Cross-over and cross-pollination are grand and glorious things, but they only have meaning when the contributors are different. Within the Celtic Isles, there is a long tradition of intermingling, genetically and culturally, but that should never be an excuse to belittle or denigrate the distinct cultural groups within those isles. There are immense homogenization pressures at work throughout the world today, leaving much to be desired. Breaking down barriers is great, but destroying cultural identities in the name of homogenized unity or convenience is a very shortsighted view.
Hmm, sorry. I didn't mean to go off there. I believe it is unwise to subsume Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Manx and Cornish into "British". They're all different and should be recognized for their own merits.
|