Connect with us

News

“It’s not just sports stars – the problem is with young males in general”

Published

on

A

A week on from the acquittal of Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Blane McIlroy and Rory Harrison, the nation continues to dissect the details from the hugely divisive Belfast rape trial. One of the more controversial aspects of the whole debacle is the content of the WhatsApp messages sent back and forth between the accused and their friends in the aftermath of the incident at a house party in Jackson’s home.

Some of the language that was used is too vulgar to be repeated in this publication, but suffice to say it was incredibly disrespectful to the girl in question, and to women in general.

Like any right-minded individual, I’m naturally appalled by what was said. The comments were pathetic. But, to be completely honest, I’m not one bit shocked by the tone of the conversations.

I’ve been added to a lot of different football and soccer teams' WhatsApps down through the years, both at home and abroad, and I've also been in plenty of WhatsApp groups with other young men that had nothing to do with sports. While I’ve never witnessed anything as bad as the messages retrieved from Jackson and co.’s phones, I have seen things get fairly crude.

So I think it’s wrong to say that this kind of misogyny is the domain of professional athletes. None of the worst offenders in the WhatsApp groups I’ve been in previously were entitled soccer stars, or intercounty players, they were just regular fellas, some of whom happened to play sport in their spare time. The problem isn’t just with young male sports stars. The problem is with young males in general.

As public figures, athletes have more of a responsibility to behave appropriately than the regular guy on the street who isn’t idolised by millions of kids. Therefore it makes sense to try and correct their behaviour. But what about the 99.9% of young men who aren't elite athletes? If they disrespect women, is that somehow less wrong?

Many observers have criticised the IRFU for not educating its players. I agree that employers certainly have a duty to educate athletes about the dangers that come with fame and fortune, but should the IRFU really have to teach its players to respect women? And, perhaps more to the point, can they?

The accused in this trial behaved the way they did because they thought it was okay. And not just okay. From the way they boasted in the group, they clearly felt that this kind of behaviour is admirable. “Why are we all such legends?” Society has told them that this is how legends act. For cases like this to become a thing of the past, society has to change. That’s obviously easier said than done.

When reading the reactions in the media, one thing I noticed was the number of men who said they were disgusted by the WhatsApp messages. I don’t doubt their sincerity, but how many of them actually call out misogynistic behaviour when they encounter it themselves? How many of them simply say “yeah” and laugh awkwardly, or post a crying laughing emoji, just to avoid the awkwardness of confrontation? I have 100% been guilty of it myself. The expression, “if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem” comes to mind.

I would like to think that my response will be different in the future. Changing the attitude of an entire demographic is a tall order. Changing your own, however, should be manageable enough.

 

Advertisement

News

New St author brings Fitzgerald’s story to life

Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong […]

Published

on

Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong anecdotal evidence that the great American wordsmith had Kerry roots.

There has been suggestions that Fitzgerald’s family can traced to Horse Island off Ballinskelligs and research is ongoing to determine if the famous novelist, essayist and short story writer gave any indication of his Kerry connection during his lifetime.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, formerly of New Street, Killarney and now residing in Beaufort, is the author of Gatsby: Death of an Irishman which was released in March to coincide with the 100th anniversary of publication of Fitzgerald’s most famous work.
O’Sullivan Greene’s research found that Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was initially deeply ashamed of his Irish connection but his views softened when he took an interest in revolutionary politics.
The Killarney man’s book guides the reader through F Scott Fitzgerald’s troubled upbringing, his quest for status, his ambivalence towards his Irish heritage, the socio-political climate of early 20th-century America and the careless jazz era excesses portrayed in The Great Gatsby.
The book peels back the intricate layers of Fitzgerald’s character, revealing the underlying themes of identity and self-rejection in his work, his shifting views of Irish issues and how his personal battles influenced his writing and contributed to his tragic life.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene will deliver what promises to be an engaging talk on the life and times of F Scott Fitzgerald in the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre in Killarney on Thursday, July 3 at 6.45pm.
Part of the Celebration of Irish and American Friendship programme, the free lecture is titled Revolution, Rejection and Revival and it will mark a celebration of 100 years of The Great Gatsby.
The event will also include a glamorous 1920’s dance spectacular, tuition on how to dance the Charleston and a live performance by Killarney’s own Liberace, Jack Patrick Healy. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Radio Kerry’s Brendan Fuller.
The author will also share the story of how F Scott Fitzgerald’s grandson, Thomas Manhan, came to Ireland to learn Irish following his graduation in 1964.

Continue Reading

News

U2’s The Edge among new Irish Citizens

U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC. The ceremonies took place on Monday and […]

Published

on

U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC.

The ceremonies took place on Monday and Tuesday this week
Applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties on the island of Ireland are making a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State to become Irish citizens.
Seven ceremonies were held over the two days. Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, is joined by Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, and Minister of State for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Niall Collins.
“Today’s ceremony was very moving, the room was full of so many people, everyone from different backgrounds, with different stories. It was a privilege to be a part of it and to experience the collective joy as we all became citizens together. I moved to Ireland with my parents as a baby, so it’s not a stretch to say that this is long overdue! I have always felt Irish, Ireland will always be home to me and I’m so grateful for that,” said The Edge.
Ahead of the ceremonies, Minister O’Callaghan said:: “This ceremony marks an important milestone in the lives of those receiving Irish citizenship. For each new citizen it signifies a deep connection to Ireland, its values, and its people. Ireland welcomes our new citizens as full members of society, and their contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the fabric of our nation. I encourage all new citizens to continue to actively engage in their communities so that, together, we can build a thriving society.”
Minister Brophy congratulated the new citizens, adding: “Migration plays an essential role in Ireland’s development. It strengthens our economy, enriches our cultural diversity, and deepens our sense of solidarity. We are proud to welcome each new citizen as valued members of our communities.”
Judge Paddy McMahon was the Presiding Officer for the ceremonies. administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State, where new citizens commit to observing Irish laws and respecting its democratic values.
The Citizenship Division has seen a significant increase in applications, processing over 20,000 in 2023 and nearly 31,000 in 2024, up from around 12,000 annually just over two years ago.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport