St. Patrick’s Day—A Good Opportunity to Discuss Writing With Cultural Sensitivity
Where would you guess the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the US take place?
New York? Yeah, no surprise that one tops the list, but have you ever heard of the second largest US celebration in Savannah, Georgia?
Two years ago, I learned about it firsthand. Between their packed parade, all-pedestrian roads, a green town fountain, and over 300,000 people—it was like nothing I had ever seen!
So, why Savannah?
It started in 1824, with Savannah’s first parade: a call for the community’s Irish to march in honor of St. Patrick and the city’s harmony of cultures, and a demonstration against Irish marginalization. In the 1840s, the Irish immigrant population doubled, and shops started stocking St. Patrick’s paraphernalia. By the late 60s, city officials got more organized, and the “handful of early Irish immigrants…marching to the city’s only Roman Catholic church” grew into a massive city-wide festival.
But no matter where I celebrate, I wonder: How do the Irish feel about the US celebration of St. Patrick’s Day? Do they appreciate the costumes, drunkenness, or other misrepresentations of their culture, or do they find them insensitive? Does cultural sensitivity still matter?
I believe it should, at least in content writing. Here’s why:
Combining culture and commerce is risky
St. Patrick’s Day is a good example of how the collision of tradition and commercialization can distort any cultural identity, not just for the Irish.
Take Cinco de Mayo—it commemorates an 1862 Mexican victory over France, but commercialization has led many in the US to assume they’re celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day (actually September 16th). Margaritas, sombreros, and other cartoonish imagery only helps in obscuring the day’s historical significance.
For decades, major league teams profited off of Native American names and caricatures, despite the offense Native Americans felt over the oversimplified representation of their culture. Offensive depictions of already marginalized communities can invite a much larger network of empathetic backlash. Teams rebranded after an avalanche of negative reaction from fans.
Produce a more predictable impact
Every piece of content carries the potential to generate positive sentiment or unintended backlash. You may not mean to offend, but good intentions aren’t always enough to mitigate the impact. Posted online, your writing travels everywhere, meaning more readers will have more time to react negatively and, ultimately, disengage with your writing.
With cultural sensitivity, on the other hand, writers have more control over that reaction. Using assumptions and stereotypes to make a point puts your credibility at risk. Consider your audience’s perspective of those assumptions and reflect that in an authentic way, and the response will be more predictably positive.
Respect strengthens your message
Cultural sensitivity is a sign of awareness and respect, and it results in better writing. Our message is stronger when it contributes to greater understanding rather than limiting it through narrow opinion or subjectivity.
To ensure your writing is culturally aware:
Research:
Learn about a topic’s origins and significance first. Understand the historical weight or potentially offensive interpretations. Consider seeking input from someone within that community for firsthand perspectives and aim for objectivity.Reflect:
Reread your cultural references and ensure they represent facts, not fabrications. Ask yourself:Am I presenting all sides to the story?
Would anyone from this background object to my words?
Am I oversimplifying a complex subject?
Will readers walk away better informed or biased?
Revisit:
It can be easy to let slip an outdated saying before taking a minute to recognize its cultural insensitivity. Put into writing, however, those words can last an eternity. Regularly returning to review content that covers cultures ensures it still reflects sensitivity.
This St. Patrick’s Day, or any day with a cultural history, we should aim to celebrate thoughtfully. I can wear a green shirt that says, “Kiss me, I’m Irish,” but I can also adjust my approach if feedback from the Irish tells me I’m being disrespectful.
In writing, personal opinions on cultural sensitivity don’t matter. How readers perceive your words will determine your success. For leaders curious about crafting culturally sensitive thought leadership, KNG Services can help! Contact us for more information.
