. I believe that people
living in Northern Ireland are too transfixed on religion which consequently leads
to sectarianism and futile arguing.
56. I believe that the aspect of religion
should be personal and not advertised with flags etc. Although it is getting better
the aspect of sectarianism has not gone but personally I have a faith but no views
on anyone else.
57. I believe that young people are influenced by the rest
of the community which leads to trouble in my community.
58. I dislike
how strong opinions are on others' beliefs.
59. I do not understand why
they cannot improve unnecessary violence which leads to nothing but further violence
60. I don't blame people for being bitter about the past, in my opinion
there are faults on both sides. But two wrongs don't make a right and we're only
honouring ourselves by having prejudices to one another. Some of the nicest people
I've met are religiously different to one and I don't care.
61. I don't
care about religion or anything I used to attend a protestant secondary school
for 3 years and never had any problems with them.
62. I don't ever think
Catholics and Protestants will get along
63. I don't look down on people
who have sectarian opinions, this is mostly due to the way they have been raised.
Although, I attend a Catholic school and I am Protestant and nobody has gave me
any grief at all.
64. I don't really understand the difference or what
they disagree about so I don't have any strong opinions about it.
65. I
don't think fights between Catholics and protestants are about beliefs, but rather
think that they happen because some people have unfounded identification with
a certain group of people and they want to fight the opposing groups - sinful
nature.
66. I don't think peoples should be forced or persuaded to go to
such events, their views should be made on past experiences.
67. I don't
think so.
68. I don't think they're as bad as everyone makes out.
69.
I feel like people who are brought up in a culture which promotes hate between
communities will too inherit these misguided ideas. Government should be stamping
out these preconceived ideas - they are result of ignorant people refusing to
move on and think about issues for themselves
70. I feel like religion
should be personal and there should be no need to divide people due to being from
different religions. What religion someone is shouldn't matter as it's their belief.
71. I feel many people are raised with strong beliefs about ethnicity and
religion in Northern Ireland, and this will affect people's beliefs for a long
time to come. However, by organising activities allowing people from different
communities to integrate, I
72. I feel that a lot of opportunities have
been taken off us in favour of foreign nationals that have taken over the town
for example; shops, jobs, doctors, dentists.
73. I feel that at the minute
the younger generation is still under their parents views and influences which
have been affected by the troubles, I think that our children's generation will
have a better attitude towards people of other religions or ethnic groups as they
won't feel as threated.
74. I feel that children and teenagers are not
taught enough about the history of Northern Ireland. I feel that all schools in
N.I should teach this as it allows teenagers to understand our past. I also feel
that it would discourage teens to go out and riot because the majority are not
aware of why there is conflict between Catholics & protestants.
75. I feel
that community relationships could be improved greatly.
76. I feel that
each ethnic community and religious group have a certain amount of prejudice towards
each other; and this is normally quite negative. Most people focus on all of the
negative aspects which can spark arguments and the tensions can then rise.
77.
I feel that it could be improved through more cross-community youth groups.
78.
I feel that people are quite ignorant of other peoples beliefs and cultures. They
don't always respect differences of people in society and the can often be quite
narrow minded and biased.
79. I feel that protestants are given more opportunities
than Catholics, and Catholics are discriminated against.
80. I feel that
relations between Protestants and Catholics are at the best they have been. However
relations with other communities such as the Eastern European, Asian or Black
communities aren't as good.
81. I feel that society does not involve enough
integration. I believe that communities are often to diverse and they should be
as one. Many people are living in the past still and cannot respect one another
which is unreasonable. I hope for a more peaceful united country in the future.
82. I feel that the flag of my country should be flown in my capital city,
without making any excuses or apologises for it. Northern Ireland is a British
country and therefore should fly the British flag. I wouldn't except Dublin to
remove their flag so why should we?
83. I feel that there should be more
organisations helping ethnic minorities and disadvantaged children, however the
new injection of new cultures has improved Catholic-Protestant relations in my
opinion over the past 3-4 years.
84. I feel that there will always remain
contentions between the Protestant and Catholic community in our age because of
the continual activity of terrorists organisations while the decisions of a mixed
government cause much strife i.e. decision to only fly the union flag on specific
days.
85. I feel that views on community relations are usually influence
by family and friends, and sometimes people may be scared of others of a different
religion.
86. I feel that while things have improved, there is still a
lot of work to be done.
87. I feel the children that grow up in all protestant
or catholic area tend to stick together.
88. I feel the issues between
Catholics and Protestants are not due to valid reasons as they were in the 70s
etc. Nowadays people are fighting for no reason. Purely for the fun of it. They
don't actually care what they are fighting for (e.g. a flag no one even noticed
was there.)
89. I feel the main reason why people may not mix with other
religions is due to pride- don't want to be seen with them for fear of what others
may think of them. And these thoughts are passed onto their children.
90.
I feel this issue is getting better in Northern Ireland and in general people
are up for making an effort to stay peaceful however it is the people who set
out to spark annoyance is the ones letting us down!
91. I have friends
who have been racially abused frequently and am surprised at how often it happens
92. I hope that in the future there wont be as big of a divide that there
is now, i dont think its right, religion or ethnicity doesnt change a persons
personality
93. I hope they get better.
94. I just find it really
sad that sectarianism is still such a big thing in Northern Ireland. Religion
shouldn't define you, and Personally I believe choosing to like someone just because
they're the same religion or race or because they're heterosexual or w
95.
