Quote Originally Posted by Mike1
And Goodness knows there would be no sectarianism at Ibrox, now would there? <banging my head on the desk>

Seumas, this is what I meant about a overall lack of awareness and understanding about some of Alba's issues, such as bigotry and sectarianism, here in the States. It is not unusual to attend a Scottish event here in the States and see folks wearing their Celtic and Rangers kit, for no absolutely other reason than to harmlessly support their favorite team. The Old Firm likely means nothing to them, 9 times out of 10. It's just a different place, here, ken?
I most certainly know the history, even if I don't truly understand all the emotions, of the nature of the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers. Believe me, when you're in a supporters' club with ex-pats, you just can't help but hear about it. And when I was in Glasgow last year to see a Celtic game my wife and I were stunned by all the bars with the signs "no football colors" on the doors. We were amazed when we looked at the program and saw the different routing of fans around and in the stadium for a non-Rangers game and an Old Firm match.

I think the majority of Americans KNOW about the issues between Catholics and Protestants in the British Isles, but don't truly understand all the "whys" of it. Many probably don't realize that it extends out of Northern Ireland. I am probably a little further along than most as I have a degree in history, but I don't necessarily know all the little details.

Quote Originally Posted by Mike1
Jamie, I am quite confident that you did not mean to offend anyone. Those colors and those words just have a lot of very deep-rooted emotions attached to them in Scotland. How could you have known?
Like I said, I know the history, but please pardon me if I don't know all the details - like "bhoys" being a loaded word. To me (until now), it's not any different than being a Notre Dame fan (which I also am) and calling ourselves "Domers." I'll watch it from now on.

Quote Originally Posted by kiltedjaz
You most certainly did not offend in the least, but in some parts of Scotland (not to mention Ireland) the bitter rivalry and intolerace is rife and extremely nasty. My post was purely intended as a little reminder of this...
And I'm aware of this, just not all the forms in which it takes. And my only intent was to call attention to soccer teams I like and possibly invite some friendly smack (which is an art form we love over here in the States). I won't bring up the Old Firm any more if it offends.

That won't, however, stop me from saying such things as "Piss on the Fire" as a Columbus Crew fan...