Once Upon A Time In Northern Ireland

[ichkeria]

I watched the first two of these last night. Fascinating, despite knowing all the background and having been over it many times.
I liked the informal, self-conscious interaction with the interviewer.

I also thought it was fascinating that one person from each side of the divide said exactly the same thing: "the IRA/paramilitaries didn't come from outer space. They were in our street"
It was a part of your life if you lived in certain areas.

Did anyone else see this?

[Ringlet]

I saw it. I live in Northern Ireland and I was a young teenager when the soldiers first came to Northern Ireland.
The programme was accurate and fair, presenting facts and deeds from both points of view.
But it was harrowing to watch and despite my many decades of determinedly shaking off my bigoted upbringing, I found the old resentments rising to the surface once again.
"Give me the child until he is seven, and I will give you the man".
I have worked very hard to suppress and overcome the negative attitudes that I was socialised into, and I am proud to say that my children and grandchildren are now living their lives in a mixed environment - but it was painful for me to be reminded how much influence my upbringing had upon me, and how much effort it took to overcome it.
Painful experiences - bereavements, fear and anger - from the 35 years of violence have taken their toll, and my generation find it difficult to forget.
But my children and grandchildren are living happier lives so there is hope for the future in this country.

[retrocop]

//But my children and grandchildren are living happier lives so there is hope for the future in this country.//

Amen to that.

[brainiac]

Excellent programme - fair and balanced, the sort of thing the BBC does particularly well.

[bednobs]

i saw it and really enjoyed it

[anneasquith]

Excellent programme, made me really sad though . I have 2 episodes to watch.
I’ll have a rest and watch again tomorrow .