Tuesday 24 January 2012

Kate's Cottage - A hidden gem



As another public house succumbs to the pressure of debt, it may not pain many to see this humble establishment fall by the wayside but it is indeed a prime example of how the recession can negatively affect us all. Ideally located, it is in the middle of Dublin’s transport hub with Connolly Rail Station caught in a staring contest with the front of the building and looming in the shadow of Busáras. It is in the security of Store Street Garda station tucked away behind the building and only a few minutes walk from the centre of Dublin city itself, what more could you ask for? 

Indeed Kate’s Cottage was one establishment everyone knew about but no one seemed to have visited. It provided a well established pint of Guinness among a selection of many draught beers and was highly stocked on weiss beers for the more selective of beer connoisseurs not akin to the mainstream lagers of Budweiser or Heineken. It acted as a sociable pre-concert rendezvous point before tagging onto the Luas bound for the O2 (or The Point, as many Dublin traditionalists will correct you on). It stereotypically defined the north inner city of Dublin, there was a lack of pretentiousness, there was a working class realness with a take no guff attitude accompanied with overwhelming acceptance to strangers. 

Kate’s served many purposes. Students from the nearby National College of Ireland in the IFSC could be seen enjoying a midday drink avoiding the tedious task of attending lectures. Of a Saturday night Kate’s was home to live bands where you can be serenaded with such diversity from Stereophonic anthems to traditional Dubliner tunes with some added Damien Dempsey covers to give it that true north-sider spice. A haven for tourists one might think as they could enter into a wonderful atmosphere of passion and solidarity. 

Between March and November it was often packed with league of Ireland fans, particularly belonging to Shelbourne F.C every second Friday afternoon as they gathered to travel every corner of Ireland supporting their beloved football club. It catered for all walks of life. It was equally convenient for a quick pint while waiting for your bus to arrive outside as it was to attend for a weekend night of revelry. 

The pub twinkled of a spring Saturday where you could watch many sporting events entwined with bunting draped from every possible nook and cranny. Truly one of Dublin’s best kept secrets is now gone. Kate’s had a homely, inviting feeling, and the atmosphere was calm and quiet almost like that of a country pub on a weekday afternoon where one could enjoy cheap but highly recommended ‘pub grub’. Again, this is unfortunately no more. Kate’s Cottage had been designed to resemble a traditional cottage from the outside, which makes some pub-snobs snort about paddy-whackery. However, it’s deceptively spacious and possessed a remarkably tasteful interior. 


With all that said, it pains me to speak of the termination of such a neat pub. As of the 16th of January this year, it was appointed an official liquidator, namely, PJ Lynch of Westland Square, Pearse Street, Dublin 2. This leaves me with great regret for not frequenting Kate's more often. Amid rumours of other fine public houses shutting, such as Graingers on the Malahide Road and The Oak on Dame Street, it is of pivotal importance Dubliners support their local. Losing the sovereignty of your nation is one thing, but losing a pub you hold so closely to your heart is far worse. One of Dublin’s best kept secrets has sadly and all to abruptly closed her doors, forever.

S.DAWSON 24/01/12

Thursday 19 January 2012

Assessing the popularity of Evangelist Billy Graham in 20th century America

From 1940 to 1970 church membership grew from 49% to 63% of the population. Religious leaders believed that Communism was a great sinister anti-Christian movement. It was clear that in the era of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, being an active church member was a good tactic to use in order to avoid being classified as a subversive. This rapid growth was also credited to the need for Americans to belong in such a rapidly changing society such as the 1950’s and 1960’s. The church provided some stability for families. 

In order to spread their views across the nation churches adapted to modern technology, in particular radio and television. It was through the medium of radio that Billy Graham became a notable figurehead of Christianity nationwide. At this time, there were 1,200 religious radio stations and 36 television stations devoted solely to Christianity across America. Graham utilised this mass media in order to voice his views to a nationwide audience. He was at the helm of a weekly one hour radio programme named, The Hour of Decision. With this, Graham had a weekly newspaper column published across America and he even could be viewed on many television crusades which began from 1957. 

It was clear there was an immediate rise in popularity for Graham. This is evident as in 1950 he started off working in a one room office with the help of a single secretary and yet only eight years later this North Carolina Baptist had over 200 people working for him in a four storey building. Billy Graham’s confidence in public speaking accompanied with his ability to memorise sections of the Bible were the protagonists in creating the mass following he achieved for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (B.G.E.A). This powerful and dynamic preacher was a traditional man who followed the roots of Christianity in a very detailed manner. 

Unlike other preachers of his era Graham was never caught up in adulterous affairs, tempted by drugs or even lured by prostitution. Graham was once accused on his radio programme of setting religion back a 100 years, to which he responded, “I did indeed want to set religion back, not just 100 years but 1,900 years to the book of acts”, this portrayed the extent of his beliefs. It showed how far this Pope of Protestant America,  as Time Magazine referred to him as, wanted to change American lifestyle in the second half of the 20th century.

