1/ Watching “Once a time in Northern Ireland” documentary about “The troubles” from the late 60s to the late 90s is heartbreaking.
Across the pond, we aren’t taught much if anything about Ireland or it’s history. I’m just vaguely aware of the “Good Friday Agreement” but nothing really of how the troubles started or how it went on for 30 years.
The documentary has interviews from different participants ranging from Catholics, Protestants and former British army.
2/3 Watching a former British soldier recount the moment when he got injured from an explosive made me think of what could happen if Trump continues on his fascist trajectory.
Big armies are generally equipped do deal with other armies. Dealing with guerrilla warfare is an entirely different beast. Especially in an urban environment where you can’t distinguish “friend from foe”, resistance can take on any form.
3/3 As the former British army person said: “One man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist”.
Seeing images of children playing their version of “Cowboys and Indians” (IRA and soldiers) with their toy guns arresting each other was especially jolting.
@hasani
Having grown up in the middle of 'the troubles' (Belfast, born in 66) I should mention that I got out as soon as I was old enough.
Not because of the violence, which I could cope with, but because of what it did to the community, which I could not.
Hasani Hunter
Hedgewizard 🐈