Discussion on the impact of conflict, geo-politics and global social forces on identity
From the moment of birth, we inhabit identities which are tacit, chosen or ascribed. These identities shape our experience, relationships and communities in which we live our daily lives. Equally significant is the external environment in which we exist which influences how we express our identity. In the case of Northern Ireland, identity has perpetually been a flash point which fuelled 30 years of violence through the ‘Troubles’. Though the ceasefire ended with the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, many aspects life, such as education, sport, housing and politics, continue to be split along sectarian lines. The two main identity groups, conveniently regarded as ‘Protestant Unionist’ and ‘Catholic Nationalist’, have at times lived tranquilly side-by-side, taken up arms against each other in violent conflict, as well as voted in unison or in opposition. With the outcomes of Brexit still unknown (at the time of writing), and the looming possibility of a future referendum on the reunification of the island of Ireland, the people of Northern Ireland are faced with questions of their future and who they want to be- European, Irish, British, Northern Irish, Ulster people, or something else. This roundtable discussion will open with a few remarks on the how the discourse on identity in Northern Ireland is playing out in light of the current unresolved situations of Brexit and the border poll, as well as other social trends. This session welcomes all who are interested in discussing how identity is shaped and responds to political and social events, both local and global. Northern Ireland is presented here as a starting point and the roundtable would welcome perspectives of similarities and differences seen elsewhere.
Eileen Gricuk
is one of ten siblings and knows what it is like to collaborate in a group yet remain individual. She has always lived an intercultural life: firstly, as someone of Chinese ancestry growing up in Canada, and secondly, through living and working professionally in different countries. She is currently an executive coach working with corporate leaders on their effectiveness through focus on personal values and purpose. Her past experience includes auditing, banking, recruitment consulting, business development, and board positions for SIETAR Polska. She has just completed her master’s in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation including research in Belfast. Her sights are now set on shifting into the third sector to create better relationships and outcomes for communities and the planet.