Donald Clarke: Jimmy Kimmel was very polite about his recent Irish trip. But he is mistaken
I’m glad the TV host had a good time here, but Irish people are no more polite or generous than his fellow citizens back home.
A Personal Experience in New York
About 4,000 years ago, I visited New York City on a J1 visa. Early on, I tried to secure a job in a field I was somewhat familiar with. I learned I had to first speak to the union representing the relevant workforce. The lady I met could hardly have been more helpful, as if I were a long-lost grandson.
“You came all this way without a job?” she breathed. “Let’s see what we can do.”
After half an hour of advice, alternative work suggestions, and countless useful phone numbers, she smiled warmly and said,
“Now, don’t let anyone tell you New Yorkers are rude.”
I hadn’t thought of them as rude before then. Up to that point, I found New Yorkers occasionally brusque but no less polite than residents of any large city. Few had time for long-winded chatter like in rural areas.
Reflection on Jimmy Kimmel's Visit to Ireland
This memory came to mind while watching Jimmy Kimmel talk about his trip to Ireland. Although he briefly mentioned leprechauns early on, he mostly praised Ireland’s decency, friendliness, and political maturity.
“He was here to praise our decency, friendliness and political maturity.”
However, I believe the notion that Irish people are especially polite or generous compared to others is mistaken.
Author's summary: While Jimmy Kimmel praised Irish hospitality, personal experience shows politeness and generosity are common everywhere, not uniquely Irish traits.