The Neocolonisation of ‘Oirish Obbits’!

Does anyone remember that Amazon Lord of the Rings series (it might actually still be running – I’m not sure)?

At the time it was released, there was huge anger in Ireland with the portrayal of ‘Hobbits’ as simpletons with Oirish accents. One Irish Times review article hilariously summed the series up as ‘Famine Cosplay’ with the following tagline:

“Rings of Power: The new hobbits are filthy, hungry simpletons with stage-Irish accents. That’s $1bn well spent”

My own review summary was probably a bit more succinct:

“Téigh trasna ort féin, a Amazon!”

The Amazon series is another example of the process known as ‘Neocolonization’ (or Colonization Plus”) – essentially a process where overseas interests try to replace Irish cultural constructs with their own cultural products (like media, technology, and consumer goods). It also happens quite a lot through social media with people who have no idea what they’re talking about, flood the internet with nonsense ‘Irish folklore’ and ‘Irish mythology’.

Over time, this process can erode indigenous Irish culture and displace it with false customs and traditions. This is why it’s so important to call bull**** when it occurs.