Friday, February 27, 2015

Imagining Ulster

SAM 1902

I make an appearance on this new BBC Northern Ireland series which starts on Sunday night, presented by William Crawley. Can Ulster be re-imagined? Is there more than just the stereotype? I believe so and it is starting to emerge. Late last year I worked on AuthenticUlster.com, a new brand and heritage tourism initiative. And the beautiful new magazine Freckle NI is another example.

Politics has an important place in every society, but it should not define everything we are and everything we do. Culture runs deeper and is less subject to change. A cultural understanding of oneself is far more enduring than a political one.

The 'new' Northern Ireland is deeply connected to the success of Game of Thrones. As a friend showed me just the other day:

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

Imagining Ulster Ep 1

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