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This somewhat shoots past the argument about nationalism, since the point is precisely to find a transcendent allegiance, one that is durable and has a viable historical presence. As for change, the point is not simply to study the heritage of a place, but to find out enough about it to get a sense of its "destiny", by which I mean the appropriate arc of its development, not the inevitable arc. As for the puniness of the contributions of most individuals, the idea that each person can make a mark is essential to finding the commitment worthwhile, but it is unnecessary that each contribution be of equal weight or visibility. Finally, if you truly love your Irish heritage, and love to study it, then you feel as if you are better off because of the allegiance and interest than you would be otherwise. That suffices for my point. After all, you are an American, and a husband and father, and these other allegiances should be at least as important to you as your ethnic heritage, in fact more so. |
