U2, Globalization, and the Identity Trade

Home

• Introduction
• Modern Irish Nationalism
• Problems with Irish Identity
  • Diaspora
  • Religion and Secularization
  • Hybridity, Diaspora and Globalization
  • Summary
• Folk/Traditional Music
• U2
• Origin
• Pop/Rock Authenticity
• U2's Style and Authenticity
• "Early Period"
• Pop Periphery and the Global Bubble
• U2's Identity Trade
  • "Global Period"
  • In Their Own Words...
  • Americanization and Commercialization
• U2 vs The Pogues
  • The Pogues' Style and Authenticity
  • Hybridity and Diaspora
  • International vs National
• Summary and Conclusion
• Bibliography

Despite the fact that scholars have not settled on a largely accepted idea of Irish nationalism, the above analysis should have revealed the intertwinning themes of globalization, capitalism, and hybrid identity.  In a situation where religion, physical borders, location, and currency cannot be used to promote Irish nationalism, the general goals and values involved with capitalism and globalization can serve as tools that temporarily bring unity to the worldwide Irish community.  One might make the comparison between Irish nationalism and American nationalism, of which the latter has long been “based on universalistic ideals and institutions” and “free marketplace” (Pei 2003, 35).  In other words, Irish nationalism, though it cannot be defined simply as global capitalism, cannot be defined without respect to globalization and the nation’s hybrid existence.