Finn Moreau 

This thesis explores the portrayals of Irish culture in British and American media. I am currently looking at the subject of the self and identity. I am interested in media representation of specific people and whole communities as well as the social and psychological effect it has on society’s perception of said people and communities. I have become increasingly aware of my Irish heritage as well as the ways in which the Irish have been portrayed by film and television production companies, specifically from Britain and the United States, two of the most prominent countries in the world leading the industry.

This thesis starts with Britain’s dehumanising depictions of the Irish in the 1800’s to John Hinde's romantic portrayals of Ireland's countryside and culture, leading up to contemporary portrayals of Ireland seen in North American media.

The research conducted is to shed light on the story of Britain’s intention to anglify Ireland, the actions Britain took to vilify the Irish, the image of Irish culture that has long permeated society’s consciousness as well as understanding the social and psychological implications of these actions for Irish people in the modern world.