I just wish both Catholics and protestants would get along the past is the past.
96. I personally don't care what race, nationality or religion you are
or believe in, if you're a good person with good morals, I'll be you're friend.
I feel that people are intimidated by people who are different, in reality we
are all the same. We're all human beings!!
97. I personally feel the community
relations within northern ireland are fairly strong.
98. I personally think
there are troubles because many people have either been brought up or learnt the
history of Northern Ireland and think it is appropriate to behave in these ways.
99. i thhink it has improved over the years
100. I think a lot of
reason people like to "stick with their own kind" is because they are brought
up that way and are afraid of what there family might think.
101. I think
all religion should be free to live and go to wherever they want and be comfortable.
102. I think communities in northern Ireland are mostly made up with one
religion and this is very hard to change and in some more violent communities
it seems it may never be able to change, but if these communities can be given
more experience to chat and disuses what their issues are with the other religion,
even more so with the younger people things will be given hope to change.
103.
i think community relations are improving and it makes people from ethnic minorities
feel more welcome
104. I think community relations are very good in Northern
Ireland. I think there's only a very tiny minority of people who cause problems
due to ignorance on their part and perhaps fear.
105. I think community
relations in Northern Ireland at the minute are not a strong as they could be
if there were more cross community projects
106. I think community relations
in Northern Ireland could be better.
107. I think far too big a deal is
made about religious divides & to much emphasis put on "cross community efforts".
I think we need to move on.
108. I think in most parts that I have been
in Northern Ireland some can be intimidating to a catholic. I play football and
if the area we where playing in has UVF or something related to this then I am
very careful of what I do or say. My team is mostly protestant.
109. I
think it has improved a lot with a lot more integrated schools.
110. I
think it is extremely important to get on well with all ethnic groups. This does
not mean to be afraid to treat them the way you would treat others like you just
because their different eg: if you would mildly insult your friends you would
not make exce
111. I think it is very sad that there is so much sectarianism
112. I think it would be great to have better relations with people from
other religious backgrounds. It could really help prevent some of the sectarian
acts that are happening. I am totally against these. (i answer my ethnic backgroud
was Catholic...i mean
113. I think it's the marches on both sides that
start disruption.
114. I think I've expressed quite enough. Community relations
in Northern Ireland disgust me.
115. I think more could be done within
schools and youth groups so people of different communities could mix, this would
help to dissolve prejudiced on both sides which seem to be the route of the problem.
116. I think more should be done for people of different ethnic minority
to get along.
117. I think my generation don't know why they are fighting
and lack of knowledge but are ignorant and just fight and hold grudges for pride
and what their parents/grandparents views are.
118. I think Northern Ireland
has improved a lot although many have feelings of judgement of others because
of religion, ethnics, LGB etc. many also just don't care about the goings on in
politics
119. I think parents/adults provoke their children e.g. I am Protestant
and I go to a Catholic school but my mother prefers Catholics. I do not understand
the society we live in!
120. I think people shouldn't mind about others
religions as at the end of the day we're all the same and should be treated equal.
121. I think people who lived through the troubles cant let go of what
happened and there bitterness lives through their children and grandchildren.
It is this that makes such bitter people in todays society. People need to look
to the future, not the past.
122. I think peoples views about other communities
are very much influenced by their parents and this can effect how much they want
to participate in community relation projects.
123. I think politicians
make things worse and cause that 'spark' that ignites tensions.
124. I
think relations are improving, slowly but surely! I do however feel that there
needs to be more community events etc. to improve the relations.
125. I
think relations are made worse by the expectation of the "divide"
126.
I think that all the events organised for young people to cooperate in a project
etc. Is very beneficial however people should assume that we will get along as
everyone has a different boundary of safety. So the community should attempt not
to segregate but sometimes it is the only way to remain safe.
127. I think
that because of ,mixing religions in schools some people don't even notice what
religion the person is they are talking to. Everyone has something good in themselves
no matter what background they came from.
128. I think that because religion
in general is becoming less important due to a secular society it is better having
separate schools for different religions in order to practice faith and avoid
sectarianism within school.
129. I think that communities are becoming
more comfortable with different ethnic or religious groups.
130. i think
that communities in northern Ireland are fine as they are
131. I think
that community relations are improving in Northern Ireland, but there are still
areas and communities that are still have prejudice where towards other ethnic
or religious communities.
132. I think that expressing strong religious
convictions would continue to divide communities in Northern Ireland. Perhaps
having more integrated schools may encourage young people to appreciate other
communities and their culture, and to stop them growing up
133. I think
that many young people who perhaps do not get involved with cross community projects
are not aware of the events in their local community. I also feel that young people
aren't fighting for what they stand for and mainly for the sake of it, which i
134. I think that most people in my area are very understanding. Nobody
that I know of, would be spiteful towards someone just because of their religion.
135. I think that Northern Ireland is a country which dislikes and avoids
change and that in order to change society, the next generations must be raised
as third party outsiders with such a view that isn't personally affected by environment
and parents.
136. I think that paramilitaries play a big part in the on
going protestant/catholic strain. I think that if paramilitaries did not exist
or relaxed their methods that most riots and protestant v Catholics violence would
not take place.
137. I think that people are sometimes small minded and
don't actually know what the other people of a different religion or those that
have different views are actually like. They are prejudice and community relations
could get better with events like cross community projects as it gives the younger
generation a chance to meet and get to know new people of different views and
religion .
138. I think that the lot of sectarian prejudice within the
young people in Northern Ireland stem from the older generations, and sadly I
think It will be quite a long time before this disappears completely.
139.
I think that the youth are being brought up, in many instances, with their national
identity engrained in their veins. I wish that everyone would move on, that paramilitaries
would become illegal and that war would truly end.
140. I think that there
should be more cross commmunity events to allow people from different backround
to mix and get to know each other.
141. I think that young people are much
more open minded when it comes to people of different ethnicity or religion, than
older people. We can learn to accept people and do, while older people tend to
hold grudges and prejudices.
142. I think the government is allowing too
many immigrants into our country. In my local Tesco everyone is almost Polish
and I feel we are being over run by people from other countries.
143. I
think the NI communities need to get involved with young people from all around
NI e.g. communities in Belfast to come to the country communities.
144.
I think the Polish community are looked upon unfavourably and I don't think this
is right as they are willing to do jobs that other races don't want to.
145.
I think there is a strong divide between Catholics and Protestants, however it
is only those who are Loyalists, I think respect is very important and there is
little respect for both religions. There should be changes and priorities put
in place. The riots are immature and people should have the right to feel safe
in their own country/area/religion.
146. I think there is only a minority
who are stopping the peace processes from working. It is sad they are stopping
the future of Northern Ireland. We are never on the news for good reasons.
147.
I think there needs to be more mixed communities in Northern Ireland than separated
Communities
148. I think they are continuously damaged by unfair treatment
such as sectarianism by the public and through politicians trying to stair up
trouble and hatred (not listening when one group has an issue and not taking action
when another group tries to discriminate)
149. I think they are improving,
but some people have very extreme beliefs, and the power to exercise them
150.
I think they are improving, however there will always be people from both communities
who will want to drag N.I back to the past. Parades are provocative, dissidents
are deluded. The increase in immigrants i.e. Polish, Islamic etc. is quite worrying
not just in N.I but all of Great Britain.
151. I think they are quite good
at the minute I am going to America with a Protestant group from Ballybeen and
I am from the Catholic side and we are actually not that different and they're
nice, there should be more "friends forever projects" like this.
152. I
think they have improved over the past few years and I do believe that with each
new generation people negative views of people in other religions are mellowing
and people are warming to each other more, I personally feel more open to meeting
different people than my parents. I think community relations will improve.
153.
I think they need to be better. Better relations means a safer Northern Ireland
to live in.
154. I think they need to be stronger and less segregated.
155. I think they need to improve dramatically so we can make Northern
Ireland a better place
156. I think they way forward is through education
- as people are taught of diversity and tolerance, it would lead to less violence
and more respect.
157. I think too much emphasise is being put on cross-community
relations with younger children. They may not realise the significance of different
religions until after they've been told they should get on well with them. This
can cause a split to begin.
158. I think with the anniversary of the Easter
Rising and the information of N.I will cause a lot of rioting.
159. I think
young people are bored and they'll start trouble purely for the rush. I still
think there will be divides in the home as prejudices start in the home.
160.
I want peace
161. I was goalkeeper for Glentoran and now for Braniel Young
Men's. I meet both religions on weekly basis. I have friends (77) and I have been
brought up to respect everyone's individual rights and feelings. Live and let
live I believe.
162. I wish that more people got on together like my friends
and me.
163. I wish there could be peace and people would realise the trouble
they are causing/have caused.
164. I would like everyone to see that we
believe in one god and why we fight is stupid for this reason, but little can
be done.
165. I would like nothing more than the communities to be united
but it seems like an impossible goal to achive
166. I would prefer to meet
people from other religions/communities without bitterness!
167. I would
prefer to see more of a progress with things like the flag issue.
168.
Id like to see less of a segregation in different religious communities and less
sectarianism.
169. If everyone stopped shoving religion down everyone's
throats everything would be fine
170. If people can move on from the past
and wise up about different religions and that it doesn't make a difference what
religion you are, the community relations would be vastly improved.
171.
If people left the past in the past N.Ireland would be a better place and there
would be less sectarianism.
172. If people weren't so prejudiced they might
actually get on with each other.
173. If religion was left as a personal
and private matter just to get peace of mind instead of bringing it as an issue
in every step in life.Northern Ireland would be a lot better of[f].
174.
If Sinn Fein parliament and Nationalists accepted that we are British and will
stay it would be peaceful and more people would get along
175. If some
children were not socialised into thinking rioting is ok it wouldn't happen. Those
people who say they are religious but support paramilitary groups aren't religious.
Religious leaders don't know preach about violence.
176. If the union flag
goes up again, this will stop the flag protest and related riots.
177.
If you keep people apart for so long they will fear each other. Stop making a
big deal out of it.
178. I'm thinking that sectarian troubles should be
controlled in this country
179. Improving but a long way to go in certain
areas. Belfast and Londonderry.
180. In my area there are good relations
between Catholics and Protestants. But one thing I don't like is the paramillitaries,
mainly IRA because they seem to be behind all these bomb scares in recent years.
