I would think that self loathing is learned behavior.
Best thing I like about the Irish is, they made use of the sally ports for bets. OK, the fort is surrounded, no way out, so two guys would make a bet, burst out the sally port and run around the walls in opposite directions. The loser didn't make it, or maybe they both lost, in case of death the settling of debt was put off to the next life
That and the fact that Irish women enjoyed rights in traditional society most places at that time could only dream of.
If ya go to Ireland today you'll find the friendliest and most hospitable people ('cept maybe for the Ulster Prods, those exceedingly tough people have an edge to 'em). In Ireland too all that touristy stuff ain't touristy at all, they take their traditions very seriously.
But first to see stuff like that ya gotta but down the bottle and actually go.
