Conflict & Generational Memory in Tipperary Ireland: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, (Paperback)

Conflict is filled with our stories. Each story can be vastly different when told by the diverse participants involved in the conflict. Some of these stories fade over the decades yet remain a strong part of the cultural fabric of the community, providing deep formation of identity and becoming a part of who we perceive ourselves to be. Storytelling of community, cultural and family memories help create our identity and often have visceral emotions attached to the historical narratives we experience. Those who have hurt us or hurt those we love, we fear and sometimes hate. We make them enemies even though we may have never met or interacted with them. There is always a significant context and resonance to these complex memories and stories and the emotions tied to them. As they are uncovered over time it requires empathy and patience as we come to realization that these may not have been conscious narratives but told within our own mind and heart, perceptions of how things were, have been and are today. Each encounter with the people and history of Ireland experienced encourages a realization that families actively, but often unknowingly pass down memories of trauma, slights and hate, which significantly influence the patterns of continued hatred throughout generations. These stories create generational resonance. Stories that have resonance continue to sound through the generations and evoke an emotional and often physical response. Even in my own experience with my Irish grandmother and her prejudice toward British people, even though she was several hundred years removed from Tipperary, has made me realize that this research is essential in understanding protracted conflict. Though there has been a great deal of research on the concepts of hate and trauma in conflict there has been little research done on smaller units in perpetuating these conflicts over long periods of time. The Republic of Ireland is an ideal area of focus as much of the attention has been paid solely to conflict in Northern Ireland.