Irish Twins

Recently another Yahoo! Contributor, Lois Lunford wrote an interesting personal article, titled , What makes twin rivalry unique? In her article Lois describes her experience growing up with a twin sister. I commented on her article saying how much I enjoyed it, and added that I have Irish Twins.

Lois messaged me back, thanked me for my comment, and asked what I meant by Irish Twins. She had never heard the term.

I wrote back and explained that the term Irish Twins refers to siblings born either in the same year, or less than one year apart. For a few months of the year these kids are the same age but not twins. She suggested I write an article about having Irish Twins and I figured, "good idea."

Before writing my personal story, I decided to do some research on Irish Twins and was I ever surprised. All this time I have used and heard the term Irish Twins and never did I imagine it was derogatory, racist, and an ethnic slur.

Since I am half Irish, lived in Irish-Catholic Boston, and my baby boys were born 10 months apart, everyone always called them Irish Twins and so did I. I always thought the term was kind of special. Never did I think it was insulting.

I had lots of fun with my two little boys. I dressed them alike, took them everywhere, and enjoyed showing off my Irish Twin munchkins.

When they were born nearly 40 years ago, political correctness was seldom an issue. Today, many words commonly used then to describe certain ethnic groups, are now regarded as derogatory, offensive or at least not used in "polite society."

The term Irish Twins goes back to the 1800s when a massive influx of Irish immigrants entered the United States. As often happens when a large group of foreigners moves in, the Irish were resented and many negative connotations about the Irish developed.

The Irish were regarded as a drain on society. They were accused of being uncultured, alcoholic, unreliable and uneducated. Just the word Irish took on negative overtones and Irish Twins was an example..

The term pokes fun at the supposed fertility of the Irish Catholic families, who traditionally do not use birth control. In fact children close in age were also called Vatican Twins.

Irish Twins implies that the Irish lack the ability to plan ahead or control themselves and space their children responsibly. Also it implies that the Irish do not even understand the definition of twins; two children conceived and born at the same time.

As for me, I certainly learned something new writing this article. Something I was never even aware of. It makes you think of how things have changed and to be careful what you say.

My 'twins' are now adult men. They have their own families but are incredibly close. They both have similar successful careers in the medical field. They are still regarded as a 'pair' professionally and by their friends.

They have a brother 6 years younger. He is very different from them but they all are normal brothers. I always felt I had 2 boys and a boy. While they were young, the 'twins' always referred to their young brother as the 'baby'. He in turn, referred to them as 'the brothers.'

Sources:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090729192705AAVejmj

Personal experience