题目内容
A. true B. make jokes C. compete D. negative E. associated with
F. necessarily G. ridiculously H. after all I. earned the reputation J. thirst for
On March 17 the color green will spread all around the world in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. The Irish traditionally wear something green on this day, as the color is 41 Ireland. Another St Patrick’s Day tradition is for the non-Irish to 42 about the Irish.
Usually these jokes will be about Irish stupidity, their famous 43 alcohol, or their reputation for telling tall tales.
These characteristics are all based on the most common Irish stereotypes (成见) that the Irish are hot-tempered drinkers who love to fight and will do anything to avoid a day’s work.
The real joke, however, is that these negative Irish stereotypes still exist. These stereotypes may have gone back to the 19th century when they started, but they’re far from 44 today -– with the exception, perhaps of the drinking.
Today, the Irish are admired for their storytelling ability, musical talent and strong education. It’s no accident that several of the greatest writers of the 20th century were Irish. Or that many of the most famous music acts of all time, such as singer Enya and rock band U2, were Irish born and bred.
So where did the 45 Irish stereotypes come from? They can be traced back to the 19th century, which was a very bad time to be Irish.
At that time, Ireland was poverty-stricken and starving. Many Irish moved to the US to escape famine, but there they had to 46 occasionally with their fists for jobs and housing with other immigrant groups. It was on the US’ streets that the Irish 47 for street fighting.
However, one bit of the Irish stereotype is still true, their love of drink. Drinking in Ireland is a predilection (偏好), but it’s not 48 something to criticize. It was the Irish 49 who created one of the world’s best-loved beers – Guinness.
EBJAD CIFH
