Well, "we" generally don't around here, but re that line, it's a reference to a traditional perception of Irish folks being downtrodden and discriminated against, by means of a (dubious) comparison to the situation of black folks in the US. read more
While attitudes to Black migrants have not improved in any way shape or form, as we can see on the news. "The Irish are the blacks of Europe" therefore is not something anyone would say now. I have heard that Romanian's have started to call themselves "The blacks of Europe" and judging by hysterical headlines on the Daily Mail and other rags. read more
Maybe we can all share in the sentiment proclaimed in the 1991 movie about Dublin, "The Commitments," when it was stated that "The Irish are the blacks of Europe, so say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud." Art McDonald is the Minister and Director of Social Advocacy at Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church. read more
The term "Black Irish" has been in circulation among Irish emigrants and their descendants for centuries. Yet, as a subject of historical discussion, it is almost never referred to in Ireland. There are a number of different claims as to the origin of the term, none of which are possible to entirely prove or disprove. read more