Comparison of Irish and American Culture
Irish Culture:
Ireland's current culture is rich in history. Today's modern culture embraces ancient Celtic traditions through literature, music, language and celebrations.
The country is famous for its strong literary history of folk legends and epic poetry. The stories of mythical Celtic characters have been passed down from generation to generation since the beginning of time. It is said that it is hard to find the line between mythology and true Irish history since mythology was so important in the culture. Ireland is now known around the world for inspiring the works of it's natives, such as James Joyce and W.B. Yeats, in the more recent centuries. These famous writers have captured the culture of Ireland, from rural island life to the struggles of life in urban Dublin. A strong sense of pride and appreciation is felt over the country regarding their history of literary works.
Music is almost as old as Irish mythology is in the culture. The country's unique music has evolved over time to what is commonly known as Irish music these days. Instruments such as fiddles, harps, flutes, banjos, bodhráns (hand-held drum) and violins are used to create the traditional Irish melodies. Lyrics have been added over the years to such melodies which reflect the culture of the times. Many of these traditional Irish songs are about mass immigration, civil conflict and everyday life. Irish dancing is a popular companion to this music, which is still taught and performed by the Irish.
These aspects of Irish culture are often best experienced in pubs across the country. Drinking is an important part of the culture. Locals come into enjoy a pint, "crac" (humorous conversation), and gossip with their neighbors. All members of the community are allowed into pubs, it is common to see families eating there at meal times. Traditional Irish music and dancing are regular at pubs along with the storytelling of legends. When alcohol laws became more strict in the 1990s, many feared that Irish culture would be lost. Pubs are still at the center of the country's cultural experience. Alcohol production and exportation is one of the oldest industries and has helped Ireland in their economic growth.
American culture:
Much of American culture is based on influences from the media. Unlike Ireland, America today is a melting pot of various cultures. It's past doesn't go back as far as that of Ireland nor does it consist of just one primary tradition (such as the Celts in Ireland). Immigrants from around the world have helped to create modern American culture, including millions from Ireland. Culture grew over time as America grew and more people contributed to the melting pot.
Ireland is about the size of West Virginia, making America a much larger country. There are many pockets of American culture, various regions, ethnic groups and others that have their own distinct subcultures. As a whole, American culture can be described in a number of ways. Americans have always lived with the notion of doing better then the generation before. It is believed that hard work can make you better off than your parents. This comes from generations of immigrants from around the world making a better life than the one that they left behind in their homeland. Pieces of these vast native cultures have mixed together over time to create an American culture. Today's American culture reflects the people's appreciation for the arts, hard work and sense of family and community.
Kluchohn value-orientation:
Ireland: This country is a past oriented culture. This means that there is a strong value placed on tradition. The Celtic influence in literature and music, two essentials in Irish culture, reflects this past orientation. Homesteads, family roots and history are seen in most aspects of Irish culture. The strong influence of conservative Catholic values is still seen in Irish politics, law and culture. Modern issues such as contraception and divorce are other example of how the country is tied to it's past, not connecting the needs of current lifestyles. Things are changing for Ireland. The vast economic growth over the last decades has sparked subtle changes in the culture in a more future oriented way. The technologies that have helped to push the economic prosperity are examples of a more future oriented Irish culture.
It is hard to determine where Ireland falls with respect to being a doing oriented or being oriented culture. In a culture that is so heavily past oriented, there are some aspects of this culture that are being oriented. An emphasis on social positioning in rural parts of the country still exists. Many are held in high regard such as priests. On the other hand, Ireland is very intent on education and actively seeking a better lifestyle. This is especially seen these days with their strong economy. There is an emphasis on measurable action and productivity.
America: This is a future oriented culture. The American people and government are always looking toward to future to be the best they can be. Many strive to have the latest in advanced technology and progressive ideas. America has routinely set high standards of health care, education, economics and civil rights that many other countries copy in their cultures.
America has a long history of being a doing oriented culture. A strong value of achievement and measurable actions with great rewards is the American way. This is reflected in the "pull yourself up by your boot-straps" saying which has made generations of Americans successful. It is known, or at least aspired to, that in America each generation has the ability to do best and achieve more than the last. Social positioning doesn't always equal success in this country. An example of this is the competitive nature of American businesses. It was once enough to have a wealthy father who owned a business to which an heir could take over in time. Now there are numerous men and women becoming educated in business and they have become competitors for jobs that were once only offered to heirs. Now that education is becoming of better quality with easier access, Americans can move around in their social positioning.
Public communication aspects:
Although the cultural orientations of Ireland and America are different, many of the same public communications strategies can be used in both countries. Their similar geographics, a mix of urban and rural locations, call for similar sensitivities and application of communication. The high literacy and education statistics in both countries open the door to writing intensive campaigns. Both countries have similar levels and access to mass media. This opens the door to various campaign forums such as the Internet, print and television ads.
The affects of culture on public communications campaigns vary in Ireland and America. Ireland's emphasis on their rich cultural past sets the stage for such campaigns. A public communication campaign should incorporate this cultural heritage while addressing the needs of their growing economy. It is important to Ireland that their culture is not lost among the current growth and development in the country. By incorporating traditional aspects of Irish life such as music and pub life, the higher the chances are that your campaign will be accepted. In America, we see campaigns everyday geared to specific people in specific regions. Many American campaigns incorporate the American ideals of self projection and moving up in social spectrum. The most important thing to remember with public communication campaigns, no matter what country it will take place in, is that you must tailor the message to the proper audience. A strong understanding of dominate cultural clues and norms will help to make this message affective.