The Other View
Issue No.10 Autumn 2002
Overview
Welcome to the latest edition of The Other View. We are pleased to inform our readers that this unique project has been awarded funding which will enable it to continue for another two years. This is a clear endorsement of the project's success and the fulfilment of its objective to promote open and frank debate on the various issues which lie at the heart of the communal conflict that has plagued us for centuries. The Other View has proved to be a formidable forum for dialogue and debate and the theme of this edition underpins the current need for informed and rational discussion on the malaise of sectarianism which many people see as the source or root of much of the conflict in the north. One definition of sectarianism appears in this edition (see P 8). But of course, there are other definitions and the various contributors to this edition have clearly outlined their views and opinions as to why sectarianism flourishes in this society today. It permeates the very fabric of our lives and perpetuates hatred and animosity among a predominantly Christian people.
There are myriad manifestations of its evil and destructive nature and it is so ingrained in our collective and personal consciousness that any prospect for a brighter and more prosperous future is invariably shadowed by the spectre of what has been described as 'seasonal sectarian strife'. Sectarianism and discrimination whether north or south go hand in hand. The most daunting aspect of it is its perceived class nature. There are no interfaces on Malone Road or along the 'barrister belt' on the County Down coast. There is, however, a fallacy that the well off educated liberal social caste is not tainted with bigotry and ostensibly wash their hands of any blame. The reality is that sectarianism is endemic and transcends all social, economic and personal barriers. We are all vulnerable to it no matter how much we deny it. It is practiced openly and furtively, it is imposed structurally and individually. It penetrates the mindsets of vulnerable young children as a recent report has shown. It will certainly not go away for the foreseeable future and there is no quick fix. This edition looks at the social and economic impacts and in many ways not only addresses the issue frankly but signposts a way forward in dealing with this malaise.
