Attitudes
of Political Prisoners
Attitudes
of Political Prisoners
The
Irish have always had a strong sense of nationalism, culture, heritage,
and lineage. They loved sharing stories, talking about ancestors, and comparing
news and events. This strong nationalistic attitude did not change when
many Irish were imprisoned due to their religious and political beliefs.
Their pride of their culture and pride of their heritage remained strong
even though they were suffering injustice and discrimination by their fellow
Irishmen. Therefore when the Catholic political prisoners were placed into
the prisons on accounts of their beliefs, they remained strong and steadfast
in their ideas and feelings. Although they were in prison and could not
voice their ideas and thoughts openly, they did not let this hinder their
heritage, pride, growth, and knowledge of their Motherland and her current
affairs. While in prison the Catholics remained strong and courageous not
letting their imprisonment stand in their way of achieving justice and
equality. From the early stages of imprisonment the men would gather together
on a daily basis to teach and educate one another. They would hold classes
were books were issued, texts were read, and assignments were given. Everyday
these classes were held and the men would contribute what each one was
assigned and therefore everyone would benefit from one another. The head
teacher in each floor had a specific task or subject that he would issue
to the men and it was their duty to prepare themselves for the next days
lesson by reading the advised material the night before. Not only were
these lessons or classes simply an education basis, they were held so the
men could relish in their Irish history. They would tell stories, talk
about the Irish culture, discuss heritage and lineage, discuss current
events as they received the news, and formulate ideas or projects in which
three nationalitic ideas and desires could be meet. This method of education
was a way of life for the men in the prisons and it emphasized their mentality
of non violence, simply prosperity through knowledge and education.
There was a great sense or unity and pride amongst the men and whenever
a new prisoner came in to the prisons the men would inform the new comer
to the daily lessons and teachings. Along with the lessons, stories,
and readings the men also prided themselves in their great emphasis on
the Gaelic language. IT was a requirement for all the men to learn and
understand Gaelic as the entered the prisons for it was their native language.
It was also a useful tool in communication for the warders did not understand
Gaelic.
However this routine did not last for long for with the new judiciary system, new prisons, and new rules and regulations in 1976, came a whole new method of life for the prisoners. They were now confined to individual cells, they were not allowed to talk to one another, the were not allowed to meet daily for their lesson and classes, they were subjected to prison labor work, and they were certainly not allowed any books, writing implements, access to libraries, etc. Although this put a damper on the spirits of the men, it did not conquer their intentions or honor. They did not let this new burden rule their lives, they still strode for justice, Irish pride, and determination for an equal and independent Ireland. The continued right on, as the always had, with their teachings, stories, and learning the Gaelic language, although with some level of difficulty now. Yet they did not let the warders win this battle, they went to all extremes to spread the teachings and language throughout the blocks and hallways. It seem to in fact bring the men close together and unify them more. They would shout through doors, down hallways, through windows, down pipes and tunnels, the daily messages, news, current events, stories, and information so that everyone knew about it.. They would teach every newcomer the Gaelic language and the men would scribble on the stone walls words and grammar with coal or dirt in order to remember and teach themselves the language. Their pride and determination brought them honor and respect for their dedication and determination. their unity not only brought them together but helped them survive this time of horrible turmoil, sacrifice, injustice, and incomprehensible treatment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|