The relationship between native and foreigner in Celtic Tiger Ireland – an analysis of John Carney's film Once through Martin Buber's dialogical philosophy

Abstract

Once (2007) is an Irish musical written and directed by John Carney. It is a story that exposes relations between foreigners and locals in Celtic Tiger Ireland – a period in which the country goes through economic and social changes. The film is led by a Czech immigrant and an Irish busker. They become friends and decide to cooperate in recording songs. The interest of the present work regards the relation between the Irish and the foreign subjects represented in the film, considering the protectionist aspects of Irishness and the social and ideological changes promoted by the Celtic Tiger. We researched theories related to nation, identity and Irishness to understand the function of national identity in Irish lands before and during the Celtic Tiger. The relationship between the two individuals will be interpreted through the work Eu e Tu by the philosopher Martin Buber (2006). The author states that relations can be mediated by preconceived ideas, or can be immediate and free of cultural obstacles. Thus, we discuss theoretical questions to understand the character of the link between the native subject and the foreigner in Celtic Tiger Ireland. Perceptions of an Irishman who harasses foreigners are observed. However, considering the uniqueness of the human relationship, it is possible to have a contact that is not completely mediated by cultural and identity issues. Once exposes the possibility of breaking with strong ideologies of cultural exaltation inside the multicultural context of globalization.