'You know, Peter, I don't really believe your teenage son and his hyperboles. He's tied to stereotypes, and so are you. I've worked with nuns all my life, and I'm an associate member of the Sisters of Mercy (my wife makes comments about being married to a nun...). They're just people, and they don't fit any stereotype. Some are a pain in the ass, but most are quite remarkable women. And yes, I suppose some are capable of committing crimes (or at least they might have when they were younger). But they're just people, living life the way they see best, as we all do.'

Joe, I was just saying nuns may appear nice old ladies but it's all perception and depends on the role you deal with them. My son and the others who attended the school didn't get invited for tea in the big house. They dealt with the sisters in a very different capacity.

There was one of the nuns who used to work at the school, I'd see her when I do the school run every day. she's come out and feed the birds every day. I admit I loved the image of the old lady surrounded by dozens of big black crows and rooks but never mind that, the friendly old lady fell back to the manner of her teaching days when the pupils left school and maybe walked a bit too quickly for her liking. She shouted them down in a very authoritative manner, quite the transformation.

Yes, human beings living life, I can't disagree with that. But for ever peddling the idea they're all just nice tea making ladies (aren't all older Irish women?), how's that not being tied to stereotypes?