Staci Becker, Post 3

In Chapter 2, there is a section on how minorities respond to subordination. I found this to be the most interesting aspect of the chapter. I had always been curious to discover just what Minorities thought of their status in some societies as being subordinate to the dominant group. In the chapter, there were different ways to categorize their responses (more categorization!). These were also discussed in class as being pluralistic minorities, who seek to maintain their cultural ways, Assimilationist minorities, who seek integration into the dominant society, Secessionist minorities who desire political independence from the dominant society, and Militant minorities, who seek to be the dominant group. I found these to be just categories. When I read this in the chapter I began to think about South Africa, and Israel as classic cases, but then I thought that maybe Ireland would work as well. I thought that Ireland would be a great case for both Secessionist minorities and Militant. The minorities in Ireland, especially Northern Ireland, are Catholic, and wish to reunite with the Irish Republic, while the protestants wish to remain with the United Kingdom (A simple explanation). This is certainly secessionist. As for being Militant, I think that Ireland fits this category as well. Last year I took a course on Terrorism and Counter terrorism. Ireland was a country that was discussed extensively. The Irish Republican Army is a well known terrorist group (or freedom fighters according to some). This group wished to unite Northern Ireland with the Irish Republic through violence.

Ireland certainly isn't the only example. I am curious to see if anyone else had any examples for these categories of the response to subordination.

I feel that many of the minorities may be tempted to try the militant route, out of anger and desperation. If secessionist does not achieve results, the next route may be to militarize and begin a war. This does achieve some results, mostly in making the dominant groups feel threatened which will lead to more violence. There is not a perfect way for the minorities to respond to the problem of subordination. But I feel that if these problems continue to exist, then violence and conflict will only increase. Can anyone think of a solution?