Bonfire season is in full swing, and the annual rise in tensions is as predictable as the instability at Stormont.
Northern Ireland’s dangerous power-sharing state – which has never moved beyond sectarian lines – has taken much of the blame for fueling a toxic atmosphere at this time of year.
A huge pyre in Larne has once again attracted attention and is described as a “technical feat”. It may be an impressive structure, but if a youth fell from the top or collapsed, causing injury or damage, the craftsmanship would be little consolation to those involved.
Bonfires are unregulated, built without health and safety checks. But there is a desire to push the boundaries by building such structures higher every year, which entails inevitable risks.
But as evidenced by the Londonderry Bands Forum’s cross-community engagement with young people in my hometown, there is a deep-seated pride and resistance among bonfire builders.
When asked about the possibility of a young person being injured in a bonfire, those in the Top of the Hill area of the Catholic, Nationalist and Republican (CNR) summit of the Hill said they didn’t think it would end. mean for bonfires.
One person said, “If someone died at the bonfire, the bonfire builders would just make it bigger and dedicate the bonfire to the person who died.”
I hope that’s not a reflection of all bonfire builders; because whatever your political affiliation, I’d like people to believe that bonfires aren’t a reason to die for.
I was interested in bonfires growing up and understood the tension for young people.
As time went on, I came to believe that bonfires should be abolished altogether because of the environmental impact and hateful displays.
However, like many controversial issues in Northern Ireland, community workers and people on the ground are more daring than politicians when it comes to easing tensions.
That seems to be the case in Larne where some progress has been made.
Talking to those in the Derry City & Strabane bonfire group and community workers made me realize that a ban would be counterproductive. Making them safe is more important for now.
A number of CNR areas in Derry City have moved from bonfires to community celebrations. but bonfire traditions appear to have been maintained in Protestant, Unionist, and Loyalist (PUL) communities.
Some of the disillusioned youth in both union and nationalist neighborhoods continue to be drawn to bonfires.
Feedback from young people suggests that social media is a means for people from different backgrounds to mock each other. In a sole proprietorship spirit, this escalates to stealing flags and decals from the other community to burn.
These disenfranchised youngsters rarely have the opportunity to meet someone from a different background. It’s a bond between friends and a sense of self in their immediate environment that evokes a sense of pride during campfire season.
In many cases, they have given little thought to the historical significance of decals. That doesn’t excuse offensive behavior, but it does somewhat explain their mindset.
At this time of year there is talk of “respect for culture”.
Culture is not burning tires and producing harmful toxins that harm health. Culture is not putting the names of murdered police or politicians on a bonfire.
Culture is not harassing your neighbors by flying Parachute Regiment banners in a town where that regiment has murdered innocent people. Culture is not attacking a councilor’s house and intimidating his family over a pyre.
That said, it’s no coincidence that bonfires are ostensibly built in worker and/or interface areas. These communities suffer the most from deprivation. Without wanting to beat up an overused term, they have not received the promised peace dividend.
Peace in Northern Ireland benefits many people, but the wealth has yet to trickle down to areas of acute need. When the so-called leaders of Northern Ireland finally move beyond sectarian politics, perhaps the young will follow.