Graham developed religion as a form of mass popular entertainment. At the peak of his reign he was broadcasting to over 200 million people in 185 different countries. It is important to note however, Billy Graham was apolitical. He had Christian morals and adamantly voiced his views, no matter how controversial or perverse they may have been at the time. Graham opposed segregation, once stating, “There is no scriptural basis for segregation. The ground at the foot of the cross is level and it touches my heart to see whites standing shoulder to shoulder with blacks at the cross”. Graham even paid bail money for Martin Luther King and preached alongside the famous activist.

Graham was invited to speak in segregated auditoriums but refused outright on the basis of his views. Notably, Graham also refused to visit South Africa during apartheid, courageously standing up for what he believed was unjust in the world. Graham had conquered America but he also had bigger plans to preach worldwide, but it was in his homeland where he became such a popular figure, having an almost celebrity like status wherever he travelled across America.

However, it wasn't all clean, controversy free actions Graham was accredited to. Despite opposing Communism he was the first evangelist to speak behind the Iron Curtain. He supported the wars in North Korea and Vietnam, although so many of his fellow compatriots were killed after being drafted to fight in wars which were never essentially needed to be fought. Along with this, Graham was accused of anti-Semitism on agreeing with Richard Nixon that Jews controlled the United States media. Later, Graham recanted this statement. 

Assessing the pros and cons of Graham, it was clear his popularity was nearly untouchable in America. No matter what, he would always have a loyal following. This devote following was due to the charismatic way he carried himself. This showed the ability of religion, and in his case Christianity, in lifting the spirits of a nation. In preaching core values and a traditionalist ethos it, in turn, resulted in a more content America, something which is sorely lacking in this current era of recessionary hardship. 

Evangelistic type preaching of Graham in order to achieve positivity is still being mirrored today. However, it is unfortunately being reincarnated in much darker forms being picked up by the world media in cases such as the Westboro Baptist Church. Although, this must be seen as a branch off from the majority of practicing Christians beliefs. In a world where the media is ruler, it is hard to stick to the core values of Christianity and the emergence of such groups hinders that sentiment even further.

As previously stated, Graham was, in his eyes, apolitical. Publicly, he did not want to get involved with politics, even though he was a registered democrat. He is on record as saying, “We evangelists cannot be closely identified with any particular party or person. We have to stand in the middle in order to preach to all people”. In this way, Graham differed from more extreme fundamentalist Christian preachers of the time. This cunning on the fence attitude towards politics increased his ever growing popularity once more. 

His influence and reputation was held in such high regard that many American presidents consulted with him, from Eisenhower and Kennedy to Johnson, Nixon and even Gerald Ford. He was particularly friendly with President Nixon whom he had a closer relationship, both officially and socially, compared to the other American leaders he advised. Graham was a terrific author, this no doubt also contributed to his popularity in 20th century America. Two of his most famous books were, Peace With God and How To Be Born Again. He was a prophet to Americans from all walks of life, from every corner of the country.

It is fair to say that nowadays the worldwide view on born again Christians is not as popular as in Billy Graham's time, but why is this? Does the world need another Billy Graham type character? Life has developed more in this new age media planet and perhaps preaching is lost on too many people in a much more liberal environment. On the other hand, born again Christianity is viewed as an illness more so than a morally healthy way of life due to the negative reporting on such matters by the media, at present. 

In the second half of the 20th century, Billy Graham had achieved such a highly regarded status due to the influence he had on Americans nationwide. Ordinary Americans could relate to him, he was the voice to millions of Americans who made up a quiet, staunchly Christian country. Americans followed Graham because they felt it was the right thing to do. As Graham gained more momentum in preaching the word of God his popularity continuously rose. It could be argued Graham took advantage of many vulnerable Americans at a time of economic hardship and promised them a stairway to heaven if they chose to live a way of life preached by the Evangelist, Billy Graham. 

He received many honours in his career, the pinnacle being the Congressional Gold Medal he was honoured with in 1966 for his preaching, an award which is the most prestigious in all of America. His wife Ruth was also presented with this for their outstanding and lasting contributions to morality, racial equality, family, charity and religion. By now, Graham was world renowned and could not achieve any more popularity in America such was the success of his career. 

Simply, Graham represented a strong religious tradition of America and subsequently he was fuelled by the following he amassed at home and further afield in many countries across the globe. World views at the time may have worked in favour of Graham as a platform to voice any negative opinions towards Graham was never obtainable, because doing so was almost seen as a heinous crime. Would Billy Graham flourish to the same extent as in the 20th century in a modern society be it in America or any other part of the world? I think it's safe to say it would be extremely difficult. That said, there is no questioning the popularity of this man, particularly in the second half of the 20th century, thus making an everlasting and profound impression on modern American culture in its entirety.

S.DAWSON 19/01/2012

Tuesday 17 January 2012

Muhammad Ali ushered in an attitude of black is beautiful

“The man who sees the world the same way at 50, as he did at 20, has wasted 30 years of his life.” These were the words of Muhammad Ali and that quote alone, in my opinion, sums up his views on life and the world in its entirety. 

For modern American culture Ali was of paramount importance. He was a negro American who had potential to be respected by white people. He was the “all American boy, if he was white,” as described by Malcolm X. Ali came along at a time when negro Americans were discovering who they were; he ushered in the attitude of black is beautiful. He uplifted the morale of an entire race of people every time he approached a camera and said “I’m pretty.”

Ali was from a different generation. He possessed a different frame of mind than other negro men at the time. Cassius Clay was his birth name before converting to Islam while simultaneously parting himself from his black slave name. At the time, he was hated by the vast majority of the blue collar white Americans who were not accustomed to seeing a black man boast and have such a charismatic and confident persona. Even some older generations of negro Americans disagreed in the manner Ali carried himself, they thought he should be more humble.

Ali, however, was a whole new breed of athlete and the younger generations of both black and white men began to accept and eventually adore this tenacious fighter. He paved a path for many Americans to become more liberal in their views and attitude towards all aspects of life. Ali evoked emotions inside people, emotions that some people didn’t even realise they were capable of. He stood up for himself, he stood up for a race against a partially racist nation. Through this, he revolutionised American culture forever. 

Ali was an outstanding boxer and at the age of only 18 he won a gold medal in the Rome Olympics in 1960, which was one of his proudest moments. Suddenly however, he was to suffer one of his lowest ebbs only days later. On his homecoming to Louisville, Kentucky he was denied entry to a restaurant. An American gold-medallist Olympian refused entry to a local eatery purely because of his skin colour. This act revealed the severity of the racist actions in certain parts of the U.S.A. It was a vulgar act towards a hero of their nation.  This was the hardship Ali had to endure throughout his life.

Ali was openly critical of the treatment of his fellow negro Americans and following on from his publicised discrimination and other reported cases of racial discrimination Ali threw his prized possession, his Olympic gold medal, into the Ohio River. This symbolic action made Americans nationwide sit up and take notice of his protest methods. Ali wasn’t just another negro preacher, this boxing hero hailing from Kentucky was something far more iconic. He was special, both in the sporting and political world. Ali had endless courage, determination, and energy, and he used these characteristics as a protagonist to attempt to change American culture. 

Muhammad Ali was not only a boxer, he was a revolutionary human. Ali was his own. Malcolm X left the nation of Islam but Ali did not follow his departure. He was a leader not a follower and throughout many heart felt speeches it was clear he wore his heart on his sleeve, in many circumstances.

He showed America he was his own man by taking one of the most memorable stances in American history by refusing to be drafted and fight in the Vietnam War. This decision made him both the most beloved and hated athlete of that era, and arguably of all time. Ali defended his actions by stating: “Why would I go to Vietnam, no Vietcong never called me a nigger” and “I will not go 10,000 miles to murder and kill for people to continue to enslave the black people.” Ali refused to travel on the grounds of war being against his religion, as he was a practicing Muslim minister. 

As we look back on the life of Muhammad Ali, one cannot confine themselves to talking about sport. Yes, he was probably the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time but he was also called to bring about a change regards the racial discrimination negro Americans were being subjected to. His anti-war stance resulted in his boxing licences being revoked. He was stripped of his world title that he won in 1964 after beating Sonny Liston and with this, Ali also had his passport confiscated by government officials. Ali fought two legal battles in the Supreme Court while simultaneously having two whole years of boxing in the prime stage of his career ruthlessly taken away. 

However, Ali was not afraid or deterred by this and it was this attitude which empowered many negro Americans across the nation, while simultaneously making an everlasting impact on American culture. Once all of his court cases were settled in one way or another Ali made a swift return to the boxing ring. Sadly, his reflexes, power, and speed would never match the levels he possessed in his prime. Ali was no longer able to taunt opponents and show such confidence in his graceful and powerful boxing techniques, metaphorically comparing himself to being able to, “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.”

Before retiring from professional boxing in 1979 at the age of 38, Ali partook in world renowned, now infamous fights, such as ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ and ‘The Thrilla in Manilla’ where Ali defeated George Forman and Joe Fraizer, respectively. On his retirement from boxing, Ali now had more time to devote his attention to other topics he was just as passionate about. It would be a while yet before Muhammad Ali stepped out of the public eye.

Ali became heavily involved in politics, even more so than when he was juggling it with a professional boxing career. He supported Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign in 1980 and worked for the release of four US hostages captured in Lebanon. Tragically though, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and so finally, Muhammad Ali would have to bow out of the political world after making such a profound impact on American society.

Ali was an inspiration to many Americans, regardless of colour or creed. He inspired athletes in sport to train to the edge of breaking point, and then train some more, in order to achieve the best possible results. He inspired politicians and activists to never be afraid to voice their opinions and stand up against the unjust actions of a nation. He inspired a whole race of young negro Americans to not fear society. They no longer had to accept racial discrimination; they now were becoming brave enough to stand up against oppression and not see it as a way of life. They now had motivation for change. They now had an overwhelming hunger for change.

It was Ali’s unapologetic and determined attitude that made this boxing legend become an iconic American figurehead for change. Ali could now be recognised as the ‘all American boy,’ even if he was a negro. He paved the way for a diverse American future, a liberal welcoming future. Undoubtedly, his impact on American culture was omnipotent and he certainly won a battle for change in modern American culture, but the war still continues, even if it is not as heavily publicised today.

S.DAWSON.