I think I have written before about how surprised I was to come back from 5 years abroad and discover that rugby had become Ireland’s national sport. It suffered from a number of difficulties in the past, namely, the GAA used to frown on “foreign games” and it’s dangerous – particularly for amateurs. On the plus side, it seems to be the only team sport where we do well in international competition. Now the GAA doesn’t care and my sons are coached by Daddies in rugby shirts. It’s still dangerous though.
Regular readers will recall that my children go to an Irish language school. For historical reasons, one might not expect that to be a bastion of rugby. Further, the Princess’s teacher is from Mayo. Insofar as there is national expertise in rugby, its seat is emphatically not in the West of Ireland. This has not deterred this teacher who is an avid rugby fan. During gym, my daughter’s class have been practicising the haka. She has taught her brothers. They look deeply alarming when they do this. We all sat and watched the New Zealand players doing their haka this evening before Ireland proceeded to lose to New Zealand. As I have previously mentioned, the Princess knows all the words to Ireland’s call and sang along with gusto. Where will it all end?
After googling to discover what the haka is, I can only offer that the children are learning something about other cultures (New Zealand, Maori) although the value of what they are learning is questionable. I am not a fan of “sport” myself — I know, or care, very little about it. I do know that rugby is a “contact” sport and you are likely to get clobbered if you play it. I can appreciate how you, as a mother, would not want your children to get sucked into a subculture that glorifies violence and aggression, and the more brutish and brainless aspects of human nature. However, a significant part of its appeal is the opportunity to belong to a popular group (the team’s fans), to feel connected to that group by sharing its aims, and to participate in activities as a member of that group– especially when it allows you to align yourself with powerful individuals (teacher). I don’t know what you can do other than grit your teeth and hope for the best.
Full on sympathy from me in rugby-obsessed NZ. I think I shall attempt a late season hibernation when the rugby world cup is on here new year – and I am a New Zealander.
You could always go all “PC” with the teacher and inform her that in Maoridom women say the words but do not join the in the mens’ haka actions.
Rugby is dangerous? Compared to Hurling? A sport in which small boys run after each other with sticks?
At least there are helmets in hurling – though not always used in the Waffle household as I recall 😉
WOL, am gritting, am sure it will all be for the best.
Yes, Michelle, the NZ people are the most extraordinary rugby fans in the world. You’d better hope they don’t lose anywhere as you will have to go into national mourning. Am fascinated by the information on the haka.
Sarah, well yes, but as C points out they USUALLY wear helmets.