ONE of the most common reactions to the idea of an Ulster-Scots historical narrative going back to the time of the plantation of Ulster as a point of arrival for members of the main protestant denominations here, is the idea that things have been well ‘watered down’ since then.
This ‘watered down’ in 400 years narrative needs addressing in a Protestant community that needs to form a much better rounded and informed sense of itself, including historical movements like the Presbyterian United Irishmen.
With the United Ireland just a round the corner a narrative of human rights needs to be created to help offer protection for those outside the political ghetto of what is acceptable to nationalists and republicans.
If you have a different view of yourself and community than that described by the narratives of nationalism and republicanism, then this is potentially you I’m referring to.
In respect of the ‘watering down’ how could such a vague, ill padded out reaction, held up by such puerile premises be so commonly articulated among ordinary members of the PUL British and Ulster-Scots communities who in other ways affiliate to the concept of an identity based on some or all of those collective terms?
MIXING
‘A lot of mixing in the last 400 years, is one of the main stays. This implies that it is some sort of ‘blood’ identity, based on traditional ideas such as ‘race’ or ‘nationalism’, which, outside of a fascist state, is a lot of nonsense. Of course, there was a lot of mixing what possible difference does that make?
That the mixing leaves one collectively less is ridiculous, even if you knew the extent, which most people don’t.
Are the immensity of English people with Irish surnames less English?
Are equal immensity of southern Irish people with British surnames watered down Irish?
No one would suggest this.
Is Gerry Adams less Irish, Gaelic and Republican, because his surname evidences past mixing?
Good luck with that.
A quick google reveals that the surname ‘Storey’ as in Bobby Storey, is of Viking origin, first found in Northumbria.
What difference does that make to his Irish Republican identity? Not a thing.
The reality is that individuals mix promiscuously over time, collective identities much less so.
People of diverse ancestry grow up to adopt certain views, based on background they live in that forms helps form their collective identity.
LOYALISM
It is the intensity and nature of that lived experience in the present that is the main stay of identity.
Who is one person or group to dictate identity to another person or group?
Is the Loyalism believed now, more watered down that Loyalism 300 years ago? Is it felt less, lived less, less fervent, less British?
It is not. It has far less executive power, but that is not the same as it being less in terms of a lived identity.
It may have less political power, but people’s adherence to the Principle of British National Sovereignty in NI and British Nationalist iconography is not less.
I’m not saying I support that, but it is the importance of lived experience as an individual and collectively that I am stressing.
PAISLEY
Was the late Dr Ian Paisley less fervent than John Knox because he came along at the tail end of a 400year Presbyterian presence in Ireland?
Are members of Ian Paisley’s congregation ‘watered down’ and less Protestant for the same reason?
Once more good luck with that.
Strength of faith has absolutely nothing to do with how long a denomination has been present in an area.
CENTENARY
For a century the Northern Ireland state has existed in a state of otherness to the political wishes of the rest of Ireland and struggling with those forces.
Is there anything watered down about people’s passions that are less than 400 years ago?
If anything they might be more.
The PUL Ulster-Scots and British otherness from reconquest Irish nationalism is the direct moral, political and cultural descendant of the collective identity of those who stepped ashore in the 17th century and not lived less.
That is as true as any of the competitor narratives on the playing field. It is important that people realise this.
This ‘watered down’ in 400 years narrative needs addressing in a Protestant community that needs to form a much better rounded and informed sense of itself.
Thankyou.
Opinions creatively 
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