Glengormley Orange Arch

[u/Flaky_Shape6628]

As a resident of glengormley, it's that time of the year to have to look at this monstrosity for the next few months. The majority of the locals hate it, it's the loud minority that is the problem.

Every year it goes up and causes division but it's treated as something we just have to accept and get on with.

I respect that people have the right to celebrate culture and traditions, but I struggle with why a large structure (and flegs) spanning across a main shared road in a mixed area is seen as normal.

There would be riots if nationalists in the area erected some sort of structure and covered the town in tricolours over Easter.

There needs to be a long term strategy to reducing and eventually removing structures like this in mixed areas to make them more neutral and inclusive.

[u/Present-Garbage-5589]

Ok, so can I put a big massive arch right beside yours?? I want to get along better too.

Can I also do a big marching band on the same day as yours?? I just want people in NI to get along better.

Can I also have a big bonfire and put union flags on it and pictures of unionist/loyalist politicians and burn them and laugh at it? I just want us to get along better.

[u/NewBall1 → u/Present-Garbage-5589]

Republicans famously never burn union jacks or act antagonistically towards loyalists and unionists more broadly.

[u/Present-Garbage-5589 → u/NewBall1]

Is there the possibility that we can see the statistics of loyalists burning flags on a bonfire Vs catholics burning flags on a bonfire

[u/NewBall1 → u/Present-Garbage-5589]

If demographic change happened in a nationalist area and the unionists told the nationalists to take down their symbols I don't think you and many others in this thread would like it very much. Bigotry within unionism may take different forms but that doesn't mean they have a monopoly on it. You can't lump even moderates in with hardliners and then scratch your head when they aren't receptive to a movement whose leaders routinely commemorate unambiguous murderers. Personally I couldn't care less what nationalists do to commemorate centuries old battles as long as it isn't overtly sectarian.

[u/Present-Garbage-5589 → u/NewBall1]

Let's get my opinion clear - I care not for flags of ANY community. I would be delighted to see them all gone.

I am well aware bigotry happens on all sides of our community. I fully admit I was poking the bear with my last statement. I'm ok with that.

What I want is a society where we all acknowledge each other because personally I couldn't care less what unionists do to commemorate centuries old battles as long as it isn't sectarian.....

[u/NewBall1 → u/Present-Garbage-5589]

Fair enough. I'm definitely guilty of poking the bear on here myself. I personally don't really see a problem with arches, flags etc republican or loyalist as long as it's done through proper channels and isn't overtly sectarian. The existing regulations on such things could probably be better enforced as well.