There have been a few bomb scares in Londonderry rec
181. In my area there
isn't any sense of community.
182. In my generation and the generation
below me barely any sectarianism exists. However there is a majority which have
thick sectarian views and still spark trouble with other religious groups. These
people are often poorly educated.
183. In my opinion Catholics and protestants
are separated, there is the so called "peace wall", which is causing more trouble
being there simply because Catholics and protestants feel separated. This "peace
wall" is a fuel to the anger.
184. In my opinion they aren't good at all
both sides get raised to hate each other
185. In Northern Ireland community
relations is a take on people can not agree with each other. Things will never
change no matter how much people want things to change.
186. In Northern
Ireland there is a big divide in communities due to differences in opinion and
this has effected all generations.
187. In Northern Ireland, I think most
people care about what religion they are. I strongly feel that the government
should do something about Catholic and Protestants. I think Catholic people are
too much sometimes!
188. In terms in protestant or catholic or any other
ethnic monitory I strongly agree that it is not that people necessary have anything
specific that they have against them. Its mainly down to what they think others
want them to act like. For example protestants and Catholics fight even though
they barely go to church. its simply what society thinks is expectable.
189.
It feels like there is no community - nobody makes any effort to make you feel
welcome or comfortable.
190. It is changing, the new generation are now
more accepting.
191. It is childish and the hatred towards other religions
are taught by parents, just leave the past in the past.
192. It is good
to have your own identity and religious beliefs.
193. It is highly unlikely
that peoples views in Northern Ireland will change because they have been brought
up to fight against Catholics/Protestants, however I feel they don't actually
understand and why.
194. It is not just Protestant vs Catholic
195.
It is possible they are slowly getting better. My generation are probably more
open minded than the generation before e.g. my mother doesn't want me going to
an organisation for protestants and Catholics despite literally all of my friends
going there. but Northern Ireland has a tendency to live in the past. Many people
don't know how to stop living in the past - its why we often get laws past here
that were past years go in the rest of the UK. Northern Ireland just has an obsession
with religion.
196. It is still segregated. People don't immediately accept
you.
197. It is the older generations opinions being passed on to their
children. Working with adults in community projects is highly recommended if you
want to get through to their children who soak in their parents views.
198.
It is very unlikely that tensions between people of different beliefs, ethnic
groups or political beliefs will go away in Northern Ireland. I would like to
see then tensions disappear but I don't think it will happen in my lifetime.
199.
It should improve because everyone is the same we're all human!
200. It's
a pity
201. It's hard sometimes. Other teenagers they have been raised
to not tolerate Catholics, makes it harder to make friends or be safe in the town
during band parades
202. Its important to bare in mind that some areas
community relations are far worse than others.
203. Its not that people
hate to meet new people from different communities, id say most would be willing
to meet new people at an event if they were brought to it, sort of in a "I don't
like vegetables but id eat them if I were given them" sort of thing. Not sure
if that sounds good or not but yeah.
204. Just that all religion and ethnic
groups should spend time together, I also think that the PEACE WALL in my area
should come down.
205. just that everyone should be mixed so that they
can get to know personality's and not just base them on religion.
206.
Just that I feel people from different religions and races should be given more
chances to integrate.
207. Just that is should not matter what religion
we are or what colour we are, we should all be accepted for who we are.
208.
Legalise weed
209. many people i know, are influenced very much by their
parents' views of people of different religions. especially with regards to marriage.
210. Many young people still hold sectarian views and most of them have
these views just because of their families and social surroundings. Their views
are not based on any experience or strong reason.
211. May people who are
not from Northern Ireland get treated unfairly because of their race, skin colour
etc. which im strongly against.
212. More communities should come together
for things like summer schemes as there isn't much to do for us young teenagers
and it'll prevent rivalry between them.
213. More community projects for
young people.
214. More for young people to do to stop them from getting
into trouble and stoop riots! Stop bullying because of their religion because
people may do themselves harm.
215. More money needs to be spent of joining
different religions together instead of a part.
216. More needs to be done
to bridge the gap between Catholics and protestants. Integration is the way forward
if Northern Ireland is to last - there are to many pressures from outside for
there to be divisions like this within.
217. More should be done to allow
Catholics and Protestants to interact peacefully together, preventing riots and
demonstrations.
218. More work needs to be done to mix different people.
This I feel should be through sport such as rugby and football.
219. Most
areas, in my opinion, have good community relation's between different ethnic
groups as well as different religious groups. There are only a very small amount
of exceptions to this.
220. Most of the people who riot, catholic or protestant
are youths many of whom who don't fully understand the history of catholic. Protestants/British
Kingdom. They have not experienced the climate of the "troubles" in the 70s and
80s, therefore they lack knowledge about the ultimate implications of their actions.
they don't understand why and how the two religions came to be in Ireland, they
are fighting for ancestors and don't even know the real reason they are fighting.
Ridiculous.
221. Most people are very judgemental and I would like this
to change.
222. Most relations in N.I are influenced by the parents of
the young people. So the relations will always be stiff.
223. Most young
people in Northern Ireland grow up seeing rioting, prejudice and sectarianism
from other family members and so they usually do the same.
224. Much of
the difficulties we face in NI is deep rooted in family tradition. Even young
babies are presented wearing clothes with Union Jacks or Tricolours on them or
football gear that is Celtic or rangers. Parents and grandparents have a lot to
answer for. Too many marches each year in areas the marches are not wanted. Marchers
should pay police wages that day & everyday they march no matter who you are.
225. My area makes a comfortable environment when it comes to different
religions. And I personally don't mind working with/meeting people from different
ethnic groups nor do my friends. However there is some ignorant people who fuse
off different people, these people are usually found in a religious based school.
226. N/A (16 respondents)
242. Need to be sorted out. I hate sectarianism.
243. No (151 respondents)
394 No, i dont think so
395. No
matter what you do or how hard are you try I think that peoples religious views
will not change, because your family have it entailed in you what they think from
a young age.
396. No thank you (5 respondents)
400. No, I think I
said everything I would like to.
401. No, not really
402. No. Sorry
403. None (6 respondents).
408. Nope (11 respondents)
421.
Northern Ireland civilians will never/don't have a divide nationality and this
is passed on to the citizens of NI. I personally feel that not very many of us
know about our historic backgrounds and there is no understanding or respect for
anyone's religion. But mainly i think the protestant civilians believe they are
superior and have no respect for others beliefs due to the way politicians act
and their own families i also think that politicians have no respect for other
belfries e.g. two nationalities in NI = Fly both flags or none at all.
422.
Northern Ireland is a small place and people who live here have small minds.
423.
Not all of the young people in NI are prejudiced but we feel that if we do socialise
with other groups its frond upon by some other generations. This really annoys
me as it makes meetings awkward and uncomfortable although I personally have friends
from these groups.
424. Not as good as they could be.
425. Not enough
social gatherings for teenagers i.e. cafes opened at night more places to go underage
clubs
426. Not everything is down to religion or ethnic group some people
just don't like the person no because of religion or ethnic group.
427.
Not really I like to hang with people in my age and I actually don't care if they
are protestants or Catholics or they are from other countries just like to know
different people.
428. Not really, I try to not stick my nose where it
shouldn't be, so I don't care.
429. not really, maybe that it does tend
to be split between irish people and foreigners more than it would be about religion.
430. Not really, no.
431. Not really, they aren't brilliant for
the vast majority of the time though unless everyone sticks to their own in a
sense.
432. Not so much aggregation about the place. Not feeling scared
going to places.
433. Not that I can think of
434. Not very strong.
People cannot leave the past in the past, they have no sense of a positive future
for their children. They base their life's on strong disagreements between religion.
435. Nothing extra
436. Own choice what to do.
437. Parents
have a big influence on the views of young people in Crossmaglen the boy I know
is strongly prejudice against protestants because of his family.
438. Parents
need to stop raising children with such a narrow mind. Then children might be
more willing to get along with protestants/Catholics.
439. People act in
a certain way because of the way they have been raised. For example protestants
hating Catholics when they haven't met one, or tried to talk to one.
440.
People are afraid of their own communities at times, not just others.
441.
People are correct in saying that we live in a "divided" society.
442.
People are holding on to a different generations grudge stop passing it on to
the children, Northern Ireland will improve.
443. People are living in
the past. There is no reason at all why young people should get involved in sectarian
violence, relations are not the same as before.
444. People are to judge
mental like they assume that because you're a catholic you're a nationalist or
because you're a protestant you're a loyalist.
445. People are too quick
to judge and stick to feelings and views of people from years ago.
446.
People can be very hostile, especially towards Romanians. Mixed schools would
create tolerance.
447. People care to much about religion.
448.
People ethnic backgrounds are going to interfere with relations between communities
for a long time, it is best to just not get involved and mixed in with it all
449. People from different religions would get along better if there was
hobbies or activities which they could attend.
450. people get caught up
in the past and wont let things go and then there are some people who will do
anything for a fight. people need to forgive and forget and just get on with their
lives, there are too many people dying of cancer every day or suffering
451.
People in Northern Ireland don't like change. Whether that be religion, skin colour,
ethnicity, Protestant or Catholic etc. I don't think everyone will ever be able
to get along but I do think this problem could get slightly better in the future.
452. People in protestant/catholic communities need more opportunities
(cross community projects). I have taken part in one and they are very helpful.
453. People may not want to mix with other religious i.e. catholic and
protestant, because lack of knowledge and ignorance about the religion.
454.
People must stop trying to be involved in other communities, if people support
each other locally by buying local produce etc. everyone would live better and
there would be more peace.
455. People need to respect the culture of both
sides. For example trying to stop the twelfth parade in Crumlin. Respect both
cultures and stop being selfish. The twelfth is a musical celebration.
456.
People need to stop with prejudice we all bleed the same colour
457. People
need to wise up and stop bringing things up any time anyone says something that
they don't agree with.
458. People say or think/judge things about other
religion, not because they are sectarian or judgemental themselves, but because
they have never met anyone with different beliefs or they have been brought up
to hate this way by parents & family.
459. People seem to follow their
parents, friends or their communitys views and these views influence them in the
rest of their lives and becomes a sort of vicious circle.
460. People should
learn to live side by side no matter what religion or race the people of N.Ireland
want to move on and look to the future and never let it go back to the way it
was in the past.
461. People should stop being so closed minded about other
people who are different from them. Its disgusting to think of the attitudes that
some people have towards you because of your religion or ethnic group.
462.
people should stop fighting over nothing all their fighting over is their belifes
in the end up its not worth it everyone shouldbe treated equally in work, school
and home no matter what religion you are or how much money they have.
463.
People still live in the past. I feel if people just left the troubles in the
past and got on with life now people would get on so much better .
464.
People think about religion too much.
465. People usually get on with their
community but there can be sectarian isolation in certain areas and even pranks
etc. from teenagers that could be due to sectarianism.
466. People who
aren't Catholic or Protestant, i.e. religious minority communities, are often
ignored in discussions about religious equality. I think young people tend to
be more prejudiced against or not understand other religions, not people from
a differen
467. People who work hard to get and keep jobs are not stealing
whether Polish, Lithuanian or Northern Irish.
468. People who work hard
to get and keep jobs are not stealing whether Polish, Lithuanian or Northern Irish.
469. Perhaps young people can be influenced by the views of their peers
or parents who have been directly affected by incidents and built prejudice against
these communities.
470. Personally speaking I feel that we are a new and
very different generation. As much as there is violence we see the consequences.
I have never been involved in violence and personally don't see the need for it.
If I am provoked I will respond in a non violent nature or not take on the comment/act.
for me i wasn't involved all those years ago, i was not there so how can i stand
and fight/riot etc. on something i have not heard threw word of mouth passed down
from generations and increasing becoming more bitter. There will always be something
someone is not happy with and this will never change. but to me i don't see the
need for all the chaos/havoc/violence which takes place!
471. Personally,
I have no problems as I do not judge people before I get to know them. Most people
however are not so open minded.
472. places that are hiring should have
mixed cultures they should have an equal amount as i feel as if my colour is affecting
chance to get a job some applications say they accept different cultures but i
have not seen one coloured person in that store.
473. Poor - cross-community
projects should be promoted more. I would be very interested in attending them
but there are a few of which I know of. Most are religion-based and predominately
Protestant. I would enjoy meeting people from all different backgrounds very much.
474. Prejudice discrimination occurs because of the smallest things, when
this happens each group are as bad as each other.
475. Protestants seem
more bigoted and uptight about their culture. Marching season, flags, Irish language
etc.
476. Putting situations together for people of different races don't
always fail because people don't want to try - it can just be awkward.
477.
racism will always be a problem although many people have no problem with ethnic
minorities but don't get the opportunity to mix
478. Regarding my views
on minority ethnic groups, I feel as if many people in my community feel the same
way. Nowadays, more and more ethnic groups are coming into Northern Ireland, this
is bound to create tension due to the clashes of beliefs and cultures. I
479.
Regarding the reason why most people get involved in sectarian trouble, I blame
a mix of paramilitaries from either side creating friction, and people thinking
too much about the "troubles".
480. Regardless of your religion I feel
everyone should be treated the same
481. Relations between boys from different
religions could be improved.
482. Relations between the Catholic and Protestant
communities are quite tense but with cross community projects they are slowly
getting better.
483. Relations have improved, but some people feel the
need to disrupt the peace.
484. Relations in N.I could improve over time
but people (especially older generations) first need to accept the current position
of Northern Ireland in the UK
485. Religion has nothing to do with it its
personalities and greed that separate people.
486. Religion is becoming
a huge problem, mainly Catholics and protestants. Rioting over a flag is a disgrace,
especially as there is people as young as 11 down protesting and rioting.
487.
Religion is brought into too much; most of these questions would be better worded
asking about nationalist and unionist views, rather than Catholic and Protestant.
488. Religion shouldn't matter and the riots that are caused are defiantly
provoked and that's why some people are so sectarian and some towns are so segregated!!
489. Religious and sectarian issues need to be avoided at all costs. E.g.
City Hall flag
490. Rioting makes me angry
491. School segregation
teaches us nothing but isolations and sectarianism.
492. Security forces
jump to wrong conclusions. Security forces are biased to one community.
493.
Should be more events held for teenagers of all different ethnic backgrounds to
meet, and learn about different cultures.
494. Some are good some are bad.
495. Some communities can be bad or hurtful but only some must are grand.
496. Some communities get on very well no matter how different everyone
is but there is always that one person who sticks by their own religion etc and
has to cause riots over nothing.
497. Some people don't like other ethnic
groups here because of taking jobs
498. some people make a big deal about
their religion.
499. Some people need to be less narrow minded
500.
Sometimes I feel that relationships between protestants and Catholics/ Irish and
foreign people are very intense due to lack of understanding and tolerance.
501.
Sometimes people from other ethnic groups judge you on your name eg. Aoife/Elizabeth
and your school and decide that they don't like you before they even know you.
502. Stop putting emphasis on religion or ethnicity. Give over, everyone's
human.
503. Strained
504. Strong bond because it's a small area
so people know each other and look out for each other.
505. Substance laws
need reviewed, drug create a terrible underworld of crime and provide money and
power to scum bags, when the government could participate in the trade, which
would make money and benefit the economy the cannabis trade alone is worth £6
bn. also research into the use of psychedelic such as DMT and LSD.
506.
Suppose integrated schools and cross community projects focus only the prod/rc
divide and don't do anything about other groups.
507. Terrible
508.
That everyone should get along regardless of religious beliefs or ethnicity instead
of having sectarianism or discrimination in our society
509. That sport
is a good way to make relationships. So clubs/schemes that are cross-community
and include both majority Protestant games and mainly Catholic games. Bigger crack
down on intolerance in communities.
510. That there should be more events
to get people to mix also all the pubs should allow both religions to go in and
have a laugh with each other.
511. The Catholics and protestants are still
kind of divided but it is improving.
512. The community is probably more
divided than last year this time as the union flag was taking down from the City
Hall
513. The emphasis on peoples difference are silly. Why do we have
to dwell on past generations actions - what's done is done, we can't change that
but we can prevent such happening again. On the basis of Catholics/Protestants,
why can't we focus on the religious side instead of political.
514. The
fighting is unnecessary - Catholicism and Protestantism are not religious anymore
- they are reason for people in a community to fight needlessly, without knowledge
of how the fight began in the first place.
515. The government CSI programme
looks really poor. The presents of having separate communities and community relation
is self defeating. There are still peace walls so it hasn't really delivered.
516. The government is trying to fix the divide between communities, although
I would love to see progress within this, I don't expect it to happen nor think
that it will. In some cases its better to leave the people alone rather than trying
to force it.
517. The government need to try and improve them as it is
putting people off coming to northern ireland
518. The main reason why
people would rather stick to a school of pupils of their own religion is to avoid
agreements and fights
519. The majority of people live in peace and aren't
bothered by the differences in religion or political views but there are a few
areas in which people are sectarian on both sides of the community.
520.
The older generation are instilling past values on young people effectively creating
a vicious circle of religious ethnics.
521. The older generation are the
most cautious about religion still. Teenagers are more relaxed and aren't as sectarian
as our parents.
522. The only problem is that some people are closed minded
and un-willing to let go.
523. The only way for any improvement to ever
take place in N. Ireland that will make a difference to society is when there
is a complete separation between church (religion) and government.
524.
The politician's mess community relations and the people just want to get on with
life however politicians always arose debates and give the people something to
talk about, which can lead to arguing, then fighting etc.
525. The relations
are improving, however I feel that no matter what is done, there will still be
an underlying problem in certain areas.
526. The sectarian rioting is petty/ridiculous
and unnecessary.
527. The segregation of things such as school buses going
to catholic and Protestant schools in the same area is unnecessary and, separating
the groups is damaging if anything.
528. The solution is to educate all
children of ethnic and religious backgrounds in the same schools.
529.
There are community relations in my area however they do not have the resources
for everyone to be apart of it. Only some get to go, but when you get they are
excellent.
530. There are many, but I feel everyone who resides in Northern
Ireland should be treated equally.
531. There are massive divisions between
groups due to politics, religion, and poor education and up bringing that must
be fixed and rioters harshly punished.
532. There are no community relations
in NI. The two religions don't mix at all and most disike foreigners.
533.
There are poeple who will always have issues towards people from different countries
or that are different religion and i think thats not right as we are all the same
and we all should respect each other.
534. There defiantly getting better
everyday. The gap is closing between different religions.
535. There has
always been angst between the two communities and always will be as some parents
have really strong opinions and this gets passed down to there children. Our generation
should not have these hatreds towards one another, we just do because of our parents
influence. For example, I do not care what religion someone is because I went
to an integrated primary school but I have noticed some prejudices in myself since
I have attended an all Catholic grammar.
536. There is little that will
ever be done about it unless the children from the most sectarian areas are probably
taught.
537. There is lots of happy and unhappy people.
538. There
is never any interaction's with protestants in my community I think this is because
I live in a big republican community.
539. There is no community relations
in the North of Ireland as there is too much prejudices and bitterness on both
sides of the community.
540. There is room for improvement
541.
There is sense of community relations because everyone keeps to themselves
542.
There isn't enough relations between the community I think because of religion.
543. There needs to be more mixed communities when the people are ready.
544. There needs to be peace within both communities
545. there
should be a shift from 'cross-community' work to employment opertunities and university
fees. in my opinion this cross community stuff is a total waste of time and money
there is 2 main communities in northeren ireland they will never become one and
546. There should be more activities outside school that allow the community
to mix because in school everyone feels forced to mix and there is that added
pressure.
547. There should be more communities activities to get Catholics
and protestants together. As it is a good experience.
548. There should
be more cross community programmes for adults to promote more open mindedness
in their children.
549. There should be more emphasis on improving community
relations at a young age so that children do not grow up solely with the opinions
of their sectarian parents.
550. There should be more integrated schools
551. There should be more opportunities to mix with different religious
groups.
552. There will always be bigots who will stick to their "own mind"
despite the fact that we are all human beings.
553. There will probably
always be a sectarian resentment in Northern Ireland but relations have got a
lot better over time.
554. There's always problems in mixed areas about
flying the union jack and that its offensive to Irish people. But this is a protestant
and British country and we are very proud of it and are in no way offending them.
555. These are my daughters own words - why do people stare, call rude
names to people who have disabilities.
556. These 'riots' are useless waste
of time and I feel people that take part have no respect for others like myself
who want to ignore all the violence and disruption.
557. They are awful,
because Police are not firm enough with them.
558. they are disgraceful
people need to be more open and understand that everyone is different and just
accept people for their differences not reject them, northern ireland is trying
to be culturally diverse but its hard because of pre-conceived judgements a
559.
they are extremely weak especially between young people which could lead to abuse
and secterianism in Northern Ireland in the future.
560. they are getting
better
561. They are improving slowly between different ethnic and religious
groups.
562. They are mostly negative, but there is good and bad on both
sides. If people would respect others for their religion there wouldn't be as
many fights. At the minute the future looks dull.
563. They are not involved
in much together, getting them together will make the country a better place.
564. They are not the best but with more peace talks and willingness from
everyone, despite religion, race or ethnic groups, things could get better.
565.
They are reaching a stage where they will eventually become repairable.
566.
They can be good if people get involved with different projects
567. They
could be better, but unlikely to change, more emphasis needs to be placed on people
not religion, political affiliation, sexuality, gender identity etc.
568.
They could be improved so that it can become a more peaceful and nice place to
live.
569. They could be stronger
570. They don't really work most
of the time
571. They flag situation is having a negative effect on Northern
Ireland which is very disappointing. But I don't agree with the rioting coming
from a protestant background.
572. They have became a lot worse in the
past month due to the union flag being removed from Belfast City Hall. I think
that the relationships are very volatile.
573. They need to be stronger
574. They need to improve or things will get a lot worse.
575. They
need to move on from the past and start to realise that in this day and age you
need to get on with everyone and move forward as a unit and make northern ireland
and Ireland a better place for everyone!
576. They need to sort their difference
out because what they don't realise is that there is no difference at all everyone
is equal and should not be treated different because of religion.
577.
They only reason that I would feel unsafe in the opposite community is because
of the general sectarianism in N.I and would be afraid in case just because I
am the different religion they will hate me.
578. They should be better
than they are at the minute, this could be resolved by having an equally divided
local council etc and having council organised events for both sides of the community
not just the catholic side
579. They should be encouraging children from
an early age so that relations can improve.
580. They should remove peace
walls and make more facilities to meet people from other ethnic groups
581.
They should work together no matter they're Catholics or protestants, for better
future to young generation of Northern Ireland.
582. They would be improved
more if role models such as political leaders were to show more civility between
the opposites - Protestant and Catholic. Also if church's taught more on equality.
Also if schools taught about other religions in "religious studies" and raise
cultural awareness.
583. They're at the best they've ever been but still
need to improve
584. Things will only change if we move forward. Its not
just relationships between protestants and Catholics that need to be improved
all communities need to learn to live together without prejudice otherwise our
country will get nowhere.
585. To start a integrated school# was a very
good idea! Community feels better now when they see each other in safe place.
586. Too many immigrants and giving to much on a plate
587. Towns
and cities are too divided geographically between Catholic and Protestant however
attempts to integrate should not be made at the cost of quality of education.
More transparency in government, more equality in funding.
588. Treatment,
both officially and from the society of immigrants could greatly improve.
589.
Violence and rioting in an area is usually caused by a selected few and should
not represent reviews of that area.
590. We all work together, we all shop
together, we share transport but behind closed doors it's a different story.
591.
We can accept people from the EU but there is certain people still think living
here is sectarian
592. We can never make everyone like each other, and
I don't feel that, in Northern Ireland, we will ever be free from the petty, misguided
and idiotic views of certain people.
593. We don't get the opportunity
to mix religion a lot
594. We have to move on and forget about the troubles
otherwise there will always be sectarian activity in Northern Ireland.
595.
We need to try and move past and move on from Northern Ireland's troubles history
596. We should have the chance to meet with people and understand people
of different backgrounds.
597. We shouldn't have murderers in the government
598. We still need help. The violence is not over yet and although our
generation is making steps towards great community relations, there will always
be some who dont believe everyone is equal.
599. When I done community
relations work, I had so much fun and learnt a lot along the way, about the catholic
side - I made new friends and it would be great if there were more for youth of
Northern Ireland.
600. When people are very openly enthusiastic about any
religion it can be very annoying
601. when people dont feel safe in their
own town. things have to change. organise more youth clubs around main mixed relgious
towns and more youth opportunites
602. Whether your catholic or protestant,
your religion shouldn't matter. Its your beliefs and way of live.
603.
while i agree that relations between communities should be improved i feel this
should not cease N.Ireland from being recognised as part of the UK.
604.
While the protestant majority tolerate the Catholics in N.I I don't feel they
completely trust Catholics or fully accept them into the community. Events in
the past seem difficult for some to forgive and forget.
605. Whilst things
are improving, a continuous journey will still have to be faced. What I mean by
this is that there is still sectarian, racists homophobic people and so on.
606.
Why is there not an option for mixed groups and backgrounds of families as there
is a lot of families like this e.g. Mum- Protestant and dad- catholic so children
are mixed. In the questions there are no options for mixed families views and
not just labelled catholic or protestant.
607. wish everyone could get
on, we would all be safe
608. Would be better if more events went on to
obtain relationships in communities. 609. Would like to see less fights breaking
out!
610. Yeoooo
611. You can't force people to change what way
the believe or expect everything to please everyone. The past will always be brought
up.
612. Young people should not be forced into cross community events,
it makes you feel awkward and uncomfortable